Lebrikizumab for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

Lebrikizumab is being developed for patients (aged 12 years to adult) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults and is characterised by redness, itchiness, and scaling of the skin. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body. Patients with moderate to severe AD could experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life. Currently, the management of AD involves the removal or treatment of trigger factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
Lebrikizumab is a novel drug designed to bind to a protein called IL-13 and inhibit its biological effects. IL-13 is believed to drive multiple aspects of the pathophysiology underlying the range of signs and symptoms of AD by promoting type 2 inflammation and mediating its effects on tissue, resulting in skin barrier dysfunction, itch, skin thickening and infection. If licensed, lebrikizumab will offer an additional treatment option for patients with moderate to severe AD.