NCT05268107 · University of Michigan
Ethnic Differences in Mechanisms of Action of Dupilumab
What this study is about
Previous research has shown that Asian and African Americans are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis (AD) than their Caucasian counterparts. However, limited information is known about AD in Asian and African American populations because most molecular studies have focused on Caucasians with AD.
View original scientific description
Previous research has shown that Asian and African Americans are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis (AD) than their Caucasian counterparts. However, limited information is known about AD in Asian and African American populations because most molecular studies have focused on Caucasians with AD. This trial will determine differences in inflammatory responses to dupilumab between Caucasian, Asian, and African American patients with AD. The central hypothesis of this study is that ethnic differences in both immune and stromal cells contribute to variability in AD presentation and response to anti-interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) inhibition with dupilumab.
Interventions
DRUG
Dupilumab
Patients will be treated with dupilumab for 4 months (standard FDA-approved dosing of 600 mg subcutaneously at baseline/week 0, followed by 300 mg every 2 weeks). Skin biopsies will be assessed at baseline (lesional and non-lesional), week 2 (lesional), and week 16 (lesional). In addition, blood will be obtained at baseline and week 16.
Primary outcome measures
Difference in inflammatory response to dupilumab between Caucasian, Asian and African American patients with atopic dermatitis as measured by change in expression of interleukin4 (IL4) from week 0 to 2.
Time frame: Week 0, week 2
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Established diagnosis of AD for at least 2 years before the screening visit and confirmed according to the American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Criteria at the time of the screening visit
- Moderate-to-severe AD with involvement \> 10% of body-surface-area (BSA) and investigator global assessment (IGA) score 3 (based on the IGA scale ranging from 0 to 4, in which 3 is moderate and 4 is severe) at both the screening and baseline visits
- Female subjects of childbearing potential (i.e., fertile, following menarche and until becoming post-menopausal unless permanently sterile) must agree either to commit to true abstinence throughout the study and for 12 weeks after the last study drug injection or to use an adequate and approved method of contraception throughout the study and for 12 weeks after the last study drug injection
- Subject willing and able to comply with all of the time commitments and procedural requirements of the clinical study protocol
Exclusion criteria
- Body weight less than 30 kilogram
- Subjects meeting 1 or more of the following criteria at screening or baseline:
- Had an exacerbation of asthma requiring hospitalization in the preceding 12 months.
- Reporting asthma that has not been well-controlled (ie, symptoms occurring on \>2 days per week, nighttime awakenings 2 or more times per week, or some interference with normal activities) during the preceding 3 months
- Asthma Control Test (ACT) \< 19 (only for subjects with a history of asthma).
- Subjects with a current medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or chronic bronchitis.
- Cutaneous infection within 1 week before the baseline visit, any infection requiring treatment with oral or parenteral antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitics, or antifungals within 2 weeks before the baseline visit.
- Confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection within 4 weeks before the screening or baseline visit
- Received COVID-19 vaccination within 4 weeks before baseline visit
- Previous treatment with dupilumab
- Pregnant women (positive serum pregnancy test result at the screening visit or positive urine pregnancy test at the baseline visit), breastfeeding women, or women planning a pregnancy during the clinical study
- History of lymphoproliferative disease or history of malignancy of any organ system within the last 5 years, except for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), or carcinomas in situ of the cervix that have been treated and have no evidence of recurrence in the last 12 weeks before the baseline visit
- History of hypersensitivity (including anaphylaxis) to an immunoglobulin product (plasma-derived or recombinant, i.e., monoclonal antibody) or to lidocaine
- Known active or latent tuberculosis (TB) infection
- Known or suspected immunosuppression or unusually frequent, recurrent, severe, or prolonged infections as per investigator judgment
- History of or current confounding skin condition (i.e., Netherton syndrome, psoriasis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma \[mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome\], contact dermatitis, chronic actinic dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Planned or expected major surgical procedure during the study
- Currently participating or participated in any other study of a drug or device, within the past 8 weeks before the screening visit, or is in an exclusion period (if verifiable) from a previous study
- History of alcohol or substance abuse within 6 months of the screening
- History of poor wound healing or keloid formation
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collaborators
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 6, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations