Eli Lilly’s Lebrikizumab Shows Promise in Eczema Treatment for Skin of Color

Eli Lilly’s recent breakthrough in eczema treatment represents a stride in addressing the specific needs of individuals with skin of color, who often encounter distinctive challenges in managing their condition. 

The findings from the phase 3 study of lebrikizumab, presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, underscore its efficacy in clearing skin and alleviating itchiness among people of color.

In the trial dubbed ADmirable, Eli Lilly focused on evaluating lebrikizumab’s impact on 50 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, predominantly comprising individuals with darker skin tones. Notably, the trial’s composition reflected a diverse representation, with 80% of participants identifying as Black or African American, 14% as Asian, and 6% as American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, 11 participants identified as Hispanic/Latinx.

The results unveiled promising outcomes, with 68% of participants experiencing significant improvement in disease severity, marked by a reduction of at least 75% in affected skin areas. Furthermore, 46% of individuals achieved an impressive 90% improvement, while 39% attained clear or nearly clear skin—a milestone in eczema management. Equally noteworthy is the finding that 56% of participants reported clinically meaningful relief from the distressing symptom of itchiness.

Crucially, the trial did not unearth any new safety concerns associated with lebrikizumab, and no serious adverse events were reported—a reassuring validation of its safety profile. While more comprehensive data are awaited to be disclosed at forthcoming medical conferences, these initial findings augur well for the potential of lebrikizumab to address the unmet needs of individuals with atopic dermatitis, particularly those with skin of color.

Dr. Mark Genovese, Senior Vice President of Immunology Development at Lilly, emphasized the significance of these results, noting that lebrikizumab represents a pioneering investigative treatment tailored to the specific needs of individuals with skin of color. He underscored Lilly’s commitment to advancing equitable healthcare through clinical research initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved populations.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, disproportionately affects individuals with skin of color, often manifesting with more severe symptoms and delayed diagnosis. Dr. Andrew Alexis, the study’s lead investigator, highlighted the historical underrepresentation of this demographic in clinical trials, leading to a scarcity of data on effective treatment strategies. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion in research endeavors, initiatives like the ADmirable trial play a part in bridging this gap and expanding the evidence base for tailored interventions.

The promising results from the ADmirable trial lend further credence to the potential of lebrikizumab to address the unmet needs of individuals with atopic dermatitis, particularly those from marginalized communities. 

Despite facing setbacks with a previous FDA application in 2023 due to manufacturing issues, Lilly remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing healthcare equity and bringing innovative therapies to patients in need. While Almirall S.A. has secured approval for lebrikizumab in Europe, Lilly continues to navigate regulatory pathways in the United States and other regions to ensure broader accessibility to this groundbreaking treatment.