Remibrutinib for treating chronic spontaneous urticaria in adolescents

Remibrutinib is currently in development for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria inadequately controlled by H1-antihistamines (medicines used to relieve allergy symptoms) in adolescents aged 12 to less than 18 years. Urticaria, also called hives or nettle rash, is a swelling on the surface of the skin that results in a red, raised, itchy rash. Chronic urticaria is a type of urticaria that persists for 6 weeks or longer. Chronic spontaneous urticaria has no identifiable external cause or trigger, but may be aggravated by heat, stress, infections and certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The main symptom of urticaria is an itchy rash. H1-antihistamines are the main treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, more than half of people with chronic spontaneous urticaria do not get enough relief from the usual first treatment with antihistamines. Even after a second treatment, about one in three still have symptoms or do not fully recover. Hence, there is a need for a new treatment option.