Dupilumab

Dupilumab, sold under the trade name Dupixent, is a monoclonal antibody used for allergic diseases such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and nasal polyps which result in chronic sinusitis. Dupilumab, sold under the trade name Dupixent, is a monoclonal antibody used for allergic diseases such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and nasal polyps which result in chronic sinusitis. Side effects include allergic reactions, cold sores, and inflammation of the cornea. It was developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme. It received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in 2017. As of 2017 it costs about US$37,000 per year. Dupilumab appears to be useful for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis for which it is approved in the United States. It is also being evaluated for treatment of persistent asthma in adults and adolescents. Dupilumab causes several side effects including allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, and keratitis. There is one reported case of dupilumab triggering hair growth in a patient with complete hair loss. This is being investigated as an unintended, but positive side effect. Dupilumab binds to the alpha subunit of the interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4Rα), making it a receptor antagonist. Through blockade of IL-4Rα, dupilumab modulates signaling of both the interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 pathways. In clinical trials, patients saw decreased levels of Th2 bio-markers. Dupilumab shows a non-linear rate in regard to the target. Dupilumab is also reported to have a bioavailability of 64%, with the average concentration occurring one week after injection. Development of dupilumab was a joint effort by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi, the latter of which provided 130 million dollars to Regeneron for research and development towards monoclonal antibodies. The United States Food and Drug Administration granted it priority review status. On March 28, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved dupilumab injection to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema.