Dupilumab and upadacitinib show efficacy in atopic dermatitis studies

New clinical data presented at the 2026 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference highlights the efficacy of dupilumab in managing atopic dermatitis (AD) and preventing the progression of the ‘atopic march’ in children.

A retrospective US claims analysis involving 2,897 patients found that children treated with dupilumab had a 33% to 52% lower risk of developing subsequent allergic conditions—such as food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eosinophilic esophagitis—compared to those treated with systemic corticosteroids. The most significant risk reduction was observed in children aged 2 to 5 years.

Additionally, a post hoc analysis of the LEVEL UP and HEADS UP trials examined patients who switched to upadacitinib after an inadequate response to dupilumab. The study reported that no skin lesion flares occurred through 16 weeks following the switch, with itch flares appearing in only 3.6% to 4.8% of evaluable patients.