Long-term dupilumab use not linked to increased infection risk in atopic dermatitis

The continuous long-term use of dupilumab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is not associated with an increased risk of overall systemic or cutaneous infections, according to a study.

In this open-label extension study, 2677 patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab 300 mg weekly (qw) or every 2 weeks (q2w; approved regimen) for up to 4 years, were included. Overall, 226 patients switched from qw to q2w during the trial and 352 patients remained on treatment till week 204.

Rates of overall infections, serious and/or severe infections, and infections leading to discontinuation were similar to a previous 3-year analysis of this study. Compared with adults with AD treated with placebo and topical corticosteroids (TCS) for 1 year, infection rates were low.

There was a decrease year-over-year in the cumulative number of patients with treatment-emergent serious or severe infections, non-herpetic or herpetic infections, and total skin infections.

Reference
Blauvelt A, Wollenberg A, Eichenfield LF, et al. No Increased Risk of Overall Infection in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Treated for up to 4 Years with Dupilumab. Adv Ther. 2022;doi: 10.1007/s12325-022-02322-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36318387.