Dupilumab-induced Acanthosis Nigricans

Main Article Content

Marita Yaghi
Teresa Ju
Jamie Hu
Arvin Jadoo
Andrea Maderal

Keywords

dupilumab, atopic dermatitis, acanthosis nigricans, drug reaction

Abstract

Dupilumab is a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody to interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in patients six months or older. Several cutaneous adverse reactions to dupilumab have been reported, including facial dermatitis and psoriasis. Herein, we present a unique case of dupilumab-induced acanthosis nigricans (AN) in a patient treated for concomitant AD and contact dermatitis, in the absence of other associated conditions or potential culprit medications. The patient had complete resolution of the lesions with discontinuation of medication, and recurrence upon re-initiation of therapy. This case represents a new cutaneous adverse reaction to dupilumab to which dermatologists should be familiar.

References

1. FDA. DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) injection, for subcutaneous use. 2017. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/761055lbl.pdf

2. FDA approves Dupixent® (dupilumab) as first biologic medicine for children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. 2022. https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2022/2022-06-07-20-45-00-2458243

3. Blauvelt A, de Bruin-Weller M, Gooderham M, et al. Long-term management of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis with dupilumab and concomitant topical corticosteroids (LIBERTY AD CHRONOS): a 1-year, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2017;389(10086):2287-2303.

4. Mourad AI, Haber RM. Drug-induced acanthosis nigricans: A systematic review and new classification. Dermatol Ther. Mar 2021;34(2):e14794. doi:10.1111/dth.14794

5. Das A, Datta D, Kassir M, et al. Acanthosis nigricans: A review. J Cosmet Dermatol. Aug 2020;19(8):1857-1865. doi:10.1111/jocd.13544

6. Stoner RC, Ophaug S, Simpson E, Hanifin J. Acute Pancreatitis in 2 Adolescent Boys on Dupilumab Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatitis. Jan-Feb 01 2021;32(1):e21-e23. doi:10.1097/der.0000000000000651

7. Kurokawa Y, Oikawa Y, Shimada A, Yajima K. Dupilumab-related type 1 diabetes in a patient with atopic dermatitis: a case report. Diabetol Int. Jan 2022;13(1):300-303. doi:10.1007/s13340-021-00526-1

Most read articles by the same author(s)