Dupilumab linked to increased risk of ocular surface diseases

Dupilumab use is associated with an increased risk of developing or exacerbating ocular surface diseases (OSD), particularly dry eye, according to a study.

Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, the study identified 85 signals of DIOSD between 2017 and 2023. Dry eye was the most frequently reported AE, with 3,503 cases and a significant reporting odds ratio (ROR 20.32). A review of 36 articles highlighted 201 clinical cases of dupilumab-induced ocular surface diseases, primarily affecting patients with severe atopic dermatitis (64.18%) and those with a history of ocular conditions (48.26%).

Mechanistic analysis suggested that tumor necrosis factor may play a key role in the development of DIOSD.

The findings emphasize the need for heightened vigilance regarding eye-related symptoms in patients using dupilumab, particularly those with preexisting ocular conditions or severe atopic dermatitis.

Reference
Chen J, Li H, Zhang H, et al. Dupilumab induced ocular surface diseases: an analysis of FAERS database, literature review and disease-gene interaction networks. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2025;doi: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2448825. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39744776.