How it works

Dupilumab is sold under the trade name Dupixent and is sometimes used to treat eczema, asthma, and other disorders that cause inflammation.

By attaching to the interleukin-4R subunit, which is shared by the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 receptor complexes, dupixent (dupilumab) inhibits the inflammatory response. Interleukins are cytokines that are produced spontaneously. Immune system cells produce cytokines, which have an impact on other cells. Many immune system cell types, including mast cells, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and goblet cells, express IL-4R. These cause the release of chemicals that contribute to inflammation, including histamine, eicosanoids, cytokines, etc. Dupixent, which blocks IL-4R, reduces the inflammatory response brought on by IL-4 and IL-13 in conditions like eczema, nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Dupixent's precise method of action in asthma is unclear.

The group of drugs known as interleukin inhibitors includes dupixent. It can also be referred to as a biologic or a human monoclonal antibody.