Urticaria
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An Introduction to Urticaria
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an allergic skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts, or wheals, can vary in size and shape, often appear suddenly and may change location rapidly. Urticaria typically results from the body’s immune response releasing histamines and other chemicals in response to allergens, medications, infections or other triggers. There are two main types of urticaria: acute and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria lasts for a short period, usually a few hours to a few days, and is often caused by specific triggers, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings or infections. Chronic urticaria can persist for more than 6 weeks. Identifying its cause can be more challenging than for acute urticaria; this type of urticaria may be linked to autoimmune factors, underlying medical conditions or other triggers. Symptoms of urticaria include itching, redness and the appearance of pale or red welts on the skin. Angioedema, which involves swelling beneath the skin, may occur in some cases. The management of urticaria involves identifying and avoiding triggers whenever possible. Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve itching and reduce the severity of symptoms. For chronic urticaria, additional medications or treatments may be needed to manage the condition. In cases of severe allergic reactions or angioedema, medical attention and epinephrine may be required. While it can be uncomfortable and distressing, urticaria can be effectively managed with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments in most cases.
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Barzolvolimab, is an anti-KIT monoclonal antibody, currently under investigation for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Building on the promising results delivered from the initial 12-week trial, we now turn to key findings from the 52-week extension study, which evaluates the drug's longer-term efficacy and safety.
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Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a distressing condition characterized by the spontaneous appearance of itchy wheals and angioedema, persisting for six weeks or longer. For many patients, the struggle to manage symptoms remains challenging despite the use of H1-antihistamines. However, recent advancements offer new hope. At the EAACI 2024 meeting in Valencia, Spain, groundbreaking data was presented on several promising new compounds. In this article, we share some of the latest developments.
There are currently multiple therapeutics showing promise in clinical trials for chronic urticaria including anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibodies, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and anti-KIT-monoklonal antibodies. touchDERMATOLOGY were delighted to speak with Expert Faculty member Professor Emek Kocatürk (Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey & Charite University Institute of Allergology) to discuss the latest advancements and investigational therapeutics in chronic urticaria medicine. The presentation 'Incoming treatments for Chronic Urticaria' (Presentation ID D2T05.3C) was presented at EADV 2023, Berlin, 11-14 October 2023 #EADVCongress. Questions Could you give us a brief overview of the current guidelines for chronic urticaria management? (0:30) What investigational therapeutics show promise for chronic urticaria? (3:49) Disclosures: Emek Kocatürk discloses serving on advisory boards for Novartis, and Menarini. Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Victoria Jones and Katey Gabrysch. This content was developed by Touch Medical Media and is not affiliated with the  European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology  (EADV) or the congress.Â
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Unlocking the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria to inform the future treatment landscape
Leading experts explain how recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria is guiding emerging targeted therapies, and consider how they may refine future management to reduce its impact on patient quality of life.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a common and distressing skin condition driven by mast cells, is typically managed with a stepwise approach using second-generation H1-antihistamines, omalizumab and cyclosporine, as recommended by international guidelines. However, many patients with CSU do not ...
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