Dupilumab therapy provides clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs): A phase IIb, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD)

Background Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with substantial patient burden despite current therapies. Objective We sought to evaluate dupilumab treatment on patient-reported outcomes in adults with moderate to severe AD. Methods Adults (N = 380) with moderate to severe AD inadequately controlled by topical medications were randomized to 16 weeks of double-blind, subcutaneous treatment with dupilumab 100 mg every 4 weeks, 200 mg every 2 weeks, 300 mg every 2 weeks, 300 mg once weekly, or placebo. Patient-reported outcomes included pruritus numeric rating scale; patient-reported sleep item on Scoring AD scale; Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Dermatology Life Quality Index; and 5-dimension 3-level EuroQol. Results Dupilumab reduced peak itch at 16 weeks relative to placebo by 1.1 to 3.2 points on numeric rating scale (P <.0001 all doses, except 100 mg every 4 weeks P <.05); improved sleep and health-related quality of life on Dermatology Life Quality Index and 5-dimension 3-level EuroQol (P <.05 all doses, except 100 mg every 4 weeks); and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms (P <.05 all doses). Dupilumab's effects appeared early and achieved clinically relevant improvements without significant safety concerns. Limitations There are potential cultural differences affecting patient-reported outcome responses. Outcomes were secondary or exploratory end points. Conclusion Dupilumab produced early and sustained patient-reported and clinically relevant improvements in sleep, mental health, and health-related quality of life; the two 300-mg dose regimens resulted in greatest benefits.