currently have no targeted treatments, according to a new study. The drug, abrocitinib, was found to cause minimal side effects during a small 12-week study. It was beneficial for those with an itching disease called prurigo nodularis as well as for those with chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition that causes chronic unexplainable itching symptoms.A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology has found that there are currently no specific treatments available for certain itching conditions. The drug abrocitinib was tested in a 12-week study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and was found to have minimal side effects. It was effective for prurigo nodularis, an itching disease, as well as chronic pruritus of unknown origin, a condition causing chronic unexplainable itching symptoms. The lead researcher emphasized the lack of effective treatments for these conditions, leaving patients in discomfort for extended periods.According to Shawn Kwatra, MD, the Joseph W. Burnett Endowed Professor and Chair of Dermatology at UMSOM and Chief of Service Dermatology at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), prurigo nodularis can cause anxiety and depression, significantly impacting the affected individuals’ quality of life. The study was inspired by findings from Dr. Kwatra’s laboratory, which discovered altered inflammatory mediators related to JAK1 in these conditions. The goal of the trial is to advance personalized therapies that can offer long-term relief for managing these debilitating conditions, which affect at least 130,000 Americans.Prurigo nodularis is a condition that leads to numerous itchy and disfiguring bumps, commonly found on the chest, arms, and legs. According to Dr. Kwatra’s previous research, this condition is more prevalent in Black individuals compared to white individuals, with a higher occurrence in women. It has also been linked to depression, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and HIV. Chronic pruritus of unknown origin is most commonly seen in older adults and is characterized by severe itching lasting longer than six weeks. Current treatment approaches involve the use of over-the-counter and prescription itch relief ointments, as well as anti-inflammatory medications like antihistamines.The study included 20 patients, half with prurigo nodularis and half with chronic pruritus of unknown origin. They were all given a 200-milligram pill of abrocitinib once a day for 12 weeks. The patients were aware that they were receiving an experimental treatment, and there was no placebo group included in the study. Abrocitinib was found to decrease itching and pain symptoms by 78 percent in the prurigo nodularis patients. Patients with chronic pruritus of unknown origin experienced a 54 percent reduction in itching and pain symptoms.both groups also saw an improvement in their quality of life and sleep patterns. No patients experienced any serious adverse events. The most common side effect, affecting 10 percent of patients, was small acne-like bumps. Abrocitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor drug that works to reduce inflammation by targeting pro-inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines, which are involved in an overactive immune system. The drug appears to slow down immune activity by suppressing intracellular signaling of these cytokines. Mark T. Gla commented, “This study is not only encouraging but also paves the way for a Phase 3 clinical trial.”Shawn G. Kwatra, MD, is the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of UMSOM, and Vice President for Medical Affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore. He believes that this new treatment has the potential to help patients in underserved communities who are disproportionately affected by prurigo nodularis, a condition that has been historically overlooked by dermatology.
Since taking on his role at UMSOM, Dr. Kwatra has established the Maryland Itch Center at UMMC and is currently conducting research there.
