Use of Dupilumab for Disseminated Fungal Infection (UCLA Case No. 2019-706)

BACKGROUND:

Dupilumab, an immunomodulatory drug that blocks IL-4 signaling, is most commonly used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema) and asthma in both adults and adolescents. While fungal infections, such as coccidioidomycosis, can be potentially treated with immunomodulatory drugs, Dupilumab does not currently have an indication for fighting fungal infections.

INNOVATION: 

UCLA researchers have identified a new indication for Dupilumab. An adolescent patient at Mattel UCLA Children's Hospital was successfully treated for the fungal infection coccidioidomycosis using Dupilumab. Dupilumab can be an effective treatment in patients who cannot receive antifungal treatments due to the presence of genetic immunodeficiency diseases. A new FDA indication for this drug creates a potentially very large market, which can encompass all severe fungal infections and all mycobacterial diseases, including tuberculosis.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:

• Fungal infection treatment
• Mycobacterial disease treatment (including tuberculosis)

ADVANTAGES:

• Patients with genetic immunodeficiency diseases can be treated for fungal infections
• Potential treatment in both fungal infections and mycobacterial diseases