Brian Berman, MD, PhD reminded attendees of the importance of understanding the treatment of pruritus, for which US dermatologists see over 1 million patients each year! In order to increase armamentarium of treatment options, Dr. Berman gave a great overview of new and upcoming therapeutics for chronic pruritus and prurigo nodularis.
One exciting detail the audience gleaned was the potential of serlopitant, which is currently in trials for the treatment of chronic pruritus. Phase 2 data have consistently shown a 40% to 50% reduction in pruritus severity scores; this medication has great potential and is something to keep a lookout for in the future. Dr. Berman also discussed the use of pentoxifylline for control of pruritus in prurigo nodularis, giving a potential new use to this drug.
A small study using pentoxifylline in HIV patients with recalcitrant pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis showed significant reductions in symptom severity. Attendees also learned about promising Phase 2 trial regarding the use of nemolizumab, an anti-IL31-Receptor A medication, for the treatment of pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis. This is another medication that appears to hold great promise.