A chronic inflammatory skin disease, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching. As per surveys, Atopic dermatitis is less in the MENA region than North America and Europe. However, AD cases have been increasing in the MENA region.
The cause for this rise could be a combination of social, environmental and economic factors. Along with the rising prevalence, managing AD also remains a significant issue for the MENA countries that have a low socioeconomic status. Thus, there has been a rising demand for AD diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Existing Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Market
- Emollients and moisturizers are the primary treatment options for AD in the MENA region. They offer improved skin barrier functions, thus diminishing the need for prescription anti-inflammatory treatments. However, lack of effectiveness for moderate-to-severe cases and possibility of adverse reactions are some of the drawbacks of these treatment options.
- Effective anti-inflammatory therapy includes the usage of Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) as the first-line of treatment. The therapy is low cost and offers many generic options.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs; pimecrolimus, tacrolimus) is another treatment option effective in treating mild to severe forms of AD in both adults and children. However, this therapy has a higher cost and can cause stinging/burning sensation. Middle eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan have access to this treatment.
- Other forms of treatment options include crisaborole topical ointment 2%, systemic therapies such as antihistamines, and biologics (dupilumab, baricitinib, tralokinumab).
Emerging Drug Development For Atopic Dermatitis
Apart from the marketed therapies, some of the key companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Shulov Innovate for Science, AbbVie, Pfizer, among others are investigating their pipeline therapies for the Atopic Dermatitis in the MENA. Some of the key therapies under investigation includes –
- In Israel, Eli Lilly and Company is working on baricitinib – a phase III trial product for treating moderate to severe Atopic Dermatitis.
- Countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are under observational study for the drug Dupixent.
- AbbVie is studying its product Upadacitinib combined with topical corticosteroids to treat adult and adolescent participants with severe to moderate AD.
- In Israel, Shulov Innovate for Science is working on its compound ZEP-3Na – a phase II trial product for treating subjects with mild to moderate AD.
- Pfizer is studying the drug Abrocitinib combined with/without topical medications for subjects aged 12 years and above suffering from moderate to severe AD.
In the coming years, with the launch of the emerging therapies the treatment scenario is expected to improve immensely in the region, along with the rising awareness among the general population.
Source: Capping Atopic Dermatitis in the MENA Region – By DUPHAT.
A Dupdave 