The US FDA has expanded the indications for the monoclonal antibody dupilumab to also include treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis making it the first treatment for this condition. It has been approved for adults and children aged 12 and older weighing at least 40 kg. The drug is a joint collaboration between Sanofi and Regeneron.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammation of the esophagus and is marked by high eosinophils in the esophagus. The symptoms include difficulty eating, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain and food getting stuck in the esophagus. 

Side effects: Injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, joint pain, herpes viral infections

Contraindications: Patients with known hypersensitivity to dupilumab or any of its inactive ingredients.

Warnings and precautions: Allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, keratitis, joint pain; use in patients with certain parasitic infections and use along with live vaccinations.

Dupilumab is already FDA approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult and children (≥6 years), as add-on maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in adult and children (≥6 years) and in adults with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

(Source: US FDA, May 2022)