Dupixent®▼ (dupilumab), accepted for restricted use within NHS Wales for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents aged 12 years and over1

 The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) recommends first biologic drug for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents aged 12 years and over.1   

 Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema,2 affecting approximately 1.5 million people in the UK.3,4

 Atopic dermatitis can lead to significant physical and psychological burden if the disease is not adequately controlled.5 

READING, UK – 21 January, 2020 – The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) has published its positive recommendation that Dupixent® (dupilumab) can be used for restricted use within the NHS in Wales for the treatment of adolescent patients (≥ 12 to < 18 years of age) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who are candidates for systemic therapy, only if the disease has not responded to at least one other systemic therapy or these are contraindicated or not tolerated.1  

Dupilumab is the first targeted biologic treatment licensed for use in adolescent patients and unlike topical treatments, it targets an underlying pathway that drives AD pathogenesis.6    “Adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis often do not respond well to standard therapies causing them great distress, with visible disease and intractable itch during a crucial time in their life”, said Jenny Hughes, Consultant Dermatologist at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, South Wales, “Dupilumab offers a much needed treatment option for teenagers living with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.” 

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.2 It is estimated that up to 1 in every 5 children in the UK is affected by AD of any severity at some stage7, which equates to an estimated 772,812 children aged 12-17 years in England and Wales.8 Moderate to severe AD is characterised by rashes often covering much of the body, and can include intense, persistent itching and skin dryness, cracking, redness, crusting and oozing.  

Itch is one of the most burdensome symptoms for patients and can be debilitating. In addition, people with moderate to severe AD experience impaired quality of life, including disrupted sleep as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression.5 

“This decision offers good news for young people living with atopic dermatitis in Wales,” commented Dr Jasmin Hussein, Head of Dermatology and Respiratory Franchise, Sanofi Genzyme. “Not only do adolescents have to contend with the physical symptoms of AD, but its impact can also have a profound effect on their everyday emotional and mental well-being. By broadening dupilumab access to adolescents, we hope that those with the greatest need are able to manage and control their AD more effectively.”  

The AMWSG recommendation took into consideration clinical trial data from the AD-1526 clinical trial which assessed the efficacy and safety of dupilumab monotherapy in adolescent patients ≥ 12 to < 18 years of age with moderate to severe AD.9