There's a New Rx for Eczema

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new medication to treat eczema.

Dupixent (dupilumab) was approved for use in adults and is to be given by injection every other week.

“FDA’s approval of Dupixent demonstrates our commitment to approving new and innovative therapies for patients with skin disease,” said Dr. Julie Beitz, director of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation III, in a press release. “Eczema can cause significant skin irritation and discomfort for patients, so it is important to have a variety of treatment options available to patients, including those patients whose disease is not controlled by topical therapies.”

Three trials involving more than 2,100 adults with moderate to severe eczema found that dupilumab appeared to reduce itching and produce clearer skin after 16 weeks of treatment, according to the FDA. The participants in these trials were already using topical eczema medications.

The most commonly reported side effects of dupilumab included cold sores in the mouth or on the lips, injection-site reactions and eye swelling, redness and itching. Other side effects included eye problems like inflammation of the cornea and pink eye, according to the FDA.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals manufactures Dupixent.