Key clinical point: Secukinumab demonstrated rapid improvements in clinical outcomes and showed a consistent safety profile in challenging-to-treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had high BMI and showed higher tender and swollen joints despite previous treatment.

Major finding: At week 16, patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg with loading dose vs placebo had a higher rate of achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20 response (59.7% and 43.4%, respectively, vs 15.6%; both P < .0001) and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 response (47.1% and 22.2%, respectively, vs 5.3%; both P < .05).

Study details: This subgroup analysis of four phase 3 FUTURE studies included 279 patients with challenging-to-treat PsA from the United States who received secukinumab or placebo and had undergone prior treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or corticosteroids.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, United States. Luminita Pricop declared being an employee and stockholder of Novartis. The other authors declared receiving research grants from or having other ties with Novartis or others.

Source: Kivitz AJ, Kremer JM, Legerton CW 3rd, Pricop L, Singhal A. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in US patients with psoriatic arthritis: A subgroup analysis of the phase 3 FUTURE studies. Rheumatol Ther. Published online April 16, 2024. Source

Key clinical point: Secukinumab demonstrated rapid improvements in clinical outcomes and showed a consistent safety profile in challenging-to-treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had high BMI and showed higher tender and swollen joints despite previous treatment.

Major finding: At week 16, patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg with loading dose vs placebo had a higher rate of achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20 response (59.7% and 43.4%, respectively, vs 15.6%; both P < .0001) and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 response (47.1% and 22.2%, respectively, vs 5.3%; both P < .05).

Study details: This subgroup analysis of four phase 3 FUTURE studies included 279 patients with challenging-to-treat PsA from the United States who received secukinumab or placebo and had undergone prior treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or corticosteroids.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, United States. Luminita Pricop declared being an employee and stockholder of Novartis. The other authors declared receiving research grants from or having other ties with Novartis or others.

Source: Kivitz AJ, Kremer JM, Legerton CW 3rd, Pricop L, Singhal A. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in US patients with psoriatic arthritis: A subgroup analysis of the phase 3 FUTURE studies. Rheumatol Ther. Published online April 16, 2024. Source

Key clinical point: Secukinumab demonstrated rapid improvements in clinical outcomes and showed a consistent safety profile in challenging-to-treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had high BMI and showed higher tender and swollen joints despite previous treatment.

Major finding: At week 16, patients receiving secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg with loading dose vs placebo had a higher rate of achieving the American College of Rheumatology 20 response (59.7% and 43.4%, respectively, vs 15.6%; both P < .0001) and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90 response (47.1% and 22.2%, respectively, vs 5.3%; both P < .05).

Study details: This subgroup analysis of four phase 3 FUTURE studies included 279 patients with challenging-to-treat PsA from the United States who received secukinumab or placebo and had undergone prior treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or corticosteroids.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, United States. Luminita Pricop declared being an employee and stockholder of Novartis. The other authors declared receiving research grants from or having other ties with Novartis or others.

Source: Kivitz AJ, Kremer JM, Legerton CW 3rd, Pricop L, Singhal A. Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in US patients with psoriatic arthritis: A subgroup analysis of the phase 3 FUTURE studies. Rheumatol Ther. Published online April 16, 2024. Source

As we settle back into our daily routines following another fantastic DDW, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate this year’s AGA’s Recognition Award recipients, who have made outstanding contributions to the organization and to our field, including through excellence in clinical practice, research, mentorship, and DEI.

This month’s Member Spotlight column highlights one of these remarkable individuals, Dr. Scott Ketover, president and CEO of MNGI Digestive Health, who is the recipient of this year’s AGA Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice. We hope you enjoy learning more about Scott, as well as the other award recipients who were recognized at a special ceremony in DC last month.

University of Michigan

Also highlighted in our June issue is the FDA’s recent approval of subcutaneous vedolizumab for Crohn’s maintenance therapy, an exciting development that will provide us with more flexible treatment options for our patients. We also report on the 2024 AGA Tech Summit (Chicago, IL), and introduce the winners (survivors?) of its annual Shark Tank competition, Dr. Renu Dhanasekaran and Dr. Venthan Elango. Their company, Arithmedics, which developed technology that harnesses generative AI and data intelligence to streamline medical billing, was identified as the most promising among a robust field of entrants.

