THOUSANDS of Australians living with severe eczema will now continue to have access to Duxipent (dupilimab) at an affordable price, after the Federal Government acted to ensure the medication remains on the PBS.
The treatment has been on the PBS since 2021, but higher than expected prescription numbers meant that patients were at risk of the drug sponsor, Sanofi, withdrawing it from the PBS.
The move would have left the thousands of patients without effective treatment - or facing a bill of $20,000 per year.
However, the Government announced on Saturday that it had reached an agreement with Sanofi and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to secure the listing of Dupixent on the PBS.
This ensures the almost 20,000 patients taking the drug will pay a maximum of $31.60 per script, or $7.70 for concession card holders.
"Since it was first listed on the PBS in 2021, Dupixent has improved the quality of life for thousands of Australians with severe eczema," said Health Minister Mark Butler.
"The demand has been higher than expected, and we've worked hard to make sure that it remains affordable," Butler said.
"I'm pleased we can continue to deliver cheaper medicines for the thousands of Australians living with severe eczema."
Patients with severe eczema have frequent flaring of symptoms, and can suffer from itchy painful skin, bleeding, sleep deprivation, an increased risk of skin infections, depression and anxiety.
The monoclonal antibody is also indicated for asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
"Today's announcement is a win for the eczema community and all Australians who care about affordable access to the best medicines," said Melanie Funk, of Eczema Support Australia. KB
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