AAD 2026 Late-Breaker: Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, on Phase 2 Success of Nemolizumab in Pediatric AD

Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, and chief of pediatric dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital, sat down with Dermatology Times to discuss today’s late-breaking phase 2 data evaluating nemolizumab in children aged 2 to 11 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).¹ As the first study to examine this IL-31–targeting therapy in younger children, the findings, presented at AAD 2026, represent an important step toward expanding treatment options in pediatric dermatology.

The trial (NCT04921345) employed what Eichenfield calls a “gated” cohort design to ensure appropriate pharmacokinetic exposure comparable to that seen in adolescents and adults. Initial dosing adjustments in older children (ages 7 to 11) informed subsequent cohorts, including younger patients (ages 2 to 6). Across cohorts receiving optimized dosing, baseline disease severity was substantial, with the majority of patients classified as moderate and approximately one-quarter as severe, along with significant body surface area involvement.

Efficacy outcomes were “quite exciting,” according to Eichenfield. By week 16, approximately 47% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin, while EASI-75 responses approached 70%. Higher-level responses were also impressive, with EASI-90 achieved in over half of patients across age groups. Importantly, these responses were sustained and improved through 52 weeks, with EASI-90 rates rising into the high 60% to 70% range. One of the most compelling findings was the rapid onset of itch relief, a hallmark of IL-31 pathway inhibition, with clinically meaningful reductions observed as early as week 1 in a majority of patients. From a safety perspective, nemolizumab was well tolerated, with a profile consistent with prior studies in older populations. Treatment-emergent adverse events were minimal, and discontinuations were rare, supporting its potential suitability for long-term use in pediatric patients.

Eichenfield emphasized that nemolizumab’s mechanism of action—targeting the IL-31 pathway—may offer distinct advantages, particularly in addressing the pruritus associated with pediatric AD. This differentiates it from existing biologics that primarily target IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. While the results are encouraging, Eichenfield noted that further regulatory discussions and potential additional studies will determine the path toward approval in younger patients.

“It'll be very interesting to see how this gets developed and how quickly we can have it in our hands as we look for different medications to help benefit this younger population,” he concluded.

Reference

1. AAD 2026: Late-breaking nemolizumab data demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for children aged 2 to 11 with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. News release. Galderma. Published March 28, 2026. Accessed March 28, 2026. https://www.galderma.com/news/aad-2026-late-breaking-data-atopic-dermatitis