We also present some of the best clinically oriented content from our GI journals, including an observational study from Gastroenterology evaluating the effect of longitudinal alcohol use on risk of cirrhosis among patients with steatotic liver disease, and summarize recently released AGA Clinical Practice Updates on performance of high-quality upper endoscopy and treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We hope you enjoy all the exciting content featured in this issue and take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge this summer!

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc

Editor-in-Chief

As we settle back into our daily routines following another fantastic DDW, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate this year’s AGA’s Recognition Award recipients, who have made outstanding contributions to the organization and to our field, including through excellence in clinical practice, research, mentorship, and DEI.

This month’s Member Spotlight column highlights one of these remarkable individuals, Dr. Scott Ketover, president and CEO of MNGI Digestive Health, who is the recipient of this year’s AGA Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice. We hope you enjoy learning more about Scott, as well as the other award recipients who were recognized at a special ceremony in DC last month.

University of Michigan

Also highlighted in our June issue is the FDA’s recent approval of subcutaneous vedolizumab for Crohn’s maintenance therapy, an exciting development that will provide us with more flexible treatment options for our patients. We also report on the 2024 AGA Tech Summit (Chicago, IL), and introduce the winners (survivors?) of its annual Shark Tank competition, Dr. Renu Dhanasekaran and Dr. Venthan Elango. Their company, Arithmedics, which developed technology that harnesses generative AI and data intelligence to streamline medical billing, was identified as the most promising among a robust field of entrants.

We also present some of the best clinically oriented content from our GI journals, including an observational study from Gastroenterology evaluating the effect of longitudinal alcohol use on risk of cirrhosis among patients with steatotic liver disease, and summarize recently released AGA Clinical Practice Updates on performance of high-quality upper endoscopy and treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We hope you enjoy all the exciting content featured in this issue and take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge this summer!

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc

Editor-in-Chief

As we settle back into our daily routines following another fantastic DDW, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate this year’s AGA’s Recognition Award recipients, who have made outstanding contributions to the organization and to our field, including through excellence in clinical practice, research, mentorship, and DEI.

This month’s Member Spotlight column highlights one of these remarkable individuals, Dr. Scott Ketover, president and CEO of MNGI Digestive Health, who is the recipient of this year’s AGA Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice. We hope you enjoy learning more about Scott, as well as the other award recipients who were recognized at a special ceremony in DC last month.

University of Michigan

Also highlighted in our June issue is the FDA’s recent approval of subcutaneous vedolizumab for Crohn’s maintenance therapy, an exciting development that will provide us with more flexible treatment options for our patients. We also report on the 2024 AGA Tech Summit (Chicago, IL), and introduce the winners (survivors?) of its annual Shark Tank competition, Dr. Renu Dhanasekaran and Dr. Venthan Elango. Their company, Arithmedics, which developed technology that harnesses generative AI and data intelligence to streamline medical billing, was identified as the most promising among a robust field of entrants.

We also present some of the best clinically oriented content from our GI journals, including an observational study from Gastroenterology evaluating the effect of longitudinal alcohol use on risk of cirrhosis among patients with steatotic liver disease, and summarize recently released AGA Clinical Practice Updates on performance of high-quality upper endoscopy and treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. We hope you enjoy all the exciting content featured in this issue and take some well-deserved time to rest and recharge this summer!

Megan A. Adams, MD, JD, MSc

Editor-in-Chief

Key clinical point: Treatment with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib demonstrated rapid and durable improvements in symptoms and quality of life in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), based on a treat-to-target approach.

Major finding: Overall, >80%, >78%, and ≥87% of patients achieved the 3-month initial acceptable target, whereas ≥53%, >61%, and >73% of patients achieved the 6-month optimal target goal with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib vs placebo at weeks 2, 16, and 52, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving a higher number of individual target criteria increased over time for both 3- and 6-month target goals.

Study details: This treat-to-target analysis of Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2 phase 3 studies included 1282 adults with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 428), 30 mg upadacitinib (n = 424), or placebo (n = 430).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of AbbVie or holding AbbVie stock, stock options, or patents. Several authors declared having ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Kwatra SG, de Bruin-Weller M, Silverberg JI, et al. Targeted combined endpoint improvement in patient and disease domains in atopic dermatitis: A treat-to-target analysis of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with upadacitinib. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv18452 (May 6). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.18452 Source

Key clinical point: Treatment with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib demonstrated rapid and durable improvements in symptoms and quality of life in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), based on a treat-to-target approach.

