PBAC says no to higher price for blockbuster

Four years after winning a recommendation for Dupixent to treat chronic severe atopic dermatitis in children aged six months to 11 years, but at the same price as for those aged over 12 years, Sanofi returned with a revised proposal for a higher price for the younger cohort and was knocked back.

At its July meeting the PBAC said Sanofi could either reduce the price to match adolescents and adults or tighten restriction criteria to reduce the population to those with the most need.

"Sanofi is disappointed by the PBAC's recent decision, particularly as Dupixent remains the only TGA-approved biologic for uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children under 12," Sanofi said. "Sanofi has supported hundreds of children with a high unmet clinical need through compassionate access, in addition to leading Australian children's hospitals also funding therapy for severe cases."