What Is Nemluvio? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Nemluvio (nemolizumab-ilto) is a first-in-class biologic medication approved by the FDA in 2024 for two serious inflammatory skin conditions: prurigo nodularis and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). If you've just been prescribed Nemluvio or are considering it as a treatment option, this guide covers everything you need to know in plain language.

What Is Nemluvio?

Nemluvio is the brand name for nemolizumab-ilto, a humanized monoclonal antibody manufactured by Galderma Laboratories. It belongs to the class of drugs known as interleukin-31 receptor antagonists. In simpler terms, Nemluvio is a lab-engineered protein that blocks a specific signal in your immune system responsible for intense, chronic itch and skin inflammation.

The FDA first approved Nemluvio on August 12, 2024 for prurigo nodularis in adults. In December 2024, the FDA expanded approval to include moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 and older. It was the first monoclonal antibody ever approved that specifically targets the IL-31 receptor — earning it "first-in-class" status from the FDA.

What Is Nemluvio Used For?

Nemluvio has two FDA-approved indications:

Prurigo nodularis (PN) — for adults only. PN is a chronic skin disease characterized by intensely itchy, hard nodules distributed across the body. It is estimated to affect up to 181,000 people in the United States. Nemluvio is approved for use as monotherapy (without required topical treatment combination).

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) — for adults and patients aged 12 and older. Nemluvio is used in combination with topical corticosteroids (TCS) and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) when the disease is not adequately controlled by topical therapies alone.

What Does Nemluvio Look Like and How Is It Taken?

Nemluvio is supplied as a single-dose, prefilled dual-chamber pen. One chamber contains 30 mg of nemolizumab-ilto as a white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder; the other contains water for injection. Before use, you activate the pen to mix the powder with the water, then inject it subcutaneously (under the skin).

Injection sites include the thigh, abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), or back of the upper arm (by a caregiver). After reconstitution, Nemluvio must be used within 4 hours or discarded.

Nemluvio Dosing: How Much and How Often?

Dosing depends on your condition and body weight:

PN (under 90 kg): 60 mg loading dose at Week 0 (two 30 mg pens), then 30 mg every 4 weeks

PN (90 kg or more): 60 mg loading dose at Week 0, then 60 mg (two pens) every 4 weeks

Atopic dermatitis: 60 mg loading dose at Week 0 (two 30 mg pens), then 30 mg every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks, patients who achieve clear or almost-clear skin may reduce to every 8 weeks.

Nemluvio is given once monthly after the loading dose — a less frequent schedule than Dupixent (every 2 weeks), which many patients prefer.

How Fast Does Nemluvio Work?

Nemluvio can provide rapid itch relief for some patients. In clinical trials, some patients reported a reduction in itch intensity as early as 48 hours after the first dose. In the OLYMPIA trials (PN), 56% of patients in OLYMPIA 1 and 49% in OLYMPIA 2 achieved at least a 4-point reduction in itch intensity at 16 weeks, compared to 16% in both placebo groups.

Skin nodule clearance in PN typically takes longer — weeks to months of sustained therapy. Full benefits for atopic dermatitis may also take multiple months, though itch relief often comes earlier than skin clearance.

Storing and Handling Nemluvio at Home

Store Nemluvio in the refrigerator at 36°F–46°F (2°C–8°C) in its original carton, protected from light

Do NOT freeze Nemluvio — frozen medication should be discarded

You may store Nemluvio at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 90 days if kept from direct sunlight

Take the pen out of the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before injection to reduce injection site discomfort from cold medication

After reconstitution (mixing the powder and water), use within 4 hours or discard

Getting Nemluvio: Where to Start

Nemluvio requires a prescription from a dermatologist and enrollment in the GPS for Nemluvio specialty pharmacy program. It is not available at retail pharmacies. If you're having difficulty getting Nemluvio filled, medfinder can help identify which pharmacies in your area can fill it. See our guide on how to find Nemluvio in stock near you for detailed steps.