Treatment of Recalcitrant Prurigo Nodularis with Dupilumab

Abstract

Objectives: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a disease of aberrant and recalcitrant itching which is difficult to effectively manage. There are no current FDA-approved therapies for PN.  The current topical and systemic medications used for this condition provide less than optimal efficacy for the majority of patients with this condition and often have unacceptable side effects.  We report 4 patients who were effectively treated with dupilumab (Dupixent) for the treatment of recalcitrant PN.

Methods:  Four patients were treated successfully with dupilumab, a systemic biologic agent that is not immunosuppressive (Dupixent; Sanofi-Regeneron). Patients were treated with dupilumab monotherapy, without the use of other systemic immunosuppressing agents. The peak pruritus numerical rating scale (NRSi) was used to evaluate patients at weeks 0 and 4. 

Results: Dupilumab therapy results in a dramatic reduction in NRSi scores by week 4 and that result continues throughout the duration of therapy. This reduction in itch is seen with continuous therapy.

Conclusion: Dupilumab therapy appears effective in reducing the overall itch severity in patients with PN. The usage of dupilumab as a monotherapy shows promise in the treatment of PN. The therapeutic response to dupilumab seen in PN suggests that the pathogenesis of PN may overlap with that of atopic dermatitis.