Biologic safer than systemic corticosteroids for pemphigoid: study

Rituximab in combination with standard therapy leads to remission in three-quarters of patients, review shows.

The monoclonal antibody rituximab is just as effective as systemic corticosteroids in treating patients with pemphigoid, but is associated with fewer adverse events, according to a systematic review.

The drug was also the only biologic agent to result in partial or complete remission, with Chinese clinicians finding no benefit from treatment with dupilumab, omalizumab or mepolizumab.