Reducing or stopping dupilumab treatment in children with controlled atopic dermatitis

Dupilumab De-escalation in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT06116526

This study is testing whether children aged 1-17 with controlled atopic dermatitis can safely stop or lower their dupilumab treatment to see how it affects their skin condition.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsdupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, upadacitinib, methotrexate
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT06116526 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot clinical trial evaluates the feasibility of discontinuing or reducing the dose of dupilumab in children aged 1-17 years who have maintained control of atopic dermatitis (AD) while on the medication. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: stopping dupilumab, reducing the dose, or continuing the standard dose. The study involves five visits for skin examinations and questionnaires to assess AD severity and symptoms. Additionally, there will be follow-up contacts every twelve weeks to monitor symptoms and medication use during the observational period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1 to 17 years who have well-controlled atopic dermatitis on dupilumab for at least 12 months.

Not a fit: Patients currently taking other systemic medications for atopic dermatitis or those with poorly controlled atopic dermatitis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine safe strategies for reducing or stopping dupilumab treatment in children, potentially minimizing medication exposure and side effects.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of dupilumab, similar studies evaluating treatment de-escalation in chronic conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 1 to \<18 years old, either sex, any race or ethnicity
* Provide signed informed consent by parent or legal guardian and informed assent if applicable
* Has a physician confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis
* Has received dupilumab for at least 12 months for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
* Has had well-controlled atopic dermatitis on dupilumab within last 6 months (defined as POEM\<=7, EASI\<=7, or IGA\<=2)
* Able to speak English
* Able and willing to adhere to all study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Taking concurrent systemic medication for atopic dermatitis (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, upadacitinib, systemic corticosteroids)
* Using concurrent phototherapy for atopic dermatitis
* Taking dupilumab for a clinical indication other than atopic dermatitis (such as asthma or eosinophilic esophagitis)
* Poor control of atopic dermatitis
* Poor control of asthma or eosinophilic esophagitis
* Has used an investigational drug within 90 days or plan to use an investigational drug during the study period
* Does not have health insurance or will lose health insurance during the study period

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atopic Dermatitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.