RELIEVE-PN: Prurigo Nodularis Improves Over 6 Months on Dupilumab, With Sarina Elmariah, MD, PhD, MPH

New 6-month findings from the RELIEVE-PN study suggest individuals with prurigo nodularis treated with dupilumab (Dupixent) show significant improvements in their levels of itch and nodule clearance.1

These new results were highlighted during an HCPLive team interview at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, with trial investigator Sarina Elmariah, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. Elmariah responded to several questions regarding the RELIEVE-PN study, the results’ significance for prurigo nodularis, and more.

Prurigo nodularis is a serious, chronic inflammatory skin condition known for its persistent itch and isolated pruritic firm papules and nodules.2 The following Q&A summary highlights Elmariah’s responses to HCPLive’s inquiries regarding dupilumab for prurigo nodularis:

HCPLive: Can you start by giving an overview of the RELIEVE-PN study and what question you were aiming to answer with this analysis?

Elmariah: This is an ongoing, real-world study to evaluate Dupixent in clinical practice for adults with prurigo nodularis using patient-reported surveys. This specific analysis assessed interim outcomes related to itch and nodule clearance after 6 months of Dupixent treatment.

HCPLive: How was the study designed, and what makes this real-world, longitudinal survey approach important for understanding outcomes in patients with prurigo nodularis?

Elmariah: Adults with prurigo nodularis enrolled in the U.S. Dupixent patient support program were recruited for the study. Patients received surveys at baseline and then at 1, 3 and 6 months following Dupixent initiation. Real-world evidence studies like this provide important additional insights into the impact Dupixent can have in clinical practice and further support its approved use for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis.

HCPLive: What were the key findings at the 6-month mark, particularly in terms of itch reduction and nodule clearance?

Elmariah: After 6 months of treatment with Dupixent, a significantly higher proportion of patients had ≤5 nodules and no-to-mild itch compared to baseline, which was consistent across the overall population as well as those who continued Dupixent through 6 months (the majority of patients stayed on Dupixent at 1, 3 and 6 months post Dupixent initiation). These significant reductions in nodules and itch started as early as 1 month after patients started taking Dupixent.

HCPLive: How do you interpret the clinical significance of these improvements for patients living with prurigo nodularis?

Elmariah: These results reinforce the efficacy we’ve already seen with Dupixent, but, importantly, demonstrate, in real-world clinical practice, patients themselves are reporting significant reductions in two key outcomes that are particularly burdensome: itch and nodules.

HCPLive: Looking ahead, how do you see these data influencing clinical practice or shaping future research on dupilumab and PN?

Elmariah: Dupixent is already approved for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis, but these results further support its established efficacy in these patients and demonstrate that patients are feeling the improvements themselves in real-world clinical practice.

The quotes used in this Q&A interview summary were edited for clarity.

Elmariah has served as an advisory board member, consultant, investigator, and/or speaker for Bellus Health, Celldex Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Incyte, New Frontier Bio, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi, and Trevi Therapeutics.

References

1. Elmariah S, et al. Patients with prurigo nodularis treated with dupilumab experience significant improvement in itch and nodule clearance: 6-month results from the RELIEVE-PN study. Poster presented at: 2026 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 27–31, 2026; Denver, CO.

2. Cao P, Xu W, Jiang S, Zhang L. Dupilumab for the treatment of prurigo nodularis: A systematic review. Front Immunol. 2023 Jan 20;14:1092685. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1092685. PMID: 36742321; PMCID: PMC9895771.