How effective is Dupixent for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)?
Dupixent (dupilumab) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) across various patient populations, from children to adults. Multiple clinical trials and real-world studies have consistently shown that Dupixent substantially reduces eosinophil counts, improves endoscopic appearance, and alleviates symptoms related to trouble swallowing. The medication has received regulatory approvals from both the FDA and European Medicines Agency, making it the first approved treatment specifically for EoE in certain age groups.
Clinical Trials of Dupixent for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Adults and Children 12 Years and Older
Dupixent was studied for 24 weeks in people 12 years and older with EoE in a phase 3 clinical trial. Participants who took Dupixent once every week were compared to those who took a placebo. About 60% of patients who took Dupixent experienced histological remission (intraepithelial eosinophil count of ≤6 eos/hpf), compared to about 6% of the placebo group. Patients who took Dupixent also had a greater reduction in symptoms compared to placebo.
Children Ages 1 to 11 Years Old
A 16-week study evaluated the efficacy of Dupixent in children ages 1 to 11 years old with eosinophilic esophagitis. Of those taking Dupixent, 66% achieved histological remission compared to 3% of placebo. Patients taking Dupixent also reported less days having 1 or more signs of EoE compared to placebo after 16 weeks.
Real World Studies of Dupixent for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- A retrospective cohort study of 46 patients with severe, treatment-refractory, and fibrostenotic EoE treated with Dupixent revealed impressive outcomes despite the challenging patient population. After a median treatment duration of 6 months, 80% of patients achieved fewer than 15 eosinophils per high-power field, and 57% achieved 6 or fewer eosinophils per high-power field. Additionally, 91% of patients taking Dupixent reported symptom improvement.
- A meta-analysis of five retrospective studies encompassing 209 subjects with EoE treated with Dupixent showed that around 90% of patients experienced symptom improvement. The average time of treatment was about 6 months.
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Can You Take Dupixent Long-Term For Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
The efficacy and safety of Dupixent has been studied in adults and adolescents with EoE during a 52-week study. The study found that patients taking Dupixent for 52 weeks maintained response to treatment. Of patients who took the medication weekly, 85% achieved an esophageal intraepithelial eosinophil count of 6 eos/hpf or less. Additionally, symptom control continued to improve in this group throughout treatment. The most common side effects reported were injection-site reactions.
Key Takeaways
- Evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies demonstrates that Dupixent is highly effective in treating eosinophilic esophagitis across various patient populations and disease presentations.
- Consistent improvements in histological, endoscopic, and symptomatic measures have been observed in both controlled trials and routine clinical practice.
- The maintenance or improvement in outcomes observed at 52 weeks suggests sustained effectiveness with continued treatment.
This is not all the information you need to know about Dupixent (dupilumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Dellon, E. S., 2022. Dupilumab in Adults and Adolescents with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. In: The New England Journal of Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2205982
- Dupixent [package insert]. Updated September 2024. sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. Accessed March 12, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=595f437d-2729-40bb-9c62-c8ece1f82780
- Garg, A., et. al. 2025. Real-world Effectiveness of Dupilumab in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. In: Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/mcg.0000000000002146
- Lee, C., et. al. 2024. Real-World Efficacy of Dupilumab in Severe, Treatment-Refractory, and Fibrostenotic Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis. In: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2023.08.015
- Rothenberg, M. E., et. al. 2023. Efficacy and safety of dupilumab up to 52 weeks in adults and adolescents with eosinophilic oesophagitis (LIBERTY EoE TREET study): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. In: The Lancet. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00204-2
Read next
Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
Dupixent is associated with several different eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The cause of the eye problems is thought to be due to Dupixent blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), an inflammatory protein that also stimulates the production of goblet cells. Goblet cells are responsible for creating mucus in the eye and ensuring the stability of tears. So when Dupixent blocks IL-13 it also lowers the numbers of epithelial goblet cells leading to eye inflammation and eye problems. Continue reading
Does Dupixent cause weight gain?
Yes, it does appear that Dupixent can cause weight gain, although this is not listed as a side effect in the product information. A case series of 12 people prescribed Dupixent reported an average weight gain of 6.1kg over one year – the amount of weight gained ranged from 0.1kg to 18.0kg. Anecdotally, blog sites also report weight gain as a side effect. How Dupixent causes weight gain is not known; however, people should be informed that weight gain may be a possible side effect of Dupixent. Continue reading
Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?
No, Dupixent (dupilumab) is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. Dupixent works by targeting a type of protein called an interleukin, that is involved in inflammation. Dupixent calms an overreactive immune system but does not suppress the immune system. This leads to fewer and less severe episodes of inflammation when used to treat conditions such as eczema, asthma, COPD, rhinosinusitis, esophagitis, chronic urticaria, prurigo nodularis, and bullous pemphigoid.
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Drug information
- Dupixent Information for Consumers
- Dupixent prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Dupixent (detailed)
- Dupixent user reviews (520)
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