Health Canada Approves New Form of Treatment for Atopic Dermititis

Good news for adolescents struggling to treat atopic dermatitis (AD)—the most common form of eczema—Health Canada has approved a new form of treatment.

People who have AD often experience red, itchy patches of skin that can cover a large area of their body. It flares up periodically and lasts for extended periods of time.

Dupixient, has been approved for use by people age 12 and older who have AD and don’t find regular treatment effective. It is administered via injection every two weeks.

The treatment was originally approved for adult use in November 2017, but further testing was needed before it could be approved for adolescent use.

The findings from a Phase 3 trial were presented at the 27th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Paris, France in 2018, and it has now been approved for use in people 12 years of age and older.

The findings from the Phase 3 trial showed a significant improvement in adolescents struggling with constant itching as well as quality of life caused by their AD.

“Atopic dermatitis has no cure. Patients living with this disease are in desperate need of effective medications today,” Marissa Poole, General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme Canada, said in a news release. “Dupixent is a novel treatment that can help reduce the severe itching associated with atopic dermatitis, effectively clear skin and improve quality of life for adolescent patients. This treatment offers hope for a better life for patients living with this condition.”