Special Announcement About Dupixent December 2024

Eczema Support Australia is delighted to share some fantastic news that will bring relief and reassurance to thousands of Australians living with severe eczema.

Today, our Managing Director, Melanie Funk, joined Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, Dermatologist Dr Warren Weightman, and eczema patient Greg Giles in Adelaide to announce that Dupixent will remain on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This outcome ensures that nearly 20,000 Australians with severe eczema will continue to access this life-changing treatment at an affordable price.

In 2024, concerns arose when higher-than-expected demand for Dupixent placed its PBS listing at risk. Without action, many Australians faced the distressing possibility of losing access to this critical treatment and being burdened with unaffordable costs of up to $20,000 annually.

At Eczema Support Australia, we were tireless in our advocacy for continued access to Dupixent. While we worked closely with all parties—including the Federal Government, Sanofi, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)—we were mindful of ensuring that our eczema community members were not unnecessarily distressed during this challenging period.

Thanks to collaborative efforts and the Government’s agreement with Sanofi and PBAC, we can now breathe a collective sigh of relief. Dupixent will remain accessible to all eligible Australians, a decision that brings much-needed reassurance as we enter the Christmas period.

Melanie Funk shared her personal relief and gratitude:

This success is a testament to the power of persistence, advocacy, and collaboration. Eczema Support Australia is deeply grateful to Minister Butler, Sanofi, PBAC, and all involved in achieving this outcome.

We are relieved to enter this Christmas season with reassurance for the eczema community—knowing that access to this life-changing treatment remains secure.

For trusted information, resources, and support, visit: www.eczemasupport.org.au.