Dupilumab in Diverse Skin — Are Adverse Events Really the Same?
Atopic dermatitis isn’t one-size-fits-all: chronic type 2 inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and S. aureus colonization are core features, but presentation and immune signatures vary by age and ancestry. Emerging data show higher AD burden in African American and Latinx patients and distinct immunophenotypes across groups, facts that raise a practical question for clinicians: do dupilumab‑associated adverse events (d‑AEs) track differently by race? Real-world experience consistently lists ocular and cutaneous reactions as the most common d‑AEs, yet few studies have asked whether those risks differ in routine practice across racial groups. To explore this, a single‑center retrospective chart review at UPenn examined adults treated with dupilumab between 2017 and 2022, focusing on the spectrum and frequency of reported side effects in Black/African American patients; the study was IRB‑approved and applied standard inclusion/exclusion criteria.
The takeaway for busy dermatologists: the known safety signals persist in practice, but nuanced differences by race may exist and could affect counseling and monitoring. Want the specific prevalence, comparative risks, and practical tips for follow‑up? Read the full study – it’s concise, relevant, and immediately applicable to clinic care.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(10): doi:10.36849/JDD.08749
Blog write-up assisted by AI
