Adbry vs. Dupixent for Eczema: 5 Ways These Biologics Compare

There are ways to save on Adbry and Dupixent, which are available as brand-name medications. Manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs can help make your prescription more affordable.

For many people with atopic dermatitis (eczema), topical treatments are often the first line of defense. But when the symptoms become difficult to manage, more targeted treatments may be added on. For those with moderate-to-severe eczema, dermatologists may recommend biologic medications — injectable treatments that can help target the underlying cause of inflammation.

Dupixent (dupilumab) and Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm) are two biologics for moderate-to-severe eczema. Both treatments can be used alone or with topical treatments, such as corticosteroids. Despite these similarities, Adbry and Dupixent have some key differences. Here are five things to consider.

1. Adbry and Dupixent work slightly differently for eczema

Both Adbry and Dupixent are monoclonal antibodies — lab-made antibodies with specific targets in the body. They work to reduce inflammation by blocking certain proteins in your immune system. Dupixent blocks two proteins, while Adbry blocks one protein.

Both Adbry and Dupixent work by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13). IL-13 is found in higher amounts in eczema skin lesions. It plays a key role in creating symptoms such as inflammation and itching.

In addition to IL-13, Dupixent also blocks interleukin-4 (IL-4). IL-4 is also thought to play a role in eczema. And by blocking both IL-13 and IL-4, Dupixent targets multiple steps of the disease process.

2. Dupixent is approved for a wider age range compared with Adbry

Adbry and Dupixent are FDA-approved for different age groups. Both medications are approved for adults. But Adbry is approved for people ages 12 and older, while Dupixent is approved for people ages 6 months and older.

Dupixent was first studied in adolescents and children ages 6 to 11. It was later studied in children ages 6 months to 5 years. All of these studies showed that Dupixent was well-tolerated and helped reduce eczema symptoms.

Adbry’s approval for adolescents is based on a 52-week clinical study that included people ages 12 to 17 with moderate-to-severe eczema. The study showed that Adbry was effective and well-tolerated in this age group. Adbry is currently being studied for eczema in children as young as 6 months, so it could be approved for younger children in the future.

3. Adbry and Dupixent have differences in their dosage schedules

Both Adbry and Dupixent are injected subcutaneously (under the skin), using a prefilled injection pen or prefilled syringe. But there can be some differences in their dosage schedules and how many injections are required for your dose.

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Adults receiving Dupixent or Adbry usually start with a loading dose (an initial higher dose). The Adbry loading dose uses 4 injections (prefilled syringe) or 2 injections (injection pen). The Dupixent loading dose uses 2 injections. After that, Adbry and Dupixent are injected every other week. But adults with a body weight below 100 kg (220 lbs) who achieve clear or almost clear skin with Adbry after 16 weeks (about 4 months) may be able to inject it every 4 weeks instead.

Dupixent has specific weight-based dosing for children, while Adbry does not. And children under 5 years old receiving Dupixent aren’t recommended to get a loading dose. All other children eligible for Dupixent or Adbry should get a loading dose.

Good to know: After you’ve received training from a healthcare professional, you may be able to give yourself or your child Dupixent or Adbry injections at home. This may be more convenient than going to your dermatologist’s office to get injections.

4. Adbry and Dupixent can cause slightly different side effects

Adbry and Dupixent can cause a few similar side effects, such as injection site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, and bruising). One study found that people receiving Adbry reported more injection site reactions compared with those receiving Dupixent. But these were generally mild and didn’t stop people from using either medication.

Adbry and Dupixent can also cause eye inflammation. However, Adbry might be less likely to cause eye side effects. Eye problems are common with moderate-to-severe eczema. And treatment with either medication may worsen eye symptoms for some people. But if you’re experiencing eye-related side effects from Dupixent, your dermatologist may consider switching you to Adbry.

Besides injection site reactions and eye inflammation, Adbry and Dupixent can cause a few different side effects in people with eczema. For example, new or worsening joint pain has been reported with Dupixent. And upper respiratory tract infections have been reported with Adbry.

5. Dupixent has approved uses beyond eczema

Adbry is only FDA-approved to treat eczema. But Dupixent has many other approved uses. Other health conditions that Dupixent can be used for include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with high levels of eosinophils (a type of immune cell)

• Moderate-to-severe asthma (eosinophilic type or needing oral steroids)

• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Prurigo nodularis (a skin condition with itchy bumps)

Your dermatologist might consider your other health conditions when prescribing one of these biologic medications for you. For example, some people with eczema may also have asthma. In those cases, Dupixent may be a good option to treat both at the same time.

How to save on Adbry and Dupixent

There are ways to save on Adbry and Dupixent, which are available as brand-name medications. Both medications are typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies, which should help you navigate insurance coverage and savings opportunities.

If you’re eligible, manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs (PAPs) can help make your prescription more affordable. With the Dupixent copay card or PAP, you could pay as little as $0 for your prescription. This is also the case with the Adbry copay card and PAP.

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Written by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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