Major finding: Overall, >80%, >78%, and ≥87% of patients achieved the 3-month initial acceptable target, whereas ≥53%, >61%, and >73% of patients achieved the 6-month optimal target goal with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib vs placebo at weeks 2, 16, and 52, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving a higher number of individual target criteria increased over time for both 3- and 6-month target goals.

Study details: This treat-to-target analysis of Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2 phase 3 studies included 1282 adults with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 428), 30 mg upadacitinib (n = 424), or placebo (n = 430).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of AbbVie or holding AbbVie stock, stock options, or patents. Several authors declared having ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Kwatra SG, de Bruin-Weller M, Silverberg JI, et al. Targeted combined endpoint improvement in patient and disease domains in atopic dermatitis: A treat-to-target analysis of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with upadacitinib. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv18452 (May 6). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.18452 Source

Key clinical point: Treatment with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib demonstrated rapid and durable improvements in symptoms and quality of life in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD), based on a treat-to-target approach.

Major finding: Overall, >80%, >78%, and ≥87% of patients achieved the 3-month initial acceptable target, whereas ≥53%, >61%, and >73% of patients achieved the 6-month optimal target goal with 15 mg or 30 mg upadacitinib vs placebo at weeks 2, 16, and 52, respectively. The proportion of patients achieving a higher number of individual target criteria increased over time for both 3- and 6-month target goals.

Study details: This treat-to-target analysis of Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2 phase 3 studies included 1282 adults with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 428), 30 mg upadacitinib (n = 424), or placebo (n = 430).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of AbbVie or holding AbbVie stock, stock options, or patents. Several authors declared having ties with various sources, including AbbVie.

Source: Kwatra SG, de Bruin-Weller M, Silverberg JI, et al. Targeted combined endpoint improvement in patient and disease domains in atopic dermatitis: A treat-to-target analysis of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with upadacitinib. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv18452 (May 6). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.18452 Source

Key clinical point: Dupilumab treatment was well-tolerated and demonstrated improved clinical and molecular responses in pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: Dupilumab significantly reduced Eczema Area and Severity Index, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, and Investigator’s Global Assessment scores at 3 and 6 months (all P < .05), along with significant reduction in AD-associated stratum corneum biomarker levels at 3 months (P < .01). Dupilumab showed good tolerability, with adverse events reported in only four patients.

Study details: This study included 314 pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD from the German TREATkids registry, of whom 87 received dupilumab.

Disclosures: TREATkids is the child and adolescent section of the TREATgermany registry, which is supported by AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Almirall Hermal GmbH, Galderma S.A., LEO Pharma GmbH, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi. Several authors declared receiving research grants, lecture, or consultancy fees from or having other ties with various sources, including the supporters of TREATgermany.

Source: Stölzl D, Sander N, Siegels D, et al, and the TREATgermany study group. Clinical and molecular response to dupilumab treatment in pediatric atopic dermatitis: Results of the German TREATkids registry. Allergy. 2024 (May 7). doi: 0.1111/all.16147 Source

Key clinical point: Dupilumab treatment was well-tolerated and demonstrated improved clinical and molecular responses in pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: Dupilumab significantly reduced Eczema Area and Severity Index, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, and Investigator’s Global Assessment scores at 3 and 6 months (all P < .05), along with significant reduction in AD-associated stratum corneum biomarker levels at 3 months (P < .01). Dupilumab showed good tolerability, with adverse events reported in only four patients.

Study details: This study included 314 pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD from the German TREATkids registry, of whom 87 received dupilumab.

Disclosures: TREATkids is the child and adolescent section of the TREATgermany registry, which is supported by AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Almirall Hermal GmbH, Galderma S.A., LEO Pharma GmbH, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi. Several authors declared receiving research grants, lecture, or consultancy fees from or having other ties with various sources, including the supporters of TREATgermany.

Source: Stölzl D, Sander N, Siegels D, et al, and the TREATgermany study group. Clinical and molecular response to dupilumab treatment in pediatric atopic dermatitis: Results of the German TREATkids registry. Allergy. 2024 (May 7). doi: 0.1111/all.16147 Source

Key clinical point: Dupilumab treatment was well-tolerated and demonstrated improved clinical and molecular responses in pediatric patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: Dupilumab significantly reduced Eczema Area and Severity Index, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, and Investigator’s Global Assessment scores at 3 and 6 months (all P < .05), along with significant reduction in AD-associated stratum corneum biomarker levels at 3 months (P < .01). Dupilumab showed good tolerability, with adverse events reported in only four patients.

