NOTE TO MEDIA: Today NICE publishes guidance for upadacitinib, abrocitinib and tralokinumab for use in treating atopic dermatitis

This Note to Media has an update: issued 27/4/22

Although we are not issuing a press release, I want to update you on a recent appraisal consultation which took place for the following drugs for treating atopic dermatitis - upadacitinib, abrocitinib and tralokinumab.

Abrocitinib, upadacitinib and tralokinumab are not recommended for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. This recommendation does not affect patients already using these treatments.

The standard treatments available to patients with atopic dermatitis, include topical treatments such as creams and corticosteroids. If these treatments are not effective, systemic immunosuppressants such as methotrexate and ciclosporin can be added and if these are not effective, targeted systematic therapies, dupilumab and baricitinib, can be used. Phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light) can also be effective if a person has severe dermatitis.

Clinical trial evidence available to the committee shows that abrocitinib, upadacitinib and tralokinumab all reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis when compared to placebo. However, comparing effectiveness of the drugs against treatments that are already available was highly uncertain.

The limitations in clinical evidence mean the results from the economic model are also highly uncertain. As such, it is challenging to determine the cost-effectiveness of the drugs. The committee has requested further information to determine the cost effectiveness and will consider this topic again at a meeting in May 2022.

The committee recognises there is a lack of treatments for people who do not respond to current available treatments or are unable to tolerate them.

Atopic dermatitis is a condition that affects the skin. It is one of the most common skin disorders in children, with symptoms usually showing before the age of five, but it can also develop in adulthood. People with atopic dermatitis have dry, inflamed skin that is also extremely itchy Oozing, weeping sores can occur in severe forms and there is no cure for the condition. The aim of treatments initially is to provide symptom relief and then to control symptoms in the longer term.