Dupilumab in Eosinophilic Gastritis: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology | July 2026
Introduction:
Eosinophilic gastritis (EoG) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder with limited effective treatment options and frequent dependence on corticosteroids. The phase II DEGAS trial evaluated dupilumab, an IL-4/IL-13 inhibitor, as a targeted therapy for this type 2 inflammatory disease.
Why was this study needed?
- Effective medical therapies for eosinophilic gastritis remain limited.
- Corticosteroids are effective but unsuitable for long-term treatment.
- Type 2 inflammation is central to EoG pathogenesis.
- Targeted biologic therapies have not been adequately studied in EoG.
- Disease-modifying treatments are urgently needed.
Results:
- Dupilumab produced a marked reduction in gastric eosinophilic infiltration, significantly outperforming placebo.
- Patients achieved significant histological improvement and superior endoscopic healing after only 12 weeks of therapy.
- The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile, supporting further phase III evaluation.
Clinical Impact:
The DEGAS trial provides the strongest evidence to date that IL-4/IL-13 blockade can effectively modify the underlying inflammatory process in eosinophilic gastritis. If confirmed in larger trials, dupilumab could become the first targeted biologic therapy for EoG and potentially other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
Bottom Line:
Dupilumab represents a major step toward precision medicine for eosinophilic gastritis. By targeting the type 2 inflammatory pathway, it offers the potential for effective, steroid-sparing, disease-modifying treatment in a condition with substantial unmet clinical need.