The costs of asthma biologic medications can be quite expensive. Currently on the market there are 5 available. Xolair (omalizumab) Nucala (mepolizumab) Cinqair (reslizumab) Fasenra (benralizumab) Dupixent (Dupilumab) We have discussed each of them extensively in previous post. Xolair (Omalizumab) for Chronic Urticaria (this post discusses Xolair’s approval for chronic urticaria (hives) it was approved for […]
Fezakinumab an IL-22 antagonist for Eczema
IL-22 upregulation characterizes atopic dermatitis lesions. However, blocking IL-22 has not been defined in human subjects. A recent study sought to evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of fezakinumab (anti-IL-22) versus placebo taken from biopsy specimens. Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease with increasing prevalence. IL-4 and IL-13 are the 2 […]
Tralokinumab for Atopic Dermatitis
Tralokinumab is a fully human monclonal antibody that potently and specifically neutralizes IL-13. IL-13 has an important role in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It can affect sleep, psychosocial activities and health related quality of life. The symptoms of many patients are not controlled with current treatment regimens. […]
Nucala vs. Fasenra vs. Cinqair; A Comparison Study
Three anti-IL-5 pathway directed therapies are approved for use in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, however no head to head comparison data are available. Nucala (mepolizumab) and Cinqair (reslizumab) target IL-5 and Fasenra (benralizumab) binds to the IL-5 receptor. All 3 therapies have demonstrated statistically significant reductions in exacerbation rates. Additionally, Nucala and Fasenra reduced […]
New Eczema Medications in the Pipeline
In the past year or so, new eczema medications have been released that have been highly beneficial for patients. We have seen Eucrisa (crisaborole) New Eczema Medication gets FDA Approval, this is a topical medication which is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4-depndent cyclic adenosine monophosphate degradation. It was approved in 2016 for mild to moderate atopic […]
Tralokinumab for Asthma
Tralokinumab is an IL-13 neutralizing monoclonal antibody being investigated for severe asthma. The success of neutralization of IL-5 for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma has increased investigation into the therapeutic potential of other type 2 cytokines, including IL-13. 3 recent trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of tralokinumab, an IL-13 neutralizing mAb, […]
Solar Urticaria (Sun Hives)
Solar urticaria, is a type of skin response after exposure to the sun. There is an abrupt onset of redness, swelling and itching in light exposed areas. The light waves that trigger solar urticaria are usually within the range of 400 to 700 nm (visible light) and 320 to 400 nm (UV A). Patients often […]
Xolair for Food Allergies granted Breakthrough Therapy
Xolair for food allergies may become a treatment in the future as the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Xolair. Xolair (omalizumab) would be used for the prevention of severe allergic reactions following accidental exposure to 1 or more foods in patients with allergies. From the FDA; Breakthrough Therapy designation is a process designed to […]
Dupilumab for Asthma, a New Indication
Dupilumab for asthma has been accepted for FDA review as an add-on maintenance treatment in adults and adolescents (12 and up) with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Dupilumab (brand name is Dupixent) is currently approved for patients with moderate to severe eczema, it was approved March 2017. Dupilumab (Dupixent) for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Sufferers Dupilumab […]
Dupilumab for Nasal Polyps
Since the release of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis, studies are currently underway to investigate dupilumab for nasal polyps, asthma and a host of other conditions. Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin 4 and 13. A study published in JAMA titled “Effect of subcutaneous dupilumab on nasal polyp burden in patients with chronic sinusitis […]