Effect of methotrexate as a treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in Madagascar

Principal Investigator: Dr. Fahafahantsoa Rapelanoro Rabenja​

Disease: Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Research Description: Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and a top dermatological concern in patients of color in the United States. Outside of the US, AD has been found at higher rates in Africa and Oceania than in Northern and Eastern Europe. In particular, the prevalence of AD continues to increase in Madagascar. Despite the fact that AD is highly prevalent in patients with darker skin, who also often present with more treatment-resistant AD, few data exist on the efficacy of AD therapies in these patients. This two-year, interventional, randomized trial will assess the safety and efficacy of methotrexate, a drug used as chemotherapy in blood cancers and an immunosuppressant in autoimmune diseases, to treat adult patients in Madagascar with moderate to severe AD. Methotrexate has been used to treat refractory disease and as a conventional therapy for AD, but data are lacking in patients with darker skin. Two different doses of methotrexate will be compared to determine its ability to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Positive results from this study may help shed light on the accessibility and effectiveness of methotrexate for Malagasy AD patients and AD patients with darker skin globally.

Funding Partner: Cures Within Reach and Open Philanthropy 

CWR Funding Role: Primary funder