Nemolizumab and topical steroid combination effective against prurigo nodularis: Study

A recent study from Japan unveiled promising outcomes in the stride to effectively manage Prurigo Nodularis (PN) which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The findings of this study were published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Prurigo Nodularis is characterized by intensely itchy nodules on the skin and has long posed challenges for patients and clinicians due to limited treatment options. Hiroo Yokozeki and team undertook this study to explore the potential of nemolizumab in reducing the burden of PN. 

This 16-week, double-blind, phase II/III trial focused on evaluating the efficacy and safety of nemolizumab which a potential treatment for PN. The study enrolled patients over the age of 13 years by assigning them randomly to receive either nemolizumab at doses of 30 mg or 60 mg or a placebo. Also, all the participants continued concomitant topical corticosteroid treatment every four weeks throughout the trial.

The primary endpoint of the study was the percentage change in the weekly mean Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) score by quantifying the severity of itching. The results at week 16 showed remarkable improvements in the patients who were receiving nemolizumab, with reductions of 61.1% and 56.0% in the 30 mg and 60 mg groups, respectively when compared to only 18.6% in the placebo group.

The secondary endpoints revealed additional benefits of the nemolizumab treatment. The patients underwent marked enhancements in the number and severity of prurigo nodules, as well as improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life by underlining the holistic impact of this therapy. Importantly, both the doses of nemolizumab demonstrated favorable tolerability profiles which reassures the safety of long-term treatment.

These findings mark a significant breakthrough in the management of Prurigo Nodularis by offering hope to the individuals with its relentless symptoms. Nemolizumab represents a potential impact in the treatment landscape for PN by addressing the itching, the underlying severity of the condition and its impact on daily life. Continued research and regulatory approvals on the basis of this study could pave the way for further advancements in dermatological care. 

Reference:

Yokozeki, H., Murota, H., Matsumura, T., Komazaki, H., Watanabe, D., Sakai, H., Igawa, S., Kamiya, H., Katsunuma, T., Kume, A., Igawa, K., Katagiri, K., Muto, J., Yagami, A., Sugiura, K., Imafuku, S., Seishima, M., Mizutani, Y., … Kato, A. (2024). Efficacy and safety of nemolizumab and topical corticosteroids for prurigo nodularis: Results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II/III clinical study in patients aged ≥13 years. In British Journal of Dermatology. Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljae131