Discover eczema research.
Rediscover you.
By joining a research study, you could help develop the next generation of steroid-free eczema medicines.
Our understanding of eczema is evolving.
We’re working closely with doctors and scientists to conduct a research study to see if 2 study medicines can safely and effectively reduce the symptoms of moderate to severe eczema without steroids.
You could help us discover the next generation of targeted, steroid-free study medicines. If you take part, you’ll receive attentive care from a team of dedicated health professionals for 10 months. You will also be part of a research study aiming to improve the lives of people living with eczema.
Why do different people call eczema by different names?
You may have noticed that different people use different names for this skin condition. Some people call it “neurodermatitis,” some refer to it as “atopic dermatitis,” and some say “AD,” but most people just call it “eczema.”
Who may participate
No one’s skin is exactly the same. Diversity in study participants is important in order to understand whether study medicines work in different people. Race, ethnicity, age, and gender can all impact how people respond to the same treatment. When you participate in a study, you’re helping to represent both your community and all people who are affected by eczema. Your participation can make a difference.
You may be eligible to participate if you*:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have had moderate to severe eczema for over 6 months
- Did not respond well to topical medications or cannot use topical medications
*There may be additional requirements to participate. The study team can help determine if you qualify to enrol in the study.
Who may participate
No one’s skin is exactly the same. Diversity in study participants is important in order to understand whether study medicines work in different people. Race, ethnicity, age, and gender can all impact how people respond to the same treatment. When you participate in a study, you’re helping to represent both your community and all people who are affected by eczema. Your participation can make a difference.
You may be eligible to participate if you*:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have had moderate to severe eczema for over 6 months
- Did not respond well to topical medications or cannot use topical medications
*There may be additional requirements to participate. The study team can help determine if you qualify to enrol in the study.
What to expect
If you qualify and decide to participate, you will receive 1 of the study medicines or a placebo. A placebo looks like the study medicine but contains no active medicine. The study medicines and the placebo will be given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) about every 4 weeks at the study clinic for the first 12 weeks of study participation.
While you are free to leave the study at any time, staying in a study until the end helps scientists and doctors to collect enough information about a study medicine to see if it may help people living with eczema.
Frequently asked questions
About the Study
Although there are different theories as to the cause of eczema, it seems to be caused when your immune system overreacts to something irritating in the environment. The irritation leads to inflammation just beneath the surface of the skin, which causes the symptoms you see and feel, such as intense itching, discomfort, and cracked skin.
Eczema is a condition that goes through periods when your symptoms may be active, sometimes called a flare, and periods where you have no symptoms. Unfortunately, eczema, and your inflammation, can still be active even when you’re not having symptoms.
While there have been new medicines to help control symptoms of eczema over the last few years, these medicines do not work for all patients, and many people find themselves trying many different treatments.
We are evaluating 2 study medicines to see if either can safely and effectively help reduce symptoms of eczema.
If you qualify and decide to participate, you will be randomly assigned to receive one of the study medicines or a placebo. In this study, 4 out of 5 people will receive 1 of the study medicines and 1 out of 5 people will receive a placebo. A placebo looks like the study medicine but contains no active medicine. The study medicines and placebo will be given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) about every 4 weeks at the study clinic for the first 12 weeks of study participation.
A placebo looks like the study medicine but contains no active drug. Researchers use a placebo to see if the study medicine works better or is safer than taking nothing.
The study medicines are thought to work by stopping your immune system from creating the unnecessary inflammation underneath your skin. This may reduce the itchiness and discomfort associated with eczema and may lead to clearer skin and greater control.
All research studies have possible risks. The known risks of taking part in this research study will be explained to you during the informed consent process. This happens before you decide whether to participate.
A lot of information on these study medicines has been collected during the previous research studies. By participating in this research study, you’re helping researchers gather more information to better understand how well these 2 study medicines may work in moderate to severe eczema. Researchers will also gain a greater understanding of the side effects that may occur.
Privacy, Stopping Participation, Costs, and Permission
The information you provide will not be shared with anyone who is not directly associated with the eczema research study without your permission, except as required by law or as set forth in the Informed Consent Form, the document you would sign before participating in the research study. The information collected during the study is stored using codes that will not directly identify you.
Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time. However, staying in a study until the end helps scientists and doctors to collect enough information about a study medicine to see if it may help people living with eczema.
No. The study team can provide more information about this.
No, your doctor does not have to give you permission to participate. However, you are welcome to talk to your doctor about participating in the eczema research study. With your permission, the study doctor can keep your regular doctor updated about your condition during the research study.
About Research Studies
A research study, also known as a clinical trial, is a scientific study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a study medicine as well as how your body processes that drug. Qualified doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are responsible for conducting the research study.
It is only through the completion of research studies that study medicines can be evaluated and, if proven safe and effective, be approved for a particular use.
During the informed consent process, the study team will inform you about the possible benefits and risks of being in the study. The team will closely monitor your symptoms and overall health throughout the study and share any new information that becomes available.
A study medicine is a medication that has not been approved for prescription use by regulatory or health authorities, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Only participants who meet all the required eligibility criteria for the research study may take part. The study team will review your medical history and current medical status against the eligibility criteria to determine if you are eligible to participate. You may also be asked to provide information from your medical records to help the study team determine whether you may be eligible.