THOUSANDS of Australian families are holding their breath ahead of a decision on whether a life- changing medicine is funded by the Federal Government for children with an unbearable form of eczema.
Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) is currently available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people aged 12 years and older with severe eczema, costing just $25 per month. However, for children younger than 12, the medicine costs $1,666 a month, putting it out of reach for many Australian families. This is despite the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) backing a PBS subsidy for young children in March 2022.
Ally North from Kerang, was diagnosed with severe eczema at 12 months. Her eczema has worsened over the years, to the point of covering her entire body and becoming completely unmanageable. Now six-years-old, Ally still struggles to sleep through the night as she wakes constantly and scratches to the point of bleeding.
Ally’s mum says they are at breaking point, after every imaginable treatment has failed to provide lasting relief. Eczema has taken a toll on the whole family. They are holding out hope for compassionate access to a medicine called dupilumab, but their rural location makes this more challenging. All they want is for Ally to enjoy a normal childhood.
Dr Li-Chuen Wong, a specialist from the Australasian College of Dermatologists who treats children with severe eczema, says “funding this medicine is a no-brainer.”
“Dupilumab is highly effective, keeps kids out of hospital and allows them to live a normal childhood. It can also save valuable healthcare resources and dollars,” said Dr Wong.
“Treating children with severe eczema as early as possible is critical and reduces their risk of developing related conditions such as asthma, allergies and hay fever.”
The advisory committee met from July 8 to 10 to once again decide whether dupilumab should be funded through the PBS for children as young as six months with severe eczema. The result of that meeting will not be known until Friday, August 21.
