According to an article in Science Daily, a drug currently approved to treat the common skin condition eczema may help provide symptom relief in more serious skin diseases as well. The therapy in question is called abrocitinib, which was evaluated for prurigo nodularis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin during a trial lasting 12 weeks.
Prurigo nodularis is often treated with over the counter or prescription ointments of the antihistamine and corticosteroid class, but the effect of these treatments is often limited, with few patients reporting sustained benefit. The small-scale trial included 20 patients in total, half of whom had chronic pruritus of unknown origin and half with prurigo nodularis. The participants were treated with a 200mg pill of abrocitinib once per day during a 12-week treatment period.
The patients reported improved sleep and quality of life. Abrocitinib reduced pain and itching by 78% in the prurigo nodularis patients and by 54% in the patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin. These findings suggest that the drug could be an effective method of treatment for these conditions. The authors concluded that the findings should set the stage for a future phase 3 clinical trial.
About Abrocitinib
Abrocitinib, which is classified as an inhibitor of JAK1, suppresses inflammation by interfering in the activity of cytokines, which are commonly implicated in immune system hyperactivity.
About Prurigo Nodularis
Prurigo nodularis is a skin disease in which itchy nodules appear on the limbs. The condition is also called nodular prurigo. Frequent scratching results in excoriated lesions. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it may appear alongside other conditions or diseases. While the disease can appear at any age, average onset tends to be around middle age. Autoimmune disease, low vitamin D, and kidney or liver problems are common in people with prurigo nodularis. Frequent scratching to relieve itching can trigger permanent skin changes. Treatment includes steroids, UVB light, thalidomide, vitamin supplements, azathioprine, and dupilumab. The disease is considered difficult to treat, with many patients reporting lack of wound healing even after treatment for itch relief. To learn more about the disease, click here.
