Dupilumab: Direct Cost and Clinical Evaluation in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Health care spending in Italy is high and continues to increase; assessing the long-term health and economic outcomes of new therapies is essential. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic, immune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis, a clinical condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life at a high cost and requires continuous care. This retrospective study aimed to assess the direct cost and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of Dupilumab and patients’ clinical outcomes. All AD patients treated with Dupilumab at the Sassari University Hospital, Italy, between January 2019 and December 2021 were included. Eczema Area Severity Index, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and Itch Numeric Rating Scale scores were measured. ADRs and drug expenses were analyzed. A statistically significant posttreatment improvement was observed for all the indices measured: EASI ( P < 0.0001 ), DLQI ( P < 0.0001 ), NRS ( P < 0.0001 ). The total expenditure for Dupilumab, in the observed period, amounted to € 589.748,66 for 1358 doses, and a positive correlation was shown between annual expenditure and delta percentage of variation pre- and posttreatment for the clinical parameters evaluated.

Effects of Alcohol Intake, Smoking, and Diet Evaluated Using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test Questionnaire on the Severity of Plaque Psoriasis in 44 Patients Using the Body Surface Area and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index Scales, and Quality of Life Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index Questionnaire

“…This is all the more important because alcohol abuse limits the available treatment options; therefore, the available treatment options may not be effective [ 6 , 11 ]. Ferrari et al emphasized that modern methods of treating dermatoses, despite being expensive, are also effective [ 78 ]. Therefore, they will probably be used more widely in the near future [ 78 ].…”

“…Ferrari et al emphasized that modern methods of treating dermatoses, despite being expensive, are also effective [ 78 ]. Therefore, they will probably be used more widely in the near future [ 78 ]. Therefore, to tailor treatment for patients of different ages and severity of psoriasis, further development of personalized medicine targeting the molecular targets underlying the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is needed, as well as the search for new molecular markers to effectively monitor the loss of adequate response to treatment before the onset of phenotypic symptoms [ 6 , 11 , 78 ].…”

Atopic Dermatitis: Disease Features, Therapeutic Options, and a Multidisciplinary Approach

“…Baricitinib was the first approved oral selective inhibitor of JAK-1 and JAK-2. Baricitinib is a selective and reversible inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2, which inhibits inflammatory processes via intracellular actions [ 61 ]. The recommended dose of baricitinib is 4 mg peroral once daily (or less as needed).…”

How to Understand Personalized Medicine in Atopic Dermatitis Nowadays?

“…Another important aspect is financing novel treatments for patients, as the costs of such therapies are high [98]. However, despite the fact that these therapies are expensive, their efficacy can make them well worth the cost [99]. Novel therapies have the potential to limit long and frequent hospitalizations, psychological stress, and impaired school and work performance due to poor management, as well as the high costs of topical treatments, among other things [99].…”

“…However, despite the fact that these therapies are expensive, their efficacy can make them well worth the cost [99]. Novel therapies have the potential to limit long and frequent hospitalizations, psychological stress, and impaired school and work performance due to poor management, as well as the high costs of topical treatments, among other things [99]. Nevertheless, particular limitations in various countries exist as well as distinct procedures for reimbursement; thus, accessibility to new treatment options differs between countries.…”