The FDA Has Approved a New Treatment for Moderate-to-Severe Eczema

The U.S Food and Drug Administration has just approved Dupixent, a new treatment option for people with moderate-to-severe eczema.

Dupixent works as an injection under the skin, and was developed for patients whose condition can not be controlled by topical treatments. However, it also gives patients who would typically use a topical treatment a break from applying creams to the skin multiple times per day.

Eczema is a condition when patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. Most people outgrow the condition as children, but some continue to endure symptoms into adulthood. The causes of eczema are unknown, however it is believed to develop due to both genetic factors such as having parents with atopic diseases and environmental factors such as irritants, allergens, microbes, extreme temperatures, food, stress and hormones.

Dupixent was approved by the FDA after going through 3 clinical trials that included roughly 2,100 adults with moderate-to-severe eczema, whose symptoms could not be controlled by topical treatments. After 16 weeks, those who received Dupixent had clearer skin and less itching than those who received the placebo.

The most common side effects of the drug included injection site reactions, cold sores in the mouth and lips, and eye/eyelid inflammation. The FDA recommended those experiencing eye symptoms to see a doctor.