What are JAK Inhibitors?

NOTICE: Opportunity for you to submit your comment on the on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) about new eczema treatments.

This is the era of eczema, so we are excited to let you know about more options on the horizon for our eczema community in Australia. More options = more hope.

Our recent options such as Crisaborole (brand name Staquis) which is a topical cream and Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) which is a targeted biologic now also include Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

What are JAK inhibitors?

JAK inhibitors are part of a new class of medicine which are used to limit the cytokines (substances in our body that regulate inflammatory processes) associated with eczema symptoms (such as itch and inflammation).

Two oral (tablets) JAK inhibitors being considered at the next PBAC meeting for PBS listing are:

• Upadacitinib (brand name Rinvoq)  – Trials have shown significant reductions in itch and disease severity.
• Baricitinib (brand name Olumiant) –  Shown to effectively reduce atopic eczema severity during international clinical trials of patients with moderate to severe disease.

Should you wish to make a comment, this can be done by visiting the following link by 26th May 2021: Department of Health | Online Comments to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)

Stay connected with Eczema Support Australia for updates on eczema treatments.  More are on the way!