Atopic dermatitis and eczema are common chronic skin conditions that cause inflammation, itching, and redness. People suffering from these conditions are on a constant lookout for effective treatment options.

In recent years, Monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms. This article explores what Monoclonal antibodies are, how they work, their benefits, and potential risks as a treatment option for atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-made antibodies developed to target specific cells or proteins in the body’s immune system.

These antibodies are created by cloning a single type of immune cell, known as B-cells, to produce identical antibodies that bind to the same target molecule. mAbs therapeutic use was first approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the mid-1980s. Since then, several mAbs have been developed to treat a range of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and infections.

How do monoclonal antibodies work?

Antibodies are a vital part of the immune system that recognizes and fights against harmful invaders in the body, such as viruses and bacteria. When they attach themselves to foreign cells, they signal the immune system to destroy these cells.

mAbs, such as Dupixent and Rinvoq, work in a similar way. These antibodies are designed to target specific cells and proteins that play a role in allergic reactions and inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Once injected into the body, they bind to these targeted molecules and block their ability to cause inflammation, redness, and itching.

Benefits of monoclonal antibody therapy for atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms

Monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising treatment option for atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms. It holds several benefits over traditional treatment options, including:.

Efficient and target-specific – they specifically target proteins and cells affected by eczema and atopic dermatitis only, without causing harm to healthy cells or tissues
Ability to treat moderate to severe cases of the skin condition
Improved quality of life – mAbs can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation
Reduced need for topical steroids and immunosuppressants – mAbs therapy reduces the need for harsher traditional treatment options
Long-lasting – The effects of mAbs last for a few weeks or months after a single treatment.

Monoclonal antibodies approved for Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema symptoms

Currently, there are two monoclonal antibodies approved to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: Dupixent (Dupilumab), and Rinvoq (Upadacitinib). Both Dupixent and Rinvoq have been approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults only.

There are no monoclonal antibody treatments currently approved for children.

Dupixent for treatment of atopic dermatitis

Dupixent (Dupilumab) was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults.

Dupixent works by blocking two key proteins involved in the immune system’s allergic response, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin- 13 (IL-13). Dupixent is a subcutaneous injection given every two weeks under the skin in the belly or thigh.

In clinical trials involving over two thousand patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Dupixent was found to significantly reduce itchiness and reddening associated with the condition as compared to those taking a placebo. Common side effects from Dupixent treatment include eye and ear infections, allergic reactions, and cold sores or fever blisters.

Rinvoq for treatment of atopic dermatitis

Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults in May 2021.

Rinvoq is taken orally and works by inhibiting an enzyme known as Janus kinase (JAK) that plays an important role in the immune response and inflammation in the body. The recommended dosage is one 15mg tablet once a day. In clinical trials involving over one thousand patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Rinvoq was found to be superior to traditional treatment options, including topical corticosteroids.

Rinvoq was instrumental in significantly reducing the severity of symptoms, including itching and redness, compared to the placebo. Common side effects of Rinvoq include upper respiratory tract infections, increased blood cholesterol, and increased liver enzymes.

Limitations of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Although monoclonal antibodies have emerged as an effective therapy option for atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms, they are not without limitations. These include:.

Costs – monoclonal antibody therapy is expensive compared to traditional treatment options and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.
Fastidious administration – Depending on the antibody, it may be given by injection or orally, and it needs to be administered precisely according to the recommended procedure.
Delayed treatment response – Though monoclonal antibodies are more effective than traditional treatments, it may take several weeks before their maximum effects can be achieved.
Increased risk of infection – The immune system’s targeted suppression can leave one vulnerable to infections. Thus careful monitoring is necessary.

Conclusion

Monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms. Dupixent and Rinvoq are two monoclonal antibodies approved to treat atopic dermatitis in adults.

Meanwhile, the therapy offers several benefits over traditional treatments, including target specificity, improved quality of life, and long-lasting effects. While monoclonal antibody therapy has limitations, the advantages outweigh the risks. Patients should consult their doctors to determine whether monoclonal antibody therapy is an appropriate option.