Lebrikizumab Improved Hand and Foot Eczema Symptoms
A clinical trial found that the drug helped most patients achieve clearer skin and reduced itching on their hands and feet.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Diabetes
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In the phase 3b ADtouch study, lebrikizumab showed efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe hand and foot atopic dermatitis. By week 16, more than half of the patients treated with the drug achieved clear or almost clear skin on these areas.
Why it matters
Hand and foot eczema often proves difficult to manage, significantly impacting a patient's daily comfort and quality of life. These results suggest a new potential treatment pathway for those who have not found relief with current options.
In a randomized trial of 221 patients, 53% of those receiving 250 mg of lebrikizumab every two weeks achieved clear or almost clear skin by week 16, compared to 27% of placebo patients. The study also measured significant reductions in pain and itch among the treatment group.
The players
Eli Lilly
A global pharmaceutical company that develops treatments for various conditions including atopic dermatitis.
FDA
The United States federal agency responsible for regulating pharmaceuticals to ensure safety and efficacy.
The details
Lebrikizumab works by targeting specific biological pathways involved in inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis. In the ADtouch trial, participants received 250 mg doses every two weeks to address symptoms in the hands and feet. Researchers tracked efficacy using clinical clearance scores and the Atopic Hand Dermatitis Clearance Satisfaction scale to gauge how the treatment improved patient outcomes.
Timeline
2024: Lebrikizumab received initial FDA approval for atopic dermatitis.
June 2026: The FDA approved an every-8-week maintenance dosing option.
Week 16: Researchers conducted the final assessment of trial primary and secondary endpoints.
September 30, 2026: Eli Lilly announced the ADtouch study results.
Health Landscape
This development adds to the expanding arsenal of biologic therapies available for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, which is currently undergoing a shift toward more targeted immune-modulating treatments. The findings sit within the evolution of standard care for conditions once limited to topical steroids.
If you struggle with persistent hand or foot eczema, these findings suggest new treatment options may be on the horizon. It is worth discussing these trial results with your dermatologist or primary care doctor to see how they fit into your current management plan.
The takeaway
The ADtouch study suggests that targeted biologic therapy can significantly reduce the itch and pain associated with hand and foot atopic dermatitis. Patients should continue to track symptom flare-ups and consult their physician to evaluate if newer biological interventions are appropriate.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in our Diabetes section.
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