Abstract
Prof Bieber opened the symposium by explaining that there has been a revolution in the management of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) since the approval of the first biologic, dupilumab, in 2017. He explained that the symposium was part of an ongoing education programme ADstarted this year by Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron. The goal of this programme is to support dermatologists to improve the management of patients with moderate-to-severe AD and bring together clinicians from different specialities to optimise the treatment of a range of diseases commonly occurring in patients with AD. Prof Guttman-Yassky reviewed the latest developments in the understanding of the pathophysiology of AD, particularly the recognition of its systemic nature and the central role of type 2 cytokine activation, and how this has led to the development of novel treatments. Prof Bieber explained the need to evaluate AD patients with objective clinical assessments together with subjective patient-reported outcomes (PRO) to better understand the impact of AD on the patient and their quality of life, and how to plan treatment to improve both aspects. The management challenge posed by the persistent nature of AD, which can last for many years in some patients, was addressed by Prof Thaçi. He highlighted the need for effective, safe, and well-tolerated long-term systemic treatment due to the chronic nature of AD and the limited use of immunosuppressive agents because of their benefit–risk profile. He also reported the long-term efficacy and safety data for dupilumab.