Rocatinlimab shows promise for treating atopic dermatitis

A new therapy called rocatinlimab has shown promise for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in a phase 3 trial. This therapy targets specific T cells and is designed to reduce immune responses that cause the skin condition. Dr. Emma Guttman-Yassky presented these results at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Orlando. She explained that rocatinlimab works by eliminating activated T cells involved in AD while leaving other T cells unaffected. This could mark a significant step forward in treating immune-related diseases. The trial, named ROCKET HORIZON, involved 726 patients who were given rocatinlimab or a placebo. The treatment was administered through injections every four weeks. Over 2000 patients are expected to participate in the overall seven-trial program. Results showed that after 24 weeks of treatment, significantly more patients taking rocatinlimab experienced marked improvements in their condition compared to those receiving the placebo. For example, about 33% of the rocatinlimab group achieved a significant reduction in symptoms, while only 14% of the placebo group did. Patients also reported less itching, which is a common symptom of AD. Dr. Guttman-Yassky noted that the positive outcomes continued to improve over the duration of the trial. The therapy was generally well tolerated, with fewer serious side effects reported in those taking rocatinlimab compared to the placebo group. Many patients in the trial had long-standing AD, with an average duration of 25 years. Experts are excited about the potential of rocatinlimab not only for AD but also for other diseases involving similar immune responses. Further research will help determine its safety and effectiveness over a longer period.