Dragonfly Eczema Study

Atopic Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common chronic skin condition characterised by inflammation of the skin. It typically presents with dry and itchy skin, red or inflamed patches, skin thickening/scaling and weeping or crusting (in severe cases).

Eczema often starts in childhood but can occur at any age. It commonly appears on the face, elbows, wrists, knees, and hands. While the exact cause is unknown, it's associated with genetics, environmental triggers, allergies, and impaired skin barrier function.

Treatments aim to relieve symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and restore skin integrity. They include moisturisers, topical medication, immunosuppressants, phototherapy and lifestyle/preventative care.

About the investigational medication
The investigational medication is a pill that is designed to treat eczema in a different way than currently available treatments. It is designed to block specific "switches" (MRGPRX2 receptors) on immune cells and nerve cells in the skin that trigger both inflammation and itching in eczema. By blocking these switches, it aims to reduce the red, inflamed patches AND stop the intense itching at the same time. Unlike current treatments that suppress your whole immune system or only work on the skin surface, this study drug aims to target the specific mechanism that drives both major symptoms of eczema.

Your involvement in this study may help advance scientific knowledge that could contribute to the development of a new medication and better treatment for people with eczema in the future. 

Other reasons to participate include:
• Access to a potentially innovative treatment approach for eczema
• Close monitoring by dermatology specialists throughout the study
• Study related care provided at no cost
• Compensation for time and travel

About the study
Around 120 people worldwide are taking part in this study. Taking part in the study involves a first meeting with the research Doctor to find out more about your health and to see if the study is right for you.  If you wish to take part and are eligible, we would like to see you for 9 clinic visits over approximately 18 weeks.

During visits, we conduct health checks that may include physical examinations and blood tests. We would like to ask you questions about your eczema and your experience throughout the study. Other procedures include:

oVital signs
o ECG’s
o Biomarker and inflammation tests
o Blood chemistry panels
o Liver function tests
o Urine tests
o Eczema assessments
o Moisturiser use
o Study medication (taken twice daily)
o Electronic diary completion

You would take the potential new medication or a placebo (looks like the investigational medicine but contains no active medication). Approximately 1 in 4 participants will receive placebo. The study medication is taken as two oral tablets twice daily.

The study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of investigational medication in reducing symptoms of eczema.