Investigational nemolizumab led to rapid and sustained improvements in itch, sleep, and skin lesions in adult patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe AD in phase 2 studies published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV) and reported by Galderma, which is developing the treatment.

The published analysis evaluated the efficacy of nemolizumab versus placebo in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Patients treated with nemolizumab experienced significant itch relief within 48 hours of treatment, and improvement was sustained over the trial, achieving even greater treatment benefit at week 16. Additionally, patients receiving nemolizumab had rapid improvement of sleep disturbance from day three of treatment with further improvement by week 16 of treatment.

Half of patients treated with nemolizumab achieved EASI 75 at week 16, versus 15.9% for placebo, and 36% of treated patients achieved EASI 90.

"Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and debilitating disease. We particularly need more treatment options for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Results from these analyses build on our previous knowledge of nemolizumab’s efficacy in atopic dermatitis and show the potential benefits that it offers for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis,” says Jonathan Silverberg, MD, lead author, director of clinical research, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.