Dupilumab Reduces Specific IgE to Foods at 12 and 24 Months in Small Study

A retrospective study presented in a late-breaking science session the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Annual Meeting found that dupilumab significantly reduced food-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in adults with food allergies.¹

Specifically, at 12 months, IgE levels decreased by 56.9% (P <.001; n = 71), and at 24 months by 73.5% (P <.001; n = 37). Notably, patients who successfully passed oral food challenges exhibited a 69.4% reduction at 12 months (P =.012) and an 81.8% reduction at 24 months (P =.027).¹

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signaling, is not currently approved for the treatment of food allergies. However, given the role of type 2 cytokines in IgE-mediated food allergy, investigators led by Emily Lothamer, a clinical research intern at Indiana University School of Medicine, sought to determine whether dupilumab influences IgE levels in individuals with comorbid food allergies.¹

The study included 13 adults at Deaconess Clinic Allergy in Evansville, IN, with documented food allergies who were prescribed dupilumab. Each participant had at least 2 measured IgE levels before initiating dupilumab and at least 1 measurement taken more than 2 months after starting treatment. A total of 77 allergens were analyzed. Investigators assessed IgE level changes over time, with follow-up measurements extending up to 84 months after dupilumab initiation.¹

Dupilumab is currently approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis,² eosinophilic esophagitis,³ and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.⁴ While it is also used to reduce asthma-related inflammation, it is not indicated for acute asthma exacerbations.

“Dupilumab was associated with reduction of specific IgE to foods at 12 and 24 months as well as passed food challenge in this retrospective study,” investigators concluded. Given the findings, they said, further research is warranted to explore the potential role of dupilumab in managing IgE-mediated food allergies.

References
1. Lothamer E, McLaughlin A, Koleilat M. Impact of dupilumab on food-specific IgE levels in food-allergic patients. JACI. 2025;155(2) AB457. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(24)02348-0/fulltext
2. Jennings S. FDA Approved Dupilumab as the First Treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Patient Care Online. May 23, 2022. https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/fda-approved-dupilumab-as-the-first-treatment-for-eosinophilic-esophagitis
3. Halsey G. FDA Approves Dupilumab for Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children Aged 1 to 11 Years. Patient Care Online. January 26, 2024. https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/fda-approves-dupilumab-for-eosinophilic-esophagitis-in-children-aged-1-to-11-years
4. Halsey G. Dupilumab Becomes First Biologic Approved in the US as Targeted Therapy for Adults with COPD. Patient Care Online. September 27, 2024. https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/dupilumab-becomes-first-biologic-approved-in-the-us-as-targeted-therapy-for-adults-with-copd