Analysis of dupilumab for severe atopic dermatitis, September 2023
Page last updated: 22 March 2024
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
September 2023
Abstract
Purpose
To review the utilisation of dupilumab for severe atopic dermatitis, as requested by DUSC at its June 2023 meeting.
Date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Dupilumab was PBS listed for severe atopic dermatitis 1 March 2021.
Data Source / methodology
Data extracted from the PBS database maintained by Department of Health and Aged Care, processed by Services Australia were used for the analyses.
Key Findings
- A total of 222,778 prescriptions of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis have been supplied to 16,995 patients since listing. In 2022, 104,967 prescriptions were supplied to 12,523 patients.
- Prescriptions supplied for the treatment of the whole body accounted for 82% of the 104,967 supplied prescriptions in 2022.
- The age group with the highest proportion of initiating patients was the 20 to 24 year old group. The proportion of males was higher than females in every age group, except in the 45 – 54 year range.
- Dermatology specialist prescribers accounted for 79% of the supplied prescriptions, and Immunology and Allergy specialist prescribers accounted for 8% of the supplied prescriptions.
- Of the 16,995 patients supplied dupilumab under a PBS item code for atopic dermatitis, 92% were previously supplied topical therapy through the PBS.
