Use of Dupilumab in Pediatric Patients: A Review

Dupilumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit that disrupts the type 2 inflammatory response via inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. Dupilumab is currently approved for use in the United States for children aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma, and 1 year and older with eosinophilic esophagitis. In this review, we summarize the pertinent findings from phase III clinical trials evaluating dupilumab’s safety and efficacy in treating these conditions. We discuss the effect of dupilumab on the disease processes as well as biochemical and histologic changes due to therapy.

Dupilumab decreases disease severity and improves patient quality of life while maintaining a favorable safety profile. In addition to clinical improvement, biochemical, molecular, and histologic changes have been reported with dupilumab therapy.

Dupilumab holds great promise in treating type-2 immune mediated conditions. Further research into the long-term safety and efficacy of the medication in pediatric patients is necessary.