Hong Kong scientists in front line of battle against severe skin condition eczema find genetic trigger and effective treatment
- University of Hong Kong scientists identify genetic mutation that can cause painful skin condition eczema
- One patient in city with eczema and severe allergies from birth triggered by gene shows dramatic improvement after treatment
People who suffer from severe eczema may no longer have to endure painful and irritated skin after Hong Kong researchers discovered a genetic cause for the condition as well as a treatment that can produce life-changing results.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), along with 90 other investigators from 11 countries, found STAT6 gain-of-function disease could lead to an immune system malfunction and trigger serious allergic conditions such as eczema.
But they discovered a drug called Dupilumab, already available in Hong Kong, was effective against the problem.
Lau Yu-lung, HKU’s chair professor of paediatrics, said it was known earlier that eczema could be caused by genetic mutations, but scientists had not identified the specific gene responsible.
“As now we clearly know what causes eczema, we will be able to have a great treatment plan. This is what precision medicine means,” he said.
Jesse Liao Jiezu, 21, who has suffered from severe allergies, including eczema, since birth, said his life had been transformed.