Early itch relief with ivarmacitinib improves quality of life, working productivity, and sleep quality in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a post hoc analysis of a phase III trial.

Background: Ivarmacitinib (SHR0302), a selective Janus kinase-1 inhibitor, is a novel treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives: This post hoc analysis evaluated the impact of early itch relief with ivarmacitinib on quality of life (QoL), working productivity, and sleep quality in affected patients.

Methods: Data from ivarmacitinib treatment groups in a phase III trial (NCT04875169) were analyzed. Patients were classified as early itch responders (EIR; ≥4-point reduction in Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale at week 4) or non-early itch responders (non-EIR). Outcomes included the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score, DLQI 0/1 response rate, DLQI work/study item, and the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) sleep item.

Results: Of 225 patients, 90 were EIR and 135 were non-EIR. The EIR group showed significantly greater improvements in DLQI total score, DLQI 0/1 response rate, and work productivity from week 4 through week 52 compared to the non-EIR group. Sleep disturbance due to itch was also significantly improved in the EIR group from week 4 to week 40, though the difference at week 52 was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Early itch relief with ivarmacitinib showed significant improvements in QoL, sleep, and work productivity in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.