Study details: This study included 314 pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD from the German TREATkids registry, of whom 87 received dupilumab.

Disclosures: TREATkids is the child and adolescent section of the TREATgermany registry, which is supported by AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Almirall Hermal GmbH, Galderma S.A., LEO Pharma GmbH, Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Inc., and Sanofi. Several authors declared receiving research grants, lecture, or consultancy fees from or having other ties with various sources, including the supporters of TREATgermany.

Source: Stölzl D, Sander N, Siegels D, et al, and the TREATgermany study group. Clinical and molecular response to dupilumab treatment in pediatric atopic dermatitis: Results of the German TREATkids registry. Allergy. 2024 (May 7). doi: 0.1111/all.16147 Source

Key clinical point: Lebrikizumab monotherapy rapidly and consistently reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) extent and severity in patients with moderate to severe AD across all Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) clinical signs and body regions.

Major finding: At week 16, lebrikizumab vs placebo led to greater improvements in EASI scores and clinical signs (both P < .001) across all body regions in ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, with improvements observed as early as week 2 for all signs except erythema on head/neck (P < .05) and lower extremity erythema, edema/papulation, and lichenification (all P < .001), which improved significantly only by week 4 in ADvocate2.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of ADvocate1 (n = 424) and ADvocate2 (n = 427) included adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 250 mg lebrikizumab biweekly or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Dermira, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Several authors declared having various ties with Dermira, Eli Lilly, and others. Five authors declared being employees or stockholders of Eli Lilly.

Source: Simpson EL, de Bruin-Weller M, Hong HC, et al. Lebrikizumab provides rapid clinical responses across all Eczema Area and Severity Index body regions and clinical signs in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 (May 3). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01158-4 Source

Key clinical point: Lebrikizumab monotherapy rapidly and consistently reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) extent and severity in patients with moderate to severe AD across all Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) clinical signs and body regions.

Major finding: At week 16, lebrikizumab vs placebo led to greater improvements in EASI scores and clinical signs (both P < .001) across all body regions in ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, with improvements observed as early as week 2 for all signs except erythema on head/neck (P < .05) and lower extremity erythema, edema/papulation, and lichenification (all P < .001), which improved significantly only by week 4 in ADvocate2.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of ADvocate1 (n = 424) and ADvocate2 (n = 427) included adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 250 mg lebrikizumab biweekly or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Dermira, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Several authors declared having various ties with Dermira, Eli Lilly, and others. Five authors declared being employees or stockholders of Eli Lilly.

Source: Simpson EL, de Bruin-Weller M, Hong HC, et al. Lebrikizumab provides rapid clinical responses across all Eczema Area and Severity Index body regions and clinical signs in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 (May 3). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01158-4 Source

Key clinical point: Lebrikizumab monotherapy rapidly and consistently reduced atopic dermatitis (AD) extent and severity in patients with moderate to severe AD across all Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) clinical signs and body regions.

Major finding: At week 16, lebrikizumab vs placebo led to greater improvements in EASI scores and clinical signs (both P < .001) across all body regions in ADvocate1 and ADvocate2, with improvements observed as early as week 2 for all signs except erythema on head/neck (P < .05) and lower extremity erythema, edema/papulation, and lichenification (all P < .001), which improved significantly only by week 4 in ADvocate2.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of ADvocate1 (n = 424) and ADvocate2 (n = 427) included adolescent and adult patients with moderate to severe AD who were randomly assigned to receive 250 mg lebrikizumab biweekly or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Dermira, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Several authors declared having various ties with Dermira, Eli Lilly, and others. Five authors declared being employees or stockholders of Eli Lilly.

Source: Simpson EL, de Bruin-Weller M, Hong HC, et al. Lebrikizumab provides rapid clinical responses across all Eczema Area and Severity Index body regions and clinical signs in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 (May 3). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01158-4 Source

Key clinical point: A causal relationship was observed between genetically related atopic dermatitis (AD) and brain cancer, delineating AD as a potential risk factor for brain cancer.

Major finding: The presence of AD led to an increased risk for brain cancer (odds ratio 1.0005; P = .0096); however, no significant causal association was observed on conducting reverse Mendelian randomization analysis.

