A new study found that abrocitinib significantly reduced pruritus and improved the quality of life in patients with prurigo nodularis and chronic pruritus of unknown origin without serious adverse effects.
The research evaluated the potential of abrocitinib as a treatment for prurigo nodularis (PN) and chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO). This phase 2, open-label, nonrandomized controlled trial, led by Shawn G. Kwatra, MD from Johns Hopkins University, provided evidence for using this Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor in managing these conditions.
Abrocitinib, already approved for treating eczema, was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of severe itching diseases like PN and CPUO.
The trial enrolled 20 adult patients: 10 with moderate to severe PN and ten with CPUO. Participants received 200 mg of oral abrocitinib daily for 12 weeks. The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment, focusing on changes in pruritus severity and quality of life.
Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale scores decreased by 78.3% in PN patients and 53.7% in CPUO patients by week 12. Improvements were also noted in the Dermatology Life Quality Index, with scores dropping by 53.2% for PN and 49.0% for CPUO patients.
No serious adverse events were reported. The most common side effect was a mild acneiform eruption, observed in 10% of the participants.
Dr. Kwatra noted in a separate editorial that patients with PN and CPUO often suffered for years, leading to anxiety and depression due to the lack of effective treatments. The study's rationale stemmed from altered inflammatory mediators in these conditions that function through JAK1. The results showed that abrocitinib reduced itching and pain symptoms by 78% in PN patients and 54% in CPUO patients, with noted improvements in quality of life and sleep habits.
Abrocitinib's ability to reduce pruritus and improve quality of life without serious adverse effects suggests it could be a viable treatment option for PN and CPUO. The study's authors advocated for larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials to confirm these findings and further investigate the drug's potential.
Full disclosures can be found in the study.