# Dupilumab treatment outcomes in bullous pemphigoid: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

**Authors:** Yudi Chen, Kailv Sun, Jianmin Chang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1651543 · Frontiers in Immunology · 2026-02-06

## TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in treating bullous pemphigoid, a skin autoimmune disease.

## Contribution

The study provides the first meta-analysis of dupilumab outcomes in bullous pemphigoid using a systematic review approach.

## Key findings

- Dupilumab achieved a 68% complete response rate and 95% disease control rate in bullous pemphigoid patients.
- Most adverse events were mild and did not lead to treatment discontinuation.
- Patients treated with dupilumab alone had a 63% complete response rate.

## Abstract

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of the skin. Novel biologic agents represent a potential therapeutic option. We explore the use of dupilumab in the treatment of BP.

Relevant studies published up to Oct. 20th, 2025 were systematically searched using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Proportion rates of complete response and disease control were analyzed to determine treatment effects. Data were quantitatively synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis. Meanwhile, we also conducted statistics on adverse events.

A total of 587 patients from 24 studies were included. Pooled analysis revealed a complete response rate of 68% (95% CI 60%∼78%) and disease control rate of 95% (95%CI 92%~98%) in BP treated with dupilumab with/without other systemic therapy. Notably, complete response rate achieved 63% (95% CI 49%∼81%) in patients with dupilumab without other systemic therapy. A total of 112 adverse events were reported in 97 patients. Most adverse events were mild and did not lead to treatment discontinuation.

This meta-analysis highlights the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with BP, offering valuable evidence to guide future clinical practice.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD420251048550.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** bullous pemphigoid (MONDO:0019082)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) [NCBI Gene 1803] {aka ADABP, ADCP2, CD26, DPPIV, TP103}, COL17A1 (collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain) [NCBI Gene 1308] {aka BA16H23.2, BP180, BPA-2, BPAG2, ERED, JEB4}, IL4 (interleukin 4) [NCBI Gene 3565] {aka BCGF-1, BCGF1, BSF-1, BSF1, IL-4}, IL13 (interleukin 13) [NCBI Gene 3596] {aka IL-13, P600}, IL5 (interleukin 5) [NCBI Gene 3567] {aka EDF, IL-5, TRF}, IGHE (immunoglobulin heavy constant epsilon) [NCBI Gene 3497] {aka IgE}, CCL11 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 11) [NCBI Gene 6356] {aka SCYA11}
- **Diseases:** osteoporosis (MESH:D010024), deep vein thrombosis (MESH:D020246), autoimmune subepidermal blistering dermatosis (MESH:D001768), deaths (MESH:D003643), erythema (MESH:D004890), diabetes (MESH:D003920), eosinophilia (MESH:D004802), BP (MESH:D010391), inflammation (MESH:D007249), skin and soft-tissue infections (MESH:D018461), autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease of the skin (MESH:D012872), itch (MESH:D011537), cutaneous lesions (MESH:D009059)
- **Chemicals:** ACEI (-), Dupilumab (MESH:C582203), minocycline (MESH:D008911), azathioprine (MESH:D001379), doxycycline (MESH:D004318), mycophenolate mofetil (MESH:D009173), dapsone (MESH:D003622), methotrexate (MESH:D008727)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12920225/full.md

## References

34 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12920225/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12920225