NICE Endorses Ebglyss for Atopic Dermatitis

Around 5.2 million adults in the UK suffer from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, according to Shutterstock / Kmpzzz. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England has approved Almirall's Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) for treating patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This recommendation offers NHS patients an additional biological therapy option. As per NICE guidelines, the NHS must provide this treatment within 90 days.

Ebglyss, a monoclonal antibody, will be available for patients over 12 years old who have not responded to or cannot take systemic immunosuppressants, as outlined in a press release dated 10 July. Ebglyss joins existing interleukin-targeting therapies such as Sanofi/Regeneron's Dupixent (dupilumab) and Leo Pharma's Adbry (tralokinumab). Additionally, NICE has also recommended Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like Cibinqo (abrocitinib), Olumiant (baricitinib), and Rinvoq (upadacitinib), developed by Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and AbbVie respectively.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder marked by severe itching. Its prevalence is estimated to be up to 4.4% among adults in the EU, and in the UK alone, around 5.2 million adults are affected by moderate to severe forms of the condition.

Ebglyss received approval in Europe in October 2023 and subsequently in the UK two months later. The drug functions by inhibiting interleukin-13 (IL-13) signalling, which is crucial in driving the type-2 inflammatory response in the skin. Similarly, Adbry targets IL-13, while Dupixent inhibits both IL-13 and IL-4 pathways.

Andrew Proctor, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society, emphasized the importance of having a variety of treatment options, so patients can find the most effective therapy for their condition.

Almirall obtained the rights to develop and commercialize Ebglyss for dermatological uses, including atopic dermatitis, in Europe from Dermira in 2019. Eli Lilly acquired Dermira later, retaining the rights to the drug in the US and other global markets.

Ebglyss is projected to achieve blockbuster status by 2026, with GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Centre forecasting nearly $3.4 billion in global sales by 2030.

In the competitive landscape dominated by Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent, Johnson & Johnson made a significant move within the atopic dermatitis market earlier this year. They spent $1.25 billion in May to acquire Numab Therapeutics' antibody NM26, indicating the high stakes and dynamic nature of treatments available for this condition.