A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Dermatology unveils promising results for patients suffering from severe itching diseases with limited treatment options. Led by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), the study demonstrates significant symptom improvement using abrocitinib, an FDA-approved drug for eczema, in individuals with debilitating conditions like prurigo nodularis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin.
Dr. Shawn Kwatra, MD, Chair of Dermatology at UMSOM and Chief of Service Dermatology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, underscores the urgency of addressing these conditions, noting the profound impact on patients’ quality of life and mental well-being.
Prurigo nodularis, characterized by intensely itchy and disfiguring bumps, disproportionately affects over 130,000 Americans, particularly Black individuals and women. Chronic pruritus of unknown origin, prevalent among older adults, manifests as unexplained itching lasting more than six weeks. Despite available therapies such as itch relief ointments and anti-inflammatory drugs, sustained relief remains elusive.
The study, encompassing 20 patients with equal representation from both conditions, administered a daily 200-milligram dose of abrocitinib over 12 weeks. Remarkably, patients experienced a 78 percent reduction in itching and pain symptoms for prurigo nodularis and a 54 percent reduction for chronic pruritus of unknown origin. Additionally, improvements in quality of life and sleep patterns were reported across both groups.
Crucially, the drug exhibited minimal side effects, with only 10 percent of patients experiencing minor acne-like bumps. Abrocitinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, operates by suppressing inflammation, specifically targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in immune system dysregulation.
Dr. Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean of UMSOM, emphasizes the significance of these findings, heralding a potential shift in treatment paradigms for underserved communities affected by prurigo nodularis.
Dr. Kwatra’s establishment of the Maryland Itch Center at UMMC underscores ongoing commitment to advancing research and patient care in this domain.
The study’s co-authors hail from esteemed institutions including Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, and The George Washington University.
Funding and drug supply for the study were provided by Pfizer, Inc. Notably, Dr. Kwatra’s previous consultancy work for Pfizer and support from the National Institutes of Health underscore the collaborative nature of this research.
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine:
Established in 1807, the University of Maryland School of Medicine stands as the nation’s first public medical school, boasting a legacy of pioneering biomedical research. With a faculty comprising over 3,000 professionals, the School collaborates closely with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to deliver research-driven, clinically adept care to nearly 2 million patients annually. Ranked among the top-tier biomedical research enterprises globally, the School’s commitment to innovation and translational medicine underscores its transformative impact on healthcare, locally and beyond.
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