Strategies for Integrating Biologic Therapy Into the Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

This activity was originally broadcast in conjunction with Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit 2024.

Program Description

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus that is the leading cause of food impaction and dysphagia. Traditionally, treatment strategies for EoE include dietary modifications and pharmacologic treatment, such as corticosteroids or proton-pump inhibitors. However, limitations with these therapies have prompted the investigation of agents that target immunological inflammatory pathways. One such agent is dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, which was the first biologic approved for EoE. With the increasing prevalence of EoE, specialty pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist with the early identification of patients, ensure they receive effective care, and coordinate access to treatments for EoE. This activity will address the disease and economic burden of EoE, safety and efficacy data of new and emerging therapies, as well as the role of the specialty pharmacist to optimize the management of EoE. Patient cases and counseling vignettes will be utilized to highlight key educational pearls, including appropriate dosing and administration, monitoring for effectiveness, and managing adverse effects. Specialty pharmacists will be better equipped to employ clinical decision-making and develop evidence-based clinical protocols to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients with EoE.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacist

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 17, 2024
Expiration date: May 17, 2025

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Investigate the clinical and economic burden of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and the role of biologic therapy
• Examine safety and efficacy data for approved biologic therapy for the management of EoE
• Point out to patients the pharmacologic characteristics of biologic therapy to ensure safe and effective self-administration
• Identify strategies specific to specialty pharmacy practice to improve overall treatment outcomes in patients with EoE