Dupixent®▼ (dupilumab) available to treat adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in Scotland1

∗ First biologic drug made available by NHS Scotland for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents1 

∗ Atopic dermatitis affects an estimated 125,000 people in Scotland, including ~7,600 aged 12-17 year olds2,3 and is the most common type of eczema4 

∗ Atopic dermatitis can have a significant physical and psychological burden if the disease is not adequately controlled5 

READING, UK – January 23, 2020 – The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has recommended  Dupixent® (dupilumab) for restricted use within National Health Service (NHS) Scotland for the treatment of adolescent patients (≥12 to <18 years of age) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) (also known as atopic eczema) who have had an inadequate response to existing systemic immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin, or in whom such treatment is considered unsuitable.1   

AD can take control of a person’s life, causing sleeplessness and depression, as well as feelings of isolation.6,7 Adolescents with AD can exhibit vulnerability, anger, anxiety and insecurity. In addition, adolescents with moderate to severe AD have shown a significant delay in development of social relationships compared to healthy adolescents or those with mild AD.8,9 

“This announcement will be welcome news for many teenagers with severe eczema in Scotland, who will now have access to a new treatment option for their chronic condition,” said Magali Redding, Founding CEO of Eczema Outreach Support. “Through the direct support we provide to young people with eczema and their families, we have gained a deep understanding of their daily struggles and dreams of a better future. Indeed, the impact of the condition on adolescents' physical and mental health is vastly underestimated. New treatments bring fresh hope to those struggling with severe AD on a daily basis.” 

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema,4 affecting approximately 125,000 people in Scotland, which includes approximately 7,600 12-17 year olds.2,3 Moderate to severe AD is characterised by rashes often covering much of the body, including intense, persistent itching and skin dryness, cracking, redness, crusting and oozing.10  

Dr Jasmin Hussein, Head of Dermatology and Respiratory Franchise, Sanofi Genzyme, commented: “At Sanofi, we work hard every day to ensure that our research and development translates into meaningful results for patients the world over. This decision from the SMC marks an important milestone for patients in Scotland,  providing access to another treatment option, helping  adolescents with AD to better manage their disease.” 

About Dupixent® (dupilumab) Dupixent® (dupilumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that is designed to specifically inhibit overactive signaling of two key proteins, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 (IL-4 and IL-13), which are believed to be major drivers of the persistent underlying inflammation in AD.5    The medicine is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement. 

The full summary of product characteristics for dupilumab can be accessed at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8553/smpc