Breaking news: a lifeline for people with severe eczema

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) (see announcement here) have announced the recommendation to add Dupixent (Dupilumab) to the list of medications subsidised by the Australian government. Dupixent will be listed as a medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), providing an affordable treatment for those with severe eczema inadequately controlled by topical skin treatments.

The listing of Dupixent for people aged 12 years and older is welcomed by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia and people with severe eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) who live with constant itch, pain, shame, isolation, lack of sleep, depression and more. As advocates for people with debilitating eczema, we applaud the decision to make this life changing, long awaited medication available to Australians. This announcement is welcomed by many. We thank the government for hearing our pleas.

We also thank the many disheartened, brave people who told their stories and shared their personal experiences of scars, grief and despondence. By sharing your life stories, you have helped all Australians with severe eczema access a treatment that will significantly improve their quality of life.

While access to the medication may still be some months away, people with severe eczema now have hope that their quality of life will improve. Life with severe eczema will be more manageable and less restrictive. Australians that have heard stories of others that have accessed Dupixent now know they will get their life back too.

We look forward to walking beside Australians with severe eczema as they reconnect with health professionals. As we wait for PBS listing to become a reality, we encourage people who think they may be a eligible to receive Dupixent to speak with their doctor. We also encourage people to reach out to us for guidance as needed. Please call 1300 728 000 to contact us to speak to one of our health educators.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia looks forward to working with key organisations, health professionals and people with severe eczema to improve quality of life as we move to having Dupixent available to Australians 12 years and older in the not too distant future.

PBAC Announcement