Study of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Patients With Prurigo Nodularis, Inadequately Controlled on Topical Prescription Therapies or When Those Therapies Are Not Advisable (LIBERTY-PN PRIME)

Study of Dupilumab for the Treatment of Patients With Prurigo Nodularis, Inadequately Controlled on Topical Prescription Therapies or When Those Therapies Are Not Advisable (LIBERTY-PN PRIME)

A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multi-center, Parallel Group Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Patients With Prurigo Nodularis Who Are Inadequately Controlled on Topical Prescription Therapies or When Those Therapies Are Not Advisable

Primary Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of dupilumab on itch response in participants with prurigo nodularis (PN), inadequately controlled on topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. Secondary Objectives: To demonstrate the efficacy of dupilumab on additional itch endpoints in participants with PN, inadequately controlled on topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. To demonstrate efficacy of dupilumab on skin lesions of PN. To demonstrate the improvement in health-related quality of life. To evaluate safety outcome measures. To evaluate immunogenicity of dupilumab.

The duration of study for each participant included 2-4 weeks of screening period, 24 weeks of treatment period and 12 weeks of post treatment period.

Participants received dupilumab at a loading dose of 600 milligrams (mg), subcutaneously (SC) on Day 1 followed by dupilumab 300 mg once every 2 weeks (q2w) for 24 weeks added to background therapy of topical corticosteroids/topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCS/TCI) at stable dose.

Participants received placebo matched to dupilumab 600 mg (loading dose), SC on Day 1 followed by placebo matched to dupilumab 300 mg q2w for 24 weeks added to background therapy of TCS/TCI at stable dose.

Percentage of Participants With Improvement (Reduction) in Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI-NRS) Scores by Greater Than or Equal to (>=) 4 Points From Baseline to Week 24

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Percentage of participants with improvement (reduction) in WI-NRS scores by >=4 points from Baseline to Week 24 is reported in this outcome measure.

Percentage of Participants With Investigator's Global Assessment For Prurigo Nodularis-Stage (IGA PN-S) Scores of 0 or 1 at Week 24

IGA PN-S is an instrument used to assess the overall number and thickness of PN lesions at a given time point, as determined by the investigator. It consists of a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4 where 0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate and 4 = severe. Higher scores indicate severe prurigo nodularis (PN). In this outcome measure, percentage of participants with IGA PN-S score of either 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) has been reported.

Percentage of Participants With Both an Improvement (Reduction) in WI-NRS Scores by >=4 Points and an IGA PN-S Scores of 0 or 1 From Baseline at Week 24

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch), higher scores indicated more severity. IGA PN-S assess the overall number and thickness of PN lesions at a given time point, as determined by the investigator. It consists of a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4 where 0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate and 4 = severe. Higher scores indicated greater severity. Percentage of participants with both an improvement (reduction) in WI-NRS scores by >=4 points (from Baseline) and an IGA PN-S scores of 0 or 1 were reported in this outcome measure.

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Least squares (LS) mean and standard error (SE) were obtained from Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model.

Change From Baseline in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as Measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at Week 24

DLQI is developed to measure dermatology specific HRQoL in adult participants. It comprises of set of 10 questions assessing the impact of skin disease on participants' HRQoL over the previous week. Responses to each question were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale ranged from 0 (not at all) to 3 (very much). Scores from all 10 questions added up to give total DLQI scores ranged from 0 (not at all) to 30 (very much), higher scores indicated more impact on quality of life. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Skin Pain-NRS was used to measure skin pain intensity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst skin pain over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("No pain") to 10 ("Worst possible pain"). Higher scores indicated more severity. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

HADS is a 14-item self-administered questionnaire that consists of 2 scales, one measuring anxiety (HADS-A), and the other measuring depression (HADS-D). Each subscale comprised of 7 items with a scoring range from 0 (less severity of anxiety and depression) to 21 (greater severity of anxiety and depression symptoms) for each subscale. The total HADS score ranges from 0 (less severity) to 42 (more severity), with a high score indicative of severe anxiety and/or depression level. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Probability of Participants With an Improvement (Reduction) in WI-NRS Scores by >=4 Points From Baseline at Week 24

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Probability of participants with an improvement (reduction) in WI-NRS at Week 24 was based on Kaplan-Meier estimates and was reported in this outcome measure.

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Percent Change From Baseline in WI-NRS Scores at Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Baseline, Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24

Percentage of Participants With Improvement (Reduction) in WI-NRS Scores by >=4 Points From Baseline at Week 12

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Percentage of participants with improvement (reduction) in WI-NRS score by >=4 points from Baseline to Week 12 is reported in this outcome measure.

Percentage of Participants With Improvement (Reduction) in WI-NRS Scores by >=4 Points From Baseline at Week 4

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Percentage of participants with improvement (reduction) in WI-NRS scores by >=4 Points at Week 4 is reported in this outcome measure.

Percentage of Participants Achieving >=4 Points Improvement (Reduction) From Baseline in WI-NRS Scores at Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24

WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated more severity. Percentage of participants achieving >=4 points improvement (reduction) from Baseline in WI-NRS scores at Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 is reported in this outcome measure.

