Eli Lilly and Company and Dermira, Inc. presented new data from the Phase 2b clinical trial of lebrikizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Data from this study suggests that treatment with lebrikizumab provided rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in itch, sleep and overall measures of quality of life. Understanding the potential for lebrikizumab to improve the skin symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well as other commonly associated symptoms, such as itch and loss of sleep, is critical to understanding its true potential to help patients.

The results of the data analysis showed that lebrikizumab improved symptoms and quality of life in a rapid, dose-dependent manner across a range of atopic dermatitis-specific and other measures compared with placebo. Specifically, lebrikizumab improved: Itch by Day 2 with further improvement to Week 16. Sleep by the first on-treatment assessment at Week 1 with further improvement to Week 16.

Disease severity as assessed by the POEM (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure) by the first on-treatment assessment at Week 16. Dermatology health-related quality of life (DLQI) scores by the first on-treatment assessment at Week 8. Patient global assessment of change at Week 16, with statistically significant improvements in patients treated with 250 mg Q4W or 250 mg Q2W of lebrikizumab, respectively, rating their atopic dermatitis as "1, much better" compared with patients treated with placebo. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2b dose-ranging study, 280 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were randomized 3:3:3:2 to one of three doses of subcutaneous lebrikizumab (125 mg every four weeks, 250 mg every four weeks, or 250 mg every two weeks) or placebo every two weeks for 16 weeks with safety follow-up to Week 32.

The primary endpoint was the percent change in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) from baseline at Week 16. Secondary endpoints measured atopic dermatitis severity, itch, sleep loss, and included the proportions of patients achieving EASI50, EASI75, EASI90, a score of 0 or 1 on the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), and a >4-point improvement on the pruritus (itch) 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) assessing daily itch. Change in sleep loss from baseline also was measured.

Lebrikizumab was generally well-tolerated. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies, including low frequency of conjunctivitis, herpes virus infections and injection site reactions. Lebrikizumab is a novel, investigational, monoclonal antibody designed to bind IL-13 with very high affinity to specifically prevent the formation of the IL-13Ra1/IL-4Ra heterodimer complex and subsequent signaling, thereby inhibiting the biological effects of IL-13 in a targeted and efficient fashion.

IL-13 is believed to be a central pathogenic mediator that drives multiple aspects of the pathophysiology underlying the range of signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis by promoting type 2 inflammation and mediating its effects on tissue, resulting in skin barrier dysfunction, itch, skin thickening and infection. Lebrikizumab is currently being evaluated in five Phase 3 studies. The ADvocate 1 and ADvocate 2 monotherapy studies and ADhere study in combination with topical corticosteriods are to confirm its safety and efficacy in adolescent and adult patients, ages 12 years and older and 40 kg or greater, with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, along with the ADore adolescent open label safety study and ADjoin long term extension study.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to lebrikizumab for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 years and older and 40 kg or greater.