Eblasakimab, an Anti-IL-13Rα1 Antibody, Reduces Atopy-Associated Serum Biomarkers in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

IntroductionEblasakimab, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody with a unique mechanism to target the interleukin (IL)-13 receptor alpha 1 (IL-13R alpha 1), inhibits IL-4/IL-13 signaling in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigates the impact of eblasakimab on type 2 inflammatory biomarkers in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.MethodsA double-blind, multiple ascending dose, phase Ib study evaluated the effect of eblasakimab (200, 400, 600 mg) or placebo administered subcutaneously once weekly for 8 weeks in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Serum levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed.ResultsEblasakimab suppressed TARC, IgE, and LDH in the 400-mg and 600-mg groups over 8 weeks of treatment. Patients in the 400-mg and 600-mg groups experienced a reduction of 72.8% (p = 0.004) and 62.9% (p = 0.003), respectively, for TARC, 35.1% (p = 0.006) and 20.9% (not significant; NS), respectively, for IgE, and 24.6% (NS) and 23.1% (NS), respectively, for LDH between baseline and Week 8. Reduction in serum TARC in the 400-mg group was significantly greater than placebo as early as Week 1, whereas reductions in total IgE were more gradual. Serum TARC and total IgE remained suppressed in the 400-mg and 600-mg eblasakimab groups for 4-6 weeks following the last administered dose.ConclusionThe effect of eblasakimab on circulating AD-associated biomarker levels was accompanied by improvements in signs and symptoms of AD, consistent with the inhibition of IL-13 and IL-4 signaling via the type 2 receptor.Trial Registration NumberNCT04090229.