Study details: This cohort study analyzed the data on AD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms of patients with AD (n = 15,208) and control individuals without AD (n = 367,046) from the FinnGen database (10^th release) and the summary data of patients with brain cancer (n = 606) and control individuals without cancer (n = 372,016) from the IEU Open GWAS database.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xin Y, Yuan T, Wang J. The causal relationship between atopic dermatitis and brain cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30(4):e13715. doi: 10.1111/srt.13715 Source

Key clinical point: A causal relationship was observed between genetically related atopic dermatitis (AD) and brain cancer, delineating AD as a potential risk factor for brain cancer.

Major finding: The presence of AD led to an increased risk for brain cancer (odds ratio 1.0005; P = .0096); however, no significant causal association was observed on conducting reverse Mendelian randomization analysis.

Study details: This cohort study analyzed the data on AD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms of patients with AD (n = 15,208) and control individuals without AD (n = 367,046) from the FinnGen database (10^th release) and the summary data of patients with brain cancer (n = 606) and control individuals without cancer (n = 372,016) from the IEU Open GWAS database.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xin Y, Yuan T, Wang J. The causal relationship between atopic dermatitis and brain cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30(4):e13715. doi: 10.1111/srt.13715 Source

Key clinical point: A causal relationship was observed between genetically related atopic dermatitis (AD) and brain cancer, delineating AD as a potential risk factor for brain cancer.

Major finding: The presence of AD led to an increased risk for brain cancer (odds ratio 1.0005; P = .0096); however, no significant causal association was observed on conducting reverse Mendelian randomization analysis.

Study details: This cohort study analyzed the data on AD-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms of patients with AD (n = 15,208) and control individuals without AD (n = 367,046) from the FinnGen database (10^th release) and the summary data of patients with brain cancer (n = 606) and control individuals without cancer (n = 372,016) from the IEU Open GWAS database.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xin Y, Yuan T, Wang J. The causal relationship between atopic dermatitis and brain cancer: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30(4):e13715. doi: 10.1111/srt.13715 Source

Key clinical point: Maternal probiotic supplementation was effective in preventing atopic dermatitis (AD) in children regardless of their filaggrin (FLG) gene mutation status.

Major finding: Heterozygous FLG mutations were observed in 7% of children. The risk for AD after maternal probiotic supplementation was similar between children who expressed a FLG mutation (risk ratio [RR] 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-4.1) and those having a wild-type FLG (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.9).

Study details: This exploratory study included the data of 228 children from the Probiotic in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (ProPACT) study who did or did not have FLG mutations and whose mothers received probiotic or placebo milk from 36 weeks of gestation until 3 months post delivery while breastfeeding.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the Norwegian Research Council. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Zakiudin DP, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Videm V, Øien T, Simpson MR. Filaggrin mutation status and prevention of atopic dermatitis with maternal probiotic supplementation. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv24360 (Apr 24). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.24360  Source

Key clinical point: Maternal probiotic supplementation was effective in preventing atopic dermatitis (AD) in children regardless of their filaggrin (FLG) gene mutation status.

Major finding: Heterozygous FLG mutations were observed in 7% of children. The risk for AD after maternal probiotic supplementation was similar between children who expressed a FLG mutation (risk ratio [RR] 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-4.1) and those having a wild-type FLG (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.9).

Study details: This exploratory study included the data of 228 children from the Probiotic in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (ProPACT) study who did or did not have FLG mutations and whose mothers received probiotic or placebo milk from 36 weeks of gestation until 3 months post delivery while breastfeeding.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the Norwegian Research Council. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Zakiudin DP, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Videm V, Øien T, Simpson MR. Filaggrin mutation status and prevention of atopic dermatitis with maternal probiotic supplementation. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv24360 (Apr 24). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.24360  Source

Key clinical point: Maternal probiotic supplementation was effective in preventing atopic dermatitis (AD) in children regardless of their filaggrin (FLG) gene mutation status.

Major finding: Heterozygous FLG mutations were observed in 7% of children. The risk for AD after maternal probiotic supplementation was similar between children who expressed a FLG mutation (risk ratio [RR] 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-4.1) and those having a wild-type FLG (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4-0.9).

Study details: This exploratory study included the data of 228 children from the Probiotic in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (ProPACT) study who did or did not have FLG mutations and whose mothers received probiotic or placebo milk from 36 weeks of gestation until 3 months post delivery while breastfeeding.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the Norwegian Research Council. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Zakiudin DP, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Videm V, Øien T, Simpson MR. Filaggrin mutation status and prevention of atopic dermatitis with maternal probiotic supplementation. Acta Derm Venereol. 2024;104:adv24360 (Apr 24). doi: 10.2340/actadv.v104.24360  Source

Key clinical point: Pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing disease severity in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are also effective for improving anxiety and depression.

