Nemolizumab in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: An exploratory analysis of work productivity and activity impairment in a randomized phase II study

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis negatively impacts work productivity. This study investigated the impact of nemolizumab on work productivity and activity impairment in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled by topical treatments in a two‐part, phase II, randomized control trial. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis questionnaire was an exploratory end‐point. Part A was a 12‐week, placebo‐controlled study in which patients received s.c. nemolizumab 0.1, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg every 4 weeks or 2.0 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Part B was a 52‐week extension in which all patients received active treatment. A total of 138 patients had Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis data; 104 were employed at baseline. At week 12, patients receiving nemolizumab every 4 weeks showed greater mean (standard error) Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis improvement (score reduction) from baseline versus placebo: Percent Work Time Missed (0.1, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg vs placebo): –4.0% (3.9%), –1.7% (4.2%) and –1.6% (4.2%) versus 4.9% (4.5%); Percent Impairment While Working, –15.8% (6.0%), –24.1% (6.5%) and –34.3% (6.4%) versus –16.5% (7.1%); Percent Overall Work Impairment, –16.3% (6.0%), –23.1% (6.5%) and –34.5% (6.3%) versus –16.6% (7.1%); and Percent Activity Impairment, –13.4% (5.3%), –23.5% (5.3%) and –41.9% (5.5%) versus –10.9% (5.7%). Improvements were sustained through week 64. Nemolizumab‐treated patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis reported improvements in Work Productivity and Activity Impairment through week 64.

The Economic and Psychosocial Comorbidity Burden Among Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Europe: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey

“…These findings reaffirm the impact that AD, particularly moderate-to-severe AD, can have on the healthcare system and overall society. Proper management of AD has been shown to alleviate the work loss burden imposed by the disease, as shown by the results of clinical trials [25]. This study also examined the prevalence of psychosocial comorbidities.…”

Biological Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

“…Mihara et al [71] reported a similar phase 2 study and further conducted a 52-week extension period of nemolizumab treatment. They showed an improvement in both work productivity and pruritus-associated sleep disturbance for nemolizumab-treated patients, and the efficacy was sustained through to week 64, which suggested a relatively long-term efficacy and safety of this novel biologic.…”

Interleukin-31 and Pruritic Skin

“…The efficacy of anti-IL-31 treatment against pruritus was first proven in atopic dermatitis (Table 2). Nemolizumab (anti-IL-31RA), [80] Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (Exploratory analysis) Significant improvement of work productivity and activity impairment through week 64.…”

“…Concomitant use of nemolizumab further enhanced the anti-pruritic effects of topical steroid [ 78 , 79 ]. Nemolizumab also improved dermatitis severity, sleep disturbance, quality of life and impairment of work productivity/activity [ 78 , 79 , 80 ]. In addition, the safety profile of nemolizumab is acceptable, without any notable severe adverse events [ 78 , 79 ].…”