Current state of biologics in treating eosinophilic esophagitis.

OBJECTIVE

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergen-mediated, eosinophil-predominant, type 2 inflammatory disease that progresses to fibrostenosis of the esophagus if left untreated. This review focuses on biologics therapy in EoE.

DATA SOURCES: Manuscripts on EoE treatments are identified on PubMed.

STUDY SELECTIONS: Original research, randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, meta-analyses, case series, and case reports of high relevance are selected and reviewed.

RESULTS

Biologics have been used as investigational therapies for EoE in clinical studies over the years, based on earlier work that identified key cytokines and mediators of eosinophilic inflammation and, more recently, type 2 inflammation that underlie EoE pathogenesis. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin (IL)-4Rα chain, thereby interfering with IL-4 and IL-13 binding with the receptor, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for EoE. Dupilumab improved clinical symptoms, endoscopic scores, histologic inflammation, and esophageal distensibility. Several clinical trials that target key cytokines such as IL-5, IL-13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in EoE are still ongoing.

CONCLUSION

Topical corticosteroid, proton pump inhibitor therapy, elimination diet, and dilation are widely accepted treatment modalities for EoE. Dupilumab is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy for EoE. Other studies evaluating biologics that target eosinophils, key cytokines, and inflammatory pathways in EoE are ongoing. Treatment algorithms are needed to position EoE therapies as they emerge.