dupilumab
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a monoclonal antibody from Sanofi that blocks interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signalling, two drivers of type 2 inflammation. It is used in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and as add-on therapy in selected asthma.
This page is based on FDA prescribing information and the EMA medicine record for dupilumab, cross-checked with DailyMed and the National Cancer Institute dictionary; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
In atopic disease, two messenger hormones, IL-4 and IL-13, keep passing the same inflammatory memo through a shared office inbox. Dupilumab locks that inbox, so neither memo gets read. The itch, redness and swelling instructions never reach the tissue workers, and the flare settles.
In simple terms
Atopic dermatitis and some forms of asthma are fuelled by type 2 inflammation, in which the immune signals IL-4 and IL-13 keep tissues irritated. Dupilumab binds the receptor that both signals use, blocking their action. With that pathway switched off, skin inflammation and itch decrease, and in asthma the airways become less inflamed and attacks become less frequent.
In depth
Dupilumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds the IL-4 receptor alpha chain, inhibiting signalling through both the type I and type II IL-4 receptor complexes and thereby blocking IL-4 and IL-13 pathways. This suppresses type 2 inflammatory cascades, including IgE production, eosinophil recruitment and epithelial alarmin responses. In atopic dermatitis it restores skin barrier gene expression; in eosinophilic asthma it reduces exacerbations and oral corticosteroid requirements.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
Dupilumab locks that inbox, so neither memo gets read
- Atopic dermatitis and some forms of asthma are fuelled by type 2 inflammation.
- In atopic disease, two messenger hormones, IL-4 and IL-13, keep passing the same inflammatory memo through a shared office inbox.
- Dupilumab binds the receptor that both signals use, blocking their action.
- With that pathway switched off, skin inflammation and itch decrease, and in asthma the airways become less inflamed and attacks become less frequent.
Target: Interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4R alpha)
A receptor subunit shared by the interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 pathways, which drive allergic inflammation in skin, airways and other tissues; blocking it quiets both signals at once.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- Treatment of adults and children 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable
- Add-on maintenance treatment of adults and children 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid dependent asthma
Approved uses in European Union
EMA- Treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy
- Treatment of severe atopic dermatitis in children 6 months to 11 years of age who are candidates for systemic therapy
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- Dupixent (dupilumab) — Summary of product characteristics and package leaflet, English version
European Medicines Agency
- DailyMed: Dupixent (dupilumab) label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: dupilumab prescribing information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- National Cancer Institute: dupilumab
National Cancer Institute
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.