Successful tapering of dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis with low disease activity: a large pragmatic daily practice study from the BioDay registry

Background Limited data are available regarding patient-centred dosing of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis (AD) in daily practice. Objectives To evaluate our patient-centred dupilumab dosing regimen in daily practice, to assess prognostic factors for successful tapering and to estimate medication-related cost savings. Methods This prospective multicentre study included adult patients with AD, participating in the BioDay registry, treated with dupilumab for >= 1.3 years. Interval prolongation was considered in the case of dupilumab standard dose for >= 1 year and persistent controlled AD [Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) <= 7; >= 6 months]. Primary endpoints were the mean EASI and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)-pruritus after the start of tapering. Prognostic factors for successful tapering were analysed with logistic regression and a cost-savings analysis was performed. Results A total of 595 patients were included, of whom 401 patients [mean EASI 2.5 (SD 2.3); NRS-pruritus of 2.4 ( SD 1.9) at the start of tapering] prolonged their dupilumab interval. In 83.3% of these patients tapering was successful; most patients used dupilumab every 3 or 4 weeks (Q3W/Q4W). A significant small increase was observed for EASI (highest mean 3.5) and NRS-pruritus (highest mean 3.2) (P < 0.001); however, scores remained low. Predicting successful tapering showed nonsignificant odds ratios for all incorporated variables. The estimated cost savings was (sic)3 977 033.98 for 401 patients between January 2019 and June 2022. Conclusions This study showed successful tapering of dupilumab in 83.3% of patients with AD who attempted tapering, while maintaining controlled disease and with the majority using Q3W/Q4W. Interval prolongation can be beneficial both for the patient and from a socioeconomic perspective.