AbbVie’s JAK inhibitor joins Sanofi’s monoclonal antibody in severe atopic dermatitis market

Pharma News: AbbVie’s Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 February 2022 for patients living with severe atopic dermatitis. RINVOQ (upadacitinib) listing includes patients with severe atopic dermatitis impacting their whole body, face or hands.

Associate Professor Stephen Shumack, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, said “Until recently, the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis relied on corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants. Access to targeted therapies provides clinicians with additional treatment options to help alleviate the burden of this chronic condition. With the growing impact of stress on many patients’ daily lives, now may be a good time for people with atopic dermatitis to assess their treatment options and find out what’s best for them.”

More than 3,500 people are expected to benefit from the new listing, Health Minister Greg Hunt noted. “Without this subsidy, patients might pay more than $27,000 per year treatment,” he said.

Results from AbbVie’s phase 3b Heads Up study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Rinvoq once daily versus Sanofi’s Dupixent (dupilumab) every other week as monotherapy treatments demonstrated a more rapid onset of action with Rinvoq compared to Dupixent. Seventy-one percent (71%) of patients treated with Rinvoq achieved the primary endpoint of EASI 75 compared to 61% of patients treated with Dupixent at week 16 (p=0.006). Rinvoq showed superiority versus Dupixent for all ranked secondary endpoints, including early improvements in itch and skin clearance.

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Melanie Funk, Managing Director at Eczema Support Australia, said “Atopic dermatitis has a significant impact on quality of life. The condition may cause physical discomfort, which in turn can cause insomnia, emotional distress, depression, embarrassment, and social stigma. As a result, people may avoid work, social situations, and relationships. We know that the last few years have been particularly challenging and that stressful circumstances can lead to more flare ups. Therefore, the availability of an additional treatment option for atopic dermatitis is timely and very welcomed by the community.”

Chris Stemple, Vice President and General Manager AbbVie Australia & New Zealand, said “We welcome the news that RINVOQ has been listed on the PBS. People living with atopic dermatitis face many challenges navigating the complexity of their condition. We remain committed to innovation and developing a deeper understanding of the disease with the hope of making a difference to the lives of Australians living with this debilitating condition.”

RINVOQ (upadacitinib) is also listed on the PBS for severe active rheumatoid arthritis, severe active psoriatic arthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis.