Dupilumab for Esophagitis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how dupilumab, an injectable medication, can improve symptoms and esophageal function in individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition that causes difficulty swallowing due to inflammation. Participants will join a study that includes both a placebo group and a group receiving the actual medication to compare results. The trial targets individuals who have experienced at least two episodes of trouble swallowing solid foods per week recently and have been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis through a biopsy. As a Phase 4 trial, this research aims to understand how the already FDA-approved and effective treatment benefits more patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking swallowed topical corticosteroids at least 8 weeks before starting. Other medications are not specifically mentioned, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.
What is the safety track record for dupilumab?
A previous study tested dupilumab on adults with conditions like atopic dermatitis, a type of skin inflammation. Participants generally tolerated it well, with most experiencing no major side effects. Some common minor issues included mild reactions at the injection site. Research has shown that the FDA has already approved dupilumab for these conditions, indicating a good safety record. This supports confidence in its safety for treating eosinophilic esophagitis. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine if joining the trial is appropriate.12345
Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Unlike the standard treatments for esophagitis, which often involve proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and acid production, Dupilumab is unique because it specifically targets and inhibits the inflammatory pathways involving interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). These are key players in the immune response associated with esophagitis. By directly blocking these pathways, Dupilumab may offer a more targeted approach to reducing inflammation and symptoms. Researchers are excited about Dupilumab because it could provide a new option for patients who do not respond well to existing therapies, potentially improving outcomes with a different mechanism of action.
What is the effectiveness track record for dupilumab in treating eosinophilic esophagitis?
Research shows that dupilumab, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively treats eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition causing esophageal swelling. In earlier studies, patients taking dupilumab experienced a noticeable decrease in symptoms like trouble swallowing. One study found a 64% decrease in symptom severity after 24 weeks and an 81% decrease after 52 weeks. The treatment also led to histologic remission, reducing the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergies) in the esophagus. Overall, dupilumab has improved both symptoms and underlying swelling in people with EoE.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Clinical Sciences & Operations
Principal Investigator
Sanofi
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) who experience at least two episodes of difficulty swallowing solid food per week and weigh over 40 kg can join. Those without proper biopsy confirmation or outside the weight criteria cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Randomized double-blind treatment
Participants receive either dupilumab or placebo in a double-blind manner
Open-label treatment
Participants receive open-label dupilumab treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dupilumab
Dupilumab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sanofi
Lead Sponsor
Paul Hudson
Sanofi
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
Degree in Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University
Christopher Corsico
Sanofi
Chief Medical Officer
MD from Cornell University, MPH in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Industry Sponsor
Leonard Schleifer
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Executive Officer since 1988
MD and PhD in Medicine
George Yancopoulos
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Chief Medical Officer since 1997
MD from Harvard Medical School