Galderma Doubles Forecast for Skin Drug

Nemluvio, known generically as nemolizumab, is a biologic therapy administered via subcutaneous injection. It is approved for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis, two chronic skin conditions characterized by intense itching. The drug works by blocking the protein interleukin-31 (IL-31), which plays a key role in transmitting itch signals within the nervous system. The significant forecast revision is a result of Nemluvio's "outstanding launch trajectory," which brought in $452 million in sales in 2025. The company has noted that real-world use of the drug has exceeded initial expectations, particularly in providing rapid itch relief, a feature that physicians and patients prioritize. Galderma now anticipates the drug will reach financial break-even in 2026, a year ahead of its original schedule. The atopic dermatitis market is approximately ten times larger than the market for prurigo nodularis, representing a substantial growth area for Nemluvio. The drug competes with established treatments like Dupixent, but is seen as a strong option for its rapid impact on itch and a convenient every-eight-week maintenance dosing schedule. The success of Nemluvio contributed to a 50% year-over-year sales jump in Galderma's therapeutic dermatology unit, which reached $1.2 billion. This performance comes on the heels of the company's major initial public offering in March 2024, which was one of Europe's largest that year, raising approximately $2.6 billion.