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Atopic DermatitisMay 2023

What the Measure Up Trials Found — Upadacitinib for Adolescent Eczema

This pooled analysis of three trials looked at 552 adolescents ages 12-17 with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis on upadacitinib — a daily oral JAK inhibitor pill. About 7-8 in 10 had at least 75% improvement in eczema at 16 weeks on the higher dose.

What the trial was testing

The Measure Up 2 enrolled 912 patients with atopic dermatitis. The study was sponsored by AbbVie and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

78% had 75% eczema improvement on upadacitinib 30 mg vs. 12-30% on comparison.

JAMA Dermatology · 2023 · NCT03607422

These findings — that achieved 75% eczema clearance on upadacitinib 30 mg in adolescents — were published in the JAMA Dermatology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 912 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with atopic dermatitis, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) is FDA-approved and available now for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients 12 and older. It is taken once daily by mouth. Side effects to watch for include infections, blood clots, and lab abnormalities. Ask a dermatologist about whether it fits and what monitoring is needed.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.