Pfizer Introduces Cibinqo And Staquis Breakthrough Therapies For Eczema In Malaysia
These treatments offer an alternative for patients as young as three months old and those with severe eczema.
Living with eczema can be tough, but recent advances¹ in medical science are offering promising solutions for better management and relief
Leading biopharmaceutical company Pfizer has unveiled Cibinqo and Staquis, two innovative therapies designed to address eczema across its varying stages, now available in Malaysia.
The announcement, made by Pfizer in early November, represents significant progress in expanding treatment options for eczema
"This announcement comes on the heels of Eczema Awareness Month and we are excited to play a role in elevating the treatment landscape locally with these promising therapies.
"In doing so, we hope to offer relief and support to the individuals affected by this debilitating disease," shared Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead, Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore-Philippines, Pfizer.
According to Dr Tan Wooi Chiang, President of Persatuan Dermatologi Malaysia (PDM), while the symptoms of eczema typically appear on the surface, the underlying cause is inflammation beneath the skin2.
"Beyond physical symptoms, patients may experience emotional, social, and psychological impacts," he emphasised, adding that the burden of uncontrolled eczema extends to families and caregivers, making early diagnosis and tailored treatments essential for improving outcomes.
Eczema affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults globally, disrupting lives not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well3,4,5. While no cure exists, advances in medicine have made it possible to manage symptoms effectively6.
Staquis, a first-of-its-kind steroid-free topical treatment, offers an alternative for patients as young as three months old
Its active ingredient, crisaborole, is a PDE4 inhibitor that targets inflammation beneath the skin while locking in moisture7.
How it works: Staquis works on and below the skin, targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) to reduce inflammatory responses while retaining moisture.Clinical success: In Phase 3 studies, significantly more patients achieved clear or nearly clear skin within 29 days of twice-daily application8,9.
For individuals aged 12 and above with more severe eczema, Cibinqo offers a convenient once-daily oral option
Its active ingredient, abrocitinib, is a Janus kinase (JAK1) inhibitor that reduces inflammation and itching.
How it works: Cibinqo targets JAK1 enzymes, key contributors to inflammation, providing relief from severe symptoms.14
Proven results: In clinical trials, patients experienced significant improvements in itching and skin clarity by week 1210,11,12,with sustained results up to 48 weeks13,14.
With Staquis and Cibinqo, Pfizer is empowering patients with effective options tailored to their condition's severity
If you or a loved one is living with eczema, consult a healthcare professional to explore these new treatments and find a solution tailored to your needs.
For more information about Pfizer and these therapies, visit Pfizer Malaysia.
References
- Ferrucci SM, Tavecchio S, Marzano A \I, et a. Emerging Systemic Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023;1 3(5): 1071-81
- Mayo Clinic. Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Retrieved August 2024 from https:llwww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditionslatopic-dermatitis-eczemalsymptoms-ca u seslsyc-20353273.
- Silverberg JI. Comorbidities and the impact of atopic dermatitis. Ann Allergy Asthma lmmunol. 2019; 123(2): 144-51.
- Silverberg JI, Gelfand JM, Margolis OJ, Boguniewicz M, Fonacier L, et al. Symptoms and diagnosis of anxiety and depression in atopic dermatitis in U.S. adults. Br J Dermatol. 2019; 181(3): 554-65.
- Rrzmnstad ATM, HallingOvergaard AS, Hamann CR, Skov L, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP Association of atopic dermatitis with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in children and adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018; 79(3): 448-56. e30.
- Medical News Today How to treat atopic dermatitis. Retrieved August 2024 from https:llwww.medicalnewstoday.com/articlesl323493#home-remedies.
- WebMD. PDE-4 inhibitors for atopic dermatitis. Retrieved September 2024 from https:llwww. webmd.comlskin-problems-and-treatmentsleczemalatopic-dermatitis-pde4-i nhibitors.
- Staquis Malaysia Prescribing Information. 10 October 2023.
- Pal/er AS, Tom WL, Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, a novel, nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016; (3): 494-503.
- Simpson EL, Sinclair R, Forman S, et al. Efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (JADE MONO-1): A multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2020; 396(10246); 255-66.
- Silverberg JI, Simpson EL, Thyssen JP, et al. Efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermato/. 2020; 156(8): 863-73.
- Eichenfield LF, Flohr C, Sidbury R, et al. Efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in combination with topical therapy in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: The JADE TEEN randomized clinical trial [published correction appears in JAMA Dermatol. 2021 Oct 1;157(10):1246]. JAMA Dermatol. 2021; 157(10):1165-73.
- Cibinqo Malaysia Prescribing Information. 13 May 2024
- Cibinqo. How Cibinqo works. Retrieved August 2024 from https://www.cibinqo.com/ how-cibinqo-works