Major finding: Pharmacologic interventions for AD led to significant improvements in anxiety levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.29; 95% CI −0.49 to −0.09) and depression severity (SMD −0.27; 95% CI −0.45 to −0.08) and an overall significant improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale scores (SMD −0.50; 95% CI −0.064 to −0.35).

Study details: This meta-analysis of seven phase 2b or 3 randomized controlled trials included 4723 patients with AD who were treated with either abrocitinib, baricitinib, dupilumab, tralokinumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Hartono SP, Chatrath S, Aktas ON, et al. Interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024;14:8844 (Apr 17). Source

Key clinical point: Pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing disease severity in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are also effective for improving anxiety and depression.

Major finding: Pharmacologic interventions for AD led to significant improvements in anxiety levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.29; 95% CI −0.49 to −0.09) and depression severity (SMD −0.27; 95% CI −0.45 to −0.08) and an overall significant improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale scores (SMD −0.50; 95% CI −0.064 to −0.35).

Study details: This meta-analysis of seven phase 2b or 3 randomized controlled trials included 4723 patients with AD who were treated with either abrocitinib, baricitinib, dupilumab, tralokinumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Hartono SP, Chatrath S, Aktas ON, et al. Interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024;14:8844 (Apr 17). Source

Key clinical point: Pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing disease severity in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are also effective for improving anxiety and depression.

Major finding: Pharmacologic interventions for AD led to significant improvements in anxiety levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.29; 95% CI −0.49 to −0.09) and depression severity (SMD −0.27; 95% CI −0.45 to −0.08) and an overall significant improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale scores (SMD −0.50; 95% CI −0.064 to −0.35).

Study details: This meta-analysis of seven phase 2b or 3 randomized controlled trials included 4723 patients with AD who were treated with either abrocitinib, baricitinib, dupilumab, tralokinumab, or placebo.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Hartono SP, Chatrath S, Aktas ON, et al. Interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024;14:8844 (Apr 17). Source

Key clinical point: When combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS), tralokinumab and dupilumab demonstrate similar efficacy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at 32 weeks of therapy.

Major finding: At week 32, tralokinumab and dupilumab treatment, both in combination with TCS, led to a similar proportion of patients achieving an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (49.9% vs 39.3%; P = .95) or 75% improvement in the Eczema Area Severity Index scores (71.5% vs 71.9%; P = .95).

Study details: This unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison study analyzed the individual patient data of adults with moderate to severe AD (sample size 123.4) treated with tralokinumab plus TCS in ECZTRA 3, which were matched with the aggregate data of 106 patients treated with dupilumab plus TCS in the LIBERTY AD CHRONOS trial.

Disclosures: This study was funded by LEO Pharma. Four authors declared being employees of LEO Pharma. The other authors declared receiving consultancy or speaker honoraria from or having other ties with various sources, including LEO Pharma.

Source: Torres T, Sohrt Petersen A, Ivens U, et al. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of the efficacy at week 32 of tralokinumab and dupilumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024;14:983-992 (Apr 13). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01143-x Source

Key clinical point: When combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS), tralokinumab and dupilumab demonstrate similar efficacy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at 32 weeks of therapy.

Major finding: At week 32, tralokinumab and dupilumab treatment, both in combination with TCS, led to a similar proportion of patients achieving an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (49.9% vs 39.3%; P = .95) or 75% improvement in the Eczema Area Severity Index scores (71.5% vs 71.9%; P = .95).

Study details: This unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison study analyzed the individual patient data of adults with moderate to severe AD (sample size 123.4) treated with tralokinumab plus TCS in ECZTRA 3, which were matched with the aggregate data of 106 patients treated with dupilumab plus TCS in the LIBERTY AD CHRONOS trial.

Disclosures: This study was funded by LEO Pharma. Four authors declared being employees of LEO Pharma. The other authors declared receiving consultancy or speaker honoraria from or having other ties with various sources, including LEO Pharma.

Source: Torres T, Sohrt Petersen A, Ivens U, et al. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of the efficacy at week 32 of tralokinumab and dupilumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024;14:983-992 (Apr 13). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01143-x Source

Key clinical point: When combined with topical corticosteroids (TCS), tralokinumab and dupilumab demonstrate similar efficacy in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at 32 weeks of therapy.

