Nemolizumab Approved to Treat Prurigo Nodularis and Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) for Patients in the UK
17 February 2025
London, UK – Nemolizumab, a new biologic therapy, has been approved by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to treat prurigo nodularis (PN) and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Prurigo Nodularis
PN is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by intensely itchy, hard nodules on the skin. It is estimated to affect around 1 in 10,000 people in the UK. The nodules can be very painful and cause significant distress and impairment to patients’ quality of life.
Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Moderate-to-severe eczema can affect a significant portion of the body and significantly impact daily life.
Nemolizumab
Nemolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks the activity of interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine that plays a key role in the inflammatory response that leads to PN and eczema. By inhibiting IL-31, nemolizumab reduces inflammation and itchiness.
Clinical Trials
In clinical trials, nemolizumab has been shown to significantly reduce itchiness and improve skin lesions in patients with PN and eczema. In one study, nearly 50% of patients with PN achieved clear or almost clear skin within 16 weeks of treatment. In another study, over 60% of patients with eczema achieved a 75% or greater reduction in itchiness within 16 weeks of treatment.
Approval Process
NICE’s decision to approve nemolizumab was based on evidence from clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness in treating PN and eczema. The committee also considered the potential for cost-effectiveness and the impact on patients’ quality of life.
Availability
Nemolizumab is now available on the NHS in the UK for the treatment of PN and moderate-to-severe eczema. Patients will be able to receive the medication as an injection under the skin every four weeks.
Significance
The approval of nemolizumab marks a significant advance in the treatment of PN and eczema. It offers patients a new and effective therapy that can significantly reduce itchiness and improve skin lesions, leading to improved quality of life.
Additional Information
For more information on prurigo nodularis, please visit the following resources:
- National Eczema Society: eczema.org/
- National Prurigo Patient Alliance: www.nationalprurigopatient.org/
For more information on atopic dermatitis, please visit the following resources:
- National Eczema Society: eczema.org/
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema
The AI has provided us with the news.
UK News and communications a new article on 2025-02-17 15:32 titled “Nemolizumab approved to treat prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis (eczema) for patients in the UK”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
19