This research study aims to learn how well an FDA-approved drug called dupilumab works in treating patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and severe strictures (esophageal narrowing).
This is an open-label study, which means everyone enrolled will receive dupilumab. Dupilumab is a weekly injection, administered using a needle under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Dupilumab is already approved by the FDA for treating EoE.
Participants will be part of the study for approximately 52-64 weeks. In-person study visits will occur at specific intervals. Study Visits will happen at the beginning of the study (screening), day 0 (enrollment), and weeks 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 44, and 52 post-enrollment.
Upper Endoscopies are performed at screening and weeks 12, 24, and 52 (or if participation ends early).
Pregnancy Status Check: 12 weeks after the last dose of dupilumab, participants Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) may return to the clinic for a urine pregnancy test.
Study Procedures: What Participants Can Expect
1. Consent: Participants will review the study with the study team and have an opportunity to ask questions. If they decide to participate, they will sign a consent form.
2. Screening Procedures: These ensure eligibility for the study and include:
* Answering questions about demographics and medical history.
* A physical exam (checking vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight).
* Reviewing medications.
* Completing surveys about EoE symptoms, feelings, and quality of life.
* Providing a blood sample.
* Completing a urine pregnancy test (if applicable).
* Undergoing an upper endoscopy (EGD) using a flexible, lighted tube to examine the stomach, small intestine, and esophagus. Sedation may be used during the procedure. During the EGD, tissue samples (biopsies) will be taken. If the participant has narrowing in their esophagus (a stricture) that needs to be stretched (dilated) may also be dilated during the procedure.
3. Enrollment visit (Day 0): Once eligibility is confirmed, participants will return to clinic to receive their first dose of dupilumab. At this visit, participants will:
* Complete surveys about EoE symptoms, feelings, and quality of life
* Check vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and weight).
* Provide a blood sample.
* Complete a urine pregnancy test (if applicable)
* Discuss lifestyle considerations that should be followed (birth control methods, medications, and diet)
* Review medications and any new symptoms or medical history.
* A health care provider will give the first dose of dupilumab and teach participants (and/or their caregivers) how to administer the medication at home.
* Receive dupilumab to take home and instructions for giving the medication weekly.
4. Throughout the 1-year dosing period of the study, participants (and/or their caregivers) will continue to inject dupilumab at home each week and complete a dosing diary. Participants will come to clinic at weeks 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 44, and 52. Procedures at these visits include:
* Completing surveys about EoE symptoms, feelings, and quality of life
* Vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and weight).
* Providing a blood sample.
* Completing a urine pregnancy test (if applicable)
* Discussing lifestyle considerations that should be followed (birth control methods, medications, and diet)
* Reviewing medications and any new symptoms or medical history.
* During week 12, 24, and 52 (or at the end of the study), there will also be an EGD with biopsies and dilation (if necessary).
* Returning all used and unused dupilumab to the clinic.
* Receive dupilumab to take home and instructions for giving the medication weekly.
5.12 weeks after the last dose of dupilumab, participants Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) participants may return for an in-person visit to complete a urine pregnancy test.