Major finding: At week 32, tralokinumab and dupilumab treatment, both in combination with TCS, led to a similar proportion of patients achieving an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 (49.9% vs 39.3%; P = .95) or 75% improvement in the Eczema Area Severity Index scores (71.5% vs 71.9%; P = .95).

Study details: This unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison study analyzed the individual patient data of adults with moderate to severe AD (sample size 123.4) treated with tralokinumab plus TCS in ECZTRA 3, which were matched with the aggregate data of 106 patients treated with dupilumab plus TCS in the LIBERTY AD CHRONOS trial.

Disclosures: This study was funded by LEO Pharma. Four authors declared being employees of LEO Pharma. The other authors declared receiving consultancy or speaker honoraria from or having other ties with various sources, including LEO Pharma.

Source: Torres T, Sohrt Petersen A, Ivens U, et al. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of the efficacy at week 32 of tralokinumab and dupilumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024;14:983-992 (Apr 13). doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01143-x Source

Key clinical point: Topical 1.5% ruxolitinib was effective and well-tolerated and offered long-term disease control with as-needed use in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At week 8, a substantially higher number of patients receiving 1.5% ruxolitinib vs vehicle achieved an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 with ≥2 grade improvement from baseline (50.6% vs 14.0%) and ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (60.9% vs 34.9%), with sustained or increased proportion of patients achieving an IGA score of 0 or 1 during the long-term safety (LTS) period. No serious adverse events were reported.

Study details: This study used pooled data from two phase 3 trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2) and included 137 adolescents (age, 12-17 years) with AD who were randomly assigned to receive 0.75% or 1.5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by an LTS period lasting up to 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Incyte Corporation. Four authors declared being employees or shareholders of Incyte Corporation. Several authors declared ties with various sources, including Incyte Corporation.

Source: Eichenfield LF, Simpson EL, Papp K, et al. Efficacy, safety, and long-term disease control of ruxolitinib cream among adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Pooled results from two randomized phase 3 studies. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2024 (May 2). doi:  10.1007/s40257-024-00855-2 Source

Key clinical point: Topical 1.5% ruxolitinib was effective and well-tolerated and offered long-term disease control with as-needed use in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At week 8, a substantially higher number of patients receiving 1.5% ruxolitinib vs vehicle achieved an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 with ≥2 grade improvement from baseline (50.6% vs 14.0%) and ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (60.9% vs 34.9%), with sustained or increased proportion of patients achieving an IGA score of 0 or 1 during the long-term safety (LTS) period. No serious adverse events were reported.

Study details: This study used pooled data from two phase 3 trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2) and included 137 adolescents (age, 12-17 years) with AD who were randomly assigned to receive 0.75% or 1.5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by an LTS period lasting up to 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Incyte Corporation. Four authors declared being employees or shareholders of Incyte Corporation. Several authors declared ties with various sources, including Incyte Corporation.

Source: Eichenfield LF, Simpson EL, Papp K, et al. Efficacy, safety, and long-term disease control of ruxolitinib cream among adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Pooled results from two randomized phase 3 studies. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2024 (May 2). doi:  10.1007/s40257-024-00855-2 Source

Key clinical point: Topical 1.5% ruxolitinib was effective and well-tolerated and offered long-term disease control with as-needed use in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At week 8, a substantially higher number of patients receiving 1.5% ruxolitinib vs vehicle achieved an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 with ≥2 grade improvement from baseline (50.6% vs 14.0%) and ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (60.9% vs 34.9%), with sustained or increased proportion of patients achieving an IGA score of 0 or 1 during the long-term safety (LTS) period. No serious adverse events were reported.

Study details: This study used pooled data from two phase 3 trials (TRuE-AD1 and TRuE-AD2) and included 137 adolescents (age, 12-17 years) with AD who were randomly assigned to receive 0.75% or 1.5% ruxolitinib cream or vehicle twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by an LTS period lasting up to 52 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Incyte Corporation. Four authors declared being employees or shareholders of Incyte Corporation. Several authors declared ties with various sources, including Incyte Corporation.

Source: Eichenfield LF, Simpson EL, Papp K, et al. Efficacy, safety, and long-term disease control of ruxolitinib cream among adolescents with atopic dermatitis: Pooled results from two randomized phase 3 studies. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2024 (May 2). doi:  10.1007/s40257-024-00855-2 Source