Nemolizumab is associated with a rapid improvement in atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms: subpopulation (EASI ≥ 16) analysis of randomized phase 2B study

Background Nemolizumab is a humanized anti‐IL‐31 receptor blocker in phase 3 for atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective Analyse onset of action of nemolizumab 30 mg and compare efficacy and safety vs placebo (SC q4wk plus loading dose) in moderate‐to‐severe AD. Methods Post hoc analysis of patients with Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores ≥ 16 from a phase 2b trial of moderate‐to‐severe AD. Endpoints were change in EASI score at week 16, peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP‐NRS), Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA), changes in sleep and responders with ≥ 4‐point improvement on PP‐NRS. Results There was a significantly greater itch relief apparent by Day 2 (−22.8% vs –12.3% PP‐NRS; P = 0.005) which continued to improve through week 16 (−68.5% vs −30.9% PP‐NRS; P