A new medicine, Nenolizumab, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to treat two skin conditions
The newly approved medicine will treat moderate to severe prurigo nodularis for adults aged 18 and above and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) for adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
Treatment options for those suffering from chronic skin conditions
Prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin disorder characterised by hard, itchy bumps or nodules. These bumps can cause ongoing discomfort.
Since treatment for nodularis has previously been limited, Nenolizumab offers hope for those struggling with this condition. Clinical trials show that the medication is effective and safe for managing this condition in adults. However, the drug’s safety and efficacy in younger patients with prurigo nodularis remain unproven, as no trials have been conducted for those under 18.
Atopic dermatitis manifests itself as dry, inflamed, and itchy skin, and in some severe cases, it can be difficult to manage with topical treatments alone.
For patients who have not had much relief from these topical therapies, Nemolizumab can now be a promising alternative.
It can be used alongside topical treatments to help control symptoms and improve skin condition. The approval of Nemolizumab for this purpose is based on its demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials with both adults and adolescents.
Approval of Nemolizumab
Nemolizumab works by targeting a specific protein involved in the inflammatory response, making it an effective option for managing conditions like prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, where inflammation plays a major role in symptom severity.
The recommended dosage of the drug is 30 mg, and it is administered through an injection via a pre-filled pen or syringe. Although Nemolizumab offers new hope for patients, it is important to note that the most common side effects reported in clinical trials include hypersensitivity reactions and irritation at the injection site. As with any new medication, the MHRA will continue to monitor its safety and effectiveness post-approval.
Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said “Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high quality, safe and effective medical products are key priorities for us.
“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met. As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”
The approval process for Nemolizumab involves strict evaluation, and the MHRA is committed to ensuring the safety of all patients who use this medicine. The agency’s ongoing monitoring efforts are designed to detect any long-term side effects that might arise once the drug is available to a broader patient population.
As with any medication, patients are encouraged to report any adverse effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, ensuring that the agency can keep track of the medicine’s safety in real-world use.
The new approval of Nemolizumab for prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis shows advancements in dermatological treatment.
It creates new treatment options for patients struggling with these chronic skin conditions, offering relief where previous treatments have fallen short.
With continued monitoring for safety reasons, Nemolizumab can potentially improve the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
