Exploring Biologic Treatments for Eczema: An Authority Offers Insight
Rewritten Article:
People with eczema that isn't responding well to other treatments like oral medications and self-care strategies might be suggested biologics.
When's it time to consider biologics?
In the last decade, the treatment options for eczema sufferers have expanded significantly. New oral drugs and biologic therapies have changed the game in managing this persistent condition that often proves refractory.
Whether biologics are the right move for you depends on the severity of your eczema and your personal preferences. These sophisticated treatments are usually recommended when eczema symptoms are moderate to severe or if it's negatively impacting your quality of life. It's especially worth considering if traditional treatments like topical creams and ointments aren't effective or if you constantly require them without noticeable improvements.
Besides, certain areas of the body can be tough to treat with creams and lotions. If your eczema is affecting sensitive spots like the scalp, face, or genital area, biologic treatments might be a viable alternative to explore.
Ultimately, the decision to go for biologic therapy should be made together with your doctor, taking into account factors specific to your situation and treatment goals.
What's the most effective biologic for eczema?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four biologics for treating eczema:
- Dupilumab (Dupixent) was the first of its kind, targeting interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13. It's approved for children as young as 6 months old.
- Tralokinumab (Adbry) zeros in on IL-13 and is authorized for moderate to severe eczema in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
- Lebrikizumab (Ebglyss) also targets IL-13 and has FDA approval for those in the same age group (12 and up).
- Nemolizumab (Nemluvio) zeroes in on IL-31, which seems to play a crucial role in causing itchiness. It's also approved for those 12 years and older with moderate to severe eczema.
Dupilumab, tralokinumab, and lebrikizumab are proven effective and have a similar safety profile. Comparing individual clinical trials can be tricky, but some studies suggest similar efficacy levels between these therapies. Nemolizumab was approved in December 2024, so we're yet to see how it stacks up.
What's the latest eczema treatment?
Biologics are still considered new when it comes to treating eczema, with lebrikizumab and nemolizumab being the newest options.
Another category of medications, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which block inflammation-promoting signaling pathways, have also shown promise in treating eczema.
How bad does eczema need to be for Ebglyss or another biologic?
Biologic medications are typically designed for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Whether to use these treatments depends on factors like the extent of your eczema, the severity of your symptoms (such as itching, skin thickening, or sleep disturbances), and the impact it has on your daily life.
Moreover, if your eczema hasn't responded well to topical treatments or other therapies, biologics might be an option to consider.
- For individuals with eczema that has proven refractory to oral medications, self-care strategies, and topical treatments, biologics might be suggested.
- If eczema is affecting sensitive spots like the scalp, face, or genital area, biologic treatments could be a viable alternative to explore when traditional treatments are ineffective.
- In 2024, Nemolizumab, a biologic that targets IL-31, was approved by the FDA for treating moderate to severe eczema in individuals 12 years old and up.
- Decisions about using biologic therapy, such as Ebglyss, should be made in consultation with a doctor, considering factors specific to the individual's situation and treatment goals.