Baseline, Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24

Onset of action was defined as the first p<0.05 difference from placebo in the weekly average WI-NRS that remained significant at subsequent measurements. WI-NRS is a validated measure of itch severity. Participants were asked daily to rate the intensity of their worst pruritus (itch) over the past 24 hours, using a 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst imaginable itch). Higher scores indicated greater severity. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Percentage of Participants With Investigator's Global Assessment for PN-Stage (IGA PN-S) 0 or 1 Score at Weeks 4, 8, and 12

IGA PN-S is an instrument used to assess the overall number and thickness of PN lesions at a given time point, as determined by the investigator. It consists of a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4: where 0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate and 4 = severe. Higher scores indicate severe PN. In this outcome measure, percentage of participants with IGA PN-S score of either 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) has been reported.

IGA PN-S is an instrument used to assess the overall number and thickness of PN lesions at a given time point, as determined by the investigator. It consists of a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4: where 0 = clear, 1 = almost clear, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate and 4 = severe. Higher scores indicate severe PN. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Percentage of Participants With Investigator's Global Assessment for PN-Activity (IGA PN-A) 0 or 1 Score at Weeks 4, 8, 12 and 24

The IGA PN-A is an instrument used to assess the overall activity of PN lesions at a given time point, as determined by the investigator. It consists of a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4: where 0 = clear (0% nodules showing excoriations/crusts), 1 = almost clear (up to 10% nodules showing excoriations/crusts), 2 = mild (11-25% nodules showing excoriations/crusts), 3 = moderate (26-75% nodules showing excoriations/crusts) and 4 = severe (76-100% of nodules showing excoriations/crusts). Higher scores indicate severe PN. In this outcome measure, percentage of participants with IGA PN-A score of either 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) has been reported.

DLQI is developed to measure dermatology specific HRQoL in adult participants. It comprises of set of 10 questions assessing the impact of skin disease on participants' HRQoL over the previous week. Responses to each question were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale ranged from 0 (not at all) to 3 (very much). Scores from all 10 questions added up to give total DLQI scores ranged from 0 (not at all) to 30 (very much), higher scores indicated more impact on quality of life. LS means and SE were obtained from ANCOVA model.

Number of Participants With Treatment-emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) and Treatment-emergent Serious Adverse Events (TESAEs)

An Adverse Event (AE) was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant who received study drug and did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with the treatment. Serious adverse events (SAEs) was defined as any untoward medical occurrence that at any dose: resulted in death, was life-threatening, required inpatient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect, was a medically important event. TEAEs were defined as AEs that developed, worsened or became serious during the treatment-emergent (TE) period (from the first investigational medicinal product [IMP] administration to the last IMP administration + 14 weeks).

ADA response was categorized as: Treatment emergent and Treatment-boosted. Treatment emergent ADAs were defined as a participant with no positive assay response at Baseline but with a positive assay response during the entire TEAE period. Treatment boosted ADAs: defined as participants with a positive ADA assay response at Baseline and with at least a 4-fold increase in titer compared to Baseline during the TE period (time from the first IMP administration to the last IMP administration + 14 weeks). Titer values were defined as low titer (< 1,000); moderate (1,000 <= titer <=10,000) and high titer (> 10,000).

Inclusion Criteria: Must be 18 to 80 years of age, at the time of signing the informed consent. With a clinical diagnosis of PN defined by all of the following: Diagnosed by a dermatologist for at least 3 months before the screening visit. On the worst-Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WI-NRS) ranged from 0 to 10, participants who had an average worst itch score of greater than or equal to (>=) 7 in the 7 days prior to Day 1. Participants who had a minimum of 20 PN lesions in total on both legs, and/or both arms and/or trunk, at screening visit and Day 1. History of failing a 2-week course of medium-to-superpotent TCS or when TCS were not medically advisable. Had applied a stable dose of topical emollient (moisturizer) once or twice daily for at least 5 out of the 7 consecutive days immediately before Day 1. Was willing and abled to complete a daily symptom electronic-diary for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: Participants were excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply: Presence of skin morbidities other than PN and mild atopic dermatitis (AD) that interfered with the assessment of the study outcomes. PN secondary to medications. PN secondary to medical conditions such as neuropathy or psychiatric disease. Within 6 months before the screening visit, or documented diagnosis of moderate to severe AD from screening visit to randomization visit. Severe concomitant illness(es) under poor control that, in the investigator's judgment, would adversely affect the participant's participation in the study. Severe renal conditions (eg, participants with uremia and/or on dialysis). Participants with uncontrolled thyroid disease. Active tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, or a history of incompletely treated tuberculosis unless documented adequately treated. Diagnosed active endoparasitic infections; suspected or high risk of endoparasitic infection, unless clinical and (if necessary) laboratory assessment had ruled out active infection before randomization. Active chronic or acute infection (except human immunodeficiency virus infection) required treatment with systemic antibiotics, antivirals, antiprotozoals, or antifungals within 2 weeks before the screening visit or during the screening period. Known or suspected immunodeficiency. Active malignancy or history of malignancy within 5 years before the baseline visit, except completely treated in situ carcinoma of the cervix, completely treated and resolved non-metastatic squamous or basal cell carcinoma of the skin. The above information was not intended to contain all considerations relevant to a participant's potential participation in a clinical trial.

Qualified researchers may request access to patient level data and related study documents including the clinical study report, study protocol with any amendments, blank case report form, statistical analysis plan, and dataset specifications. Patient level data will be anonymized and study documents will be redacted to protect the privacy of trial participants. Further details on Sanofi's data sharing criteria, eligible studies, and process for requesting access can be found at: https://vivli.org