What does Dupixent (dupilumab) treat?

From the Guidelines

Dupixent (dupilumab) is used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema), moderate-to-severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and eosinophilic esophagitis, with significant improvements in quality of life, rhinosinusitis disease severity, nasal congestion, smell, and lung function, as demonstrated in recent studies 1.

Conditions Treated by Dupixent

• Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Moderate-to-severe asthma
• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
• Eosinophilic esophagitis

Mechanism of Action

Dupixent works by blocking interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, proteins that contribute to inflammation in these conditions, thereby reducing symptoms and improving quality of life 1.

Administration and Dosage

For atopic dermatitis, Dupixent is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection every two weeks after an initial loading dose. For asthma, the dosing varies based on weight and specific condition factors 1.

Efficacy and Safety

Studies have shown that Dupixent results in significant improved outcomes compared to placebo, including improvements in SNOT-22, rhinosinusitis disease severity (VAS), nasal congestion, smell (UPSIT), nasal polyp score (NPS), and lung function (FEV1) 1. Common side effects include injection site reactions, conjunctivitis (particularly in eczema patients), and rarely, hypersensitivity reactions 1.

Storage and Administration

The medication requires refrigeration until use and comes in pre-filled syringes or auto-injectors for self-administration 1.

Key Findings

• Significant improvements in quality of life and disease severity in patients with CRSwNP 1
• Improved lung function and reduced nasal polyp size in patients with asthma and CRSwNP 1
• Reduced itching and skin lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis 1

From the FDA Drug Label

DUPIXENT is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. DUPIXENT is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid dependent asthma DUPIXENT is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). DUPIXENT is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older, weighing at least 15 kg, with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). DUPIXENT is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with prurigo nodularis (PN). DUPIXENT is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype.

Dupixent (dupilumab) treats:

• Atopic Dermatitis (AD): moderate-to-severe AD in patients 6 months and older
• Asthma: moderate-to-severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype or oral corticosteroid dependent asthma in patients 6 years and older
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP): inadequately controlled CRSwNP in patients 12 years and older
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): EoE in patients 1 year and older, weighing at least 15 kg
• Prurigo Nodularis (PN): PN in adult patients
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): inadequately controlled COPD with an eosinophilic phenotype in adult patients 2

From the Research

Dupixent (Dupilumab) Treatments

• Dupixent (dupilumab) is used to treat various type 2 inflammatory diseases, including:
  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Asthma 3, 4, 5, 7
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) 3, 4, 5, 7, 6
• The medication works by targeting the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor α subunit, which is shared by the type I IL-4 and the type II IL-4/IL-13 receptor complexes, thereby inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 signals 3, 5

Treatment Benefits

• Dupilumab has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with these conditions, including:
  • Reduced nasal polyp size and sinus opacification in CRSwNP patients 3
  • Improved lung function and asthma control in asthma patients 3, 4, 7
  • Improved skin disease activity and quality of life in AD patients 4, 6
• The medication has also been shown to reduce the need for systemic corticosteroids and nasal polyp surgery in CRSwNP patients 3

Patient Populations

• Dupilumab has been studied in various patient populations, including:
  • Adults with inadequately controlled CRSwNP 3
  • Patients with moderate to severe AD 4, 5, 6
  • Patients with asthma, including those with comorbid CRSwNP 3, 4, 7
• The medication has been shown to be effective in patients with and without comorbid conditions, such as asthma or NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease 3