Background

Adults aged ≥ 60 years are often underrepresented in atopic dermatitis (AD) clinical trials; age-related comorbidities may impact treatment efficacy and safety.

Objective

The aim was to report dupilumab efficacy and safety in patients aged ≥ 60 years with moderate-to-severe AD.

Methods

Data were pooled from four randomized, placebo-controlled dupilumab trials of patients with moderate-to-severe AD (LIBERTY AD SOLO 1 and 2, LIBERTY AD CAFÉ, and LIBERTY AD CHRONOS) and stratified by age (< 60 [N = 2261] and ≥ 60 [N = 183] years). Patients received dupilumab 300 mg every week (qw) or every 2 weeks (q2w), or placebo with/without topical corticosteroids. Post hoc efficacy at week 16 was examined using broad categorical and continuous assessments of skin lesions, symptoms, biomarkers, and quality of life. Safety was also assessed.

Results

In the ≥ 60-year-old group at week 16, a greater proportion of dupilumab-treated patients achieved an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0/1 (q2w: 44.4%; qw: 39.7%) and 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (63.0%; 61.6%) versus placebo (7.1% and 14.3%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Type 2 inflammation biomarkers (immunoglobulin E and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine) were also significantly reduced in dupilumab- versus placebo-treated patients (P < 0.01). Results were similar in the < 60-year-old group. The exposure-adjusted incidences of adverse events in dupilumab-treated patients were generally similar to those receiving placebo, with numerically fewer treatment-emergent adverse events in the dupilumab-treated ≥ 60-year-old group versus placebo.

Limitations

There were fewer patients in the ≥ 60-year-old group; post hoc analyses.

Conclusion

Dupilumab improved AD signs and symptoms in patients aged ≥ 60 years; results were comparable to those in patients aged < 60 years. Safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02277743, NCT02277769, NCT02755649, NCT02260986. Does dupilumab benefit adults aged 60 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis?(MP4 20,787 KB).