Ebglyss vs Dupixent – Eczema—especially moderate to severe atopic dermatitis—can be intensely frustrating to deal with when creams and lifestyle modifications do not provide any relief. In the past several years, biologic medicines have created new treatment alternatives for those in search of something more potent. The two most talked about at the moment include Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) and Dupixent (dupilumab).
Although both are intended to decrease inflammation and reduce skin symptoms, they take different paths and might benefit different patients. This comprehensive comparison will — hopefully — help you sort through the similarities and differences, benefits and side effects, and maybe even an unambiguous winner between the two medications based on your needs.
What Are These Medications?
What Is Ebglyss?
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) is a newly approved biologic indicated for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents. It homes in on a particular inflammatory pathway implicated in eczema, interleukin-13 (IL-13), which also contributes to itch, inflammation and breaks in the skin barrier. Ebglyss is typically administered as an injection under the skin.
What Is Dupixent?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a proven biologic and one of the first big breakthroughs for atopic dermatitis. It works by targeting two inflammatory proteins, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), that are important drivers of eczema. Similar to Ebglyss, it is also used by injection.
How They Work: Key Differences
They both target the IL-13 pathway, while working differently:
Ebglyss Mechanism
- Selectively blocks IL-13 only.
- Helps reduce itch and inflammation.
- Until the induction of IL-4 expression, inflammation can be reduced while skin barrier function can be promoted.
Dupixent Mechanism
- Inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling.
- Offers broad anti-inflammatory activity.
- Has long-term safety data to support that and is commonly used for eczema, asthma and chronic sinusitis.
Summary:
Dupixent works on multiple pathways, whereas Ebglyss is more selective.
Effectiveness: Which Works Better?
Efficacy of Ebglyss
Results in clinical trails have been tremendous, with patients reporting:
- Reduced itching
- Clearer skin within weeks
- Better sleep
- Greater rates of improvement in skin clearance than with placebo
Some studies indicate that Ebglyss might offer itchy patients strong itch relief early, something that can be useful for patients who are most bothered by significant itching.
Efficacy of Dupixent
Dupixent has several years of real-world evidence to its name. Benefits include:
- Significant reduction in eczema severity
- Less skin redness and dryness
- Improved quality of life
- Very long-term safety data over multiple years
- Consistent results across age groups
Dupixent has good efficacy as an option for patients with other allergic or respiratory comorbidities such as asthma or nasal polyps, so it is a versatile agent.
Which Is Better Overall?
There is no one “better” choice.
- Ebglyss perhaps offers more rapid relief of itch and is highly efficacious in patients who desire IL-13 directed therapy.
- Dupixent has more of a track record, wider reach and is now typically favored in those with multiple allergic disorders.
Your doctor will take these, as well as your goals for treatment, into account when recommending one.
Side Effects: A Fact Sheet for Patients
Ebglyss Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Injection site reactions
- Conjunctivitis (rarer than Dupixent in some trials)
- Headache
- Eczema flare in rare cases
Some patients may also respond better to Ebglyss because the drug specifically targets IL-13.
Dupixent Side Effects
Most common side effects include:
- Eye inflammation and redness (conjunctivitis)
- Injection site reactions
- Cold-like symptoms
- Dry eyes or eyelid inflammation
The side effects on the eyes from Dupixent are not uncommon but manageable for most.
Cost and Accessibility
- Dupixent is well-covered by insurance and assistance programs because it’s been out for so long.
- Ebglyss is newer, so it may have different insurance coverage depending on region and provider.
As always, if you’re in doubt, check with your insurance company for coverage.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
Deciding between Ebglyss and Dupixent Here are some factors to consider when choosing between the two treatments:
You may prefer Ebglyss if:
- You need a true and targeted IL-13 therapy.
- You had eye-related side effects on Dupixent.
- Your primary problem here is intense itching.
You may prefer Dupixent if:
- You have asthma — or you get nasal polyps, eczema or other allergic reactions.
- You’d like to choose a treatment which carries long-term data on safety.
- You want broader inflammatory control.
And since spell be gone — well, never really gone (not yet anyway), always remember to discuss options with a dermatologist for the combination that works best.
FAQs
1. Which medication acts quicker — Ebglyss or Dupixent?
Ebglyss might give some people an quicker itch response, but both drugs tend to have notable benefits within the first few weeks of use.
2. Can I stop Dupixent and start Ebglyss?
Yes. Many patients change if they get side effects, or if the response stalls. Only switch under medical supervision.
3. Is Ebglyss safer than Dupixent?
Both drugs have robust safety profiles. Ebglyss may produce less in the way of eye-related problems for some patients, and Dupixent already has years of long-term data demonstrating its effectiveness.
4. Which is cheaper?
Dupixent might have better insurance coverage due to being around longer. Ebglyss coverage and benefits vary by plan and by location.
5. Are they both cleared for children?
Dupixent is cleared for patients across a wide range of ages. Ebglyss is authorised in the adult and elderly population, where prevalence is higher. Always check current guidelines.
6. Can I combine them with topical treatments?
Yes. Unless instructed otherwise, most of patients remain on moisturizers and on topical therapies with biologics.
