What are biologics?
Biologics or biologic drugs use human DNA to treat some immune system diseases. Biologic drugs are genetically engineered medications containing proteins that are derived from living tissues or cells which have been cultured in a laboratory.
Biologics can be taken through the skin (subcutaneously) or through the vein (intravenously).
How do biologics work?
An interleukin (IL) is a protein produced by the human body. Normally, IL helps the immune system fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. However, in a person who has an inflammatory disease such as atopic dermatitis, this process doesn’t work properly.
Instead, the immune system overreacts, triggering some ILs to respond by producing inflammation. This is where eczema comes from. The chronic inflammation caused by the overreacting immune system triggers the formation of itchy, red patches that appear on the skin in the form of eczema.
Biologics are one way to treat this issue. Biologics block ILs from binding to their cell receptors. This means that the immune system can’t overreact and therefore resulting in inflammation that is less severe. Biologics help to reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Dupixent (dupilumab)
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a biologic drug. It is the first biologic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults who have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Dupixent is used when all other treatments have proven ineffective for a patient.
Dupixent is set to work on two separate interleukins that are believed to contribute to atopic diseases. These are IL-4 and IL-13. Dupixent works by blocking the IL-4 and IL-13 from binding to their cell receptors, thus reducing the overreaction of the immune system. This helps to reduce the severity of inflammation and helps to decrease the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Dupixent went through clinical trials in which more than half of patients trying the biologic for 16 weeks reported that their symptoms of atopic dermatitis were reduced by 75 percent.
In order for patients to continue experiencing the benefits of Dupixent, patients are encouraged to remain on the drug.
Dupixent is taken subcutaneously. An injection through the skin is done every other week after the initial loading dose is completed. Dupixent is available by prescription only. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
What are the risks?
There are some side effects of Dupixent. The most common include:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Injection site reactions
- Cold sores occurring on either the mouth or the lips
Consult your doctor to determine whether Dupixent is the right treatment for you. Those who are nursing, pregnant, or trying to conceive are especially encouraged to do so.
Posted on May 22, 2023