Update on Emerging Pharmacologic Therapies for Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated condition identified by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa. Historically, pharmacologic options have been limited to proton pump inhibitors and swallowed topical corticosteroids, neither of which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of EoE. The goal of therapy is ultimately to avoid irreversible stricturing disease. Despite the rising prevalence of EoE, there have been few therapeutic advancements until recently. Some newer topical corticosteroid preparations are being studied, including a budesonide suspension (TAK-721), orodispersible tablet formulations of budesonide and fluticasone (APT-1011), and mometasone and ciclesonide preparations. Also in various stages of clinical trials are potential disease-modifying biologics such as dupilumab, cendakimab, lirentelimab, benralizumab, and mepolizumab. Some of these medications have proven efficacious for other atopic conditions and show incredible promise for the treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. Further studies will be needed to determine long-term treatment outcomes for each of these drugs.