Why Australian families are calling for access to Dupixent®

Severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in children can have a significant impact on sleep, school and family life. In Australia, dupilumab (brand name Dupixent®) is an advanced treatment that targets the underlying inflammation of severe eczema. While it is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people aged 12 years and older, younger children are still waiting for subsidised access. 

In this article, we share insights from paediatric dermatologist Associate Professor Li-Chuen Wong, alongside real family experiences from our SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign. 

What is severe eczema (atopic dermatitis)? 

Eczema is not just dry skin. Severe eczema is a chronic, genetic condition that can cause intense itching, skin breakdown, infections, sleep disruption and significant emotional distress. 

For many children and families, eczema affects: 

• Sleep and daily functioning  

• School attendance  

• Mental wellbeing  

• Family life and finances  

As Associate Professor Li-Chuen Wong explains, eczema often requires lifelong management, similar to other chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. 

What is Dupixent®? 

Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent®) is a targeted treatment used for moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). It works by blocking key pathways in the immune system that drive inflammation in eczema. 

For many people with severe eczema, dupilumab can: 

• Reduce itch  

• Improve sleep  

• Help the skin heal  

• Support long-term disease control  

Dupilumab is considered a breakthrough treatment for severe eczema in children and adults, with growing evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. 

In Australia, dupilumab is currently available on the PBS for people aged 12 years and older with severe eczema. Access for younger children is still under consideration. 

How Dupixent is changing the lives of children with severe eczema 

In her clinical work, A/Prof Wong sees first hand the impact of severe eczema — and the transformation that can occur with effective treatment. 

She describes children who were previously “just hanging on”, and the dramatic change when they receive appropriate care. 

“Families who were once exhausted and overwhelmed…Now calm, relieved, and sometimes in tears — because they feel like they have ‘got their child back’.” 

This reflects what many Australian families are already telling us through the SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign. 

Why access to dupilumab in Australia matters 

Without affordable access to effective treatments like dupilumab, many children with severe eczema continue to experience ongoing flares, infections and repeated healthcare visits. 

Access to treatment is not just about symptom relief. It can mean: 

• Fewer hospital admissions  

• Reduced need for specialist visits  

• Less time off work for parents and carers  

• Improved participation in school and daily life  

• Better long-term health outcomes  

It also has broader economic benefits. Supporting access to effective eczema treatments like dupilumab can reduce healthcare costs and improve productivity across the community. 

The evidence for dupilumab in children 

Emerging research continues to show that dupilumab is effective and safe across different paediatric age groups with severe eczema. Title: Dupilumab’s Real-World Efficacy and Safety Across Age Groups for Children and Adolescents With Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis. This growing body of evidence strengthens the case for expanding affordable access to younger children in Australia.  

Our SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign 

This is why Eczema Support Australia launched the SOS for Kids with Eczema campaign. 

Families across the country are telling us clearly: eczema does not wait. 

Children with severe eczema should not have to wait years for access to treatments that already exist and are changing lives. 

We are calling on decision-makers to ensure that children are no longer left behind. 

Watch the full video 

Supporting your eczema care 

You can learn more about managing eczema using our trusted resources: 

• Eczema Care Plan  

• Caring for your baby or small child with eczema  

• Eczema Care Online Toolkit  

Frequently asked questions 

Is Dupixent® available for children in Australia?
Dupixent® (dupilumab) is currently available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians aged 12 years and older with severe eczema. While it has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for children as young as 6 months, affordable PBS access for younger children is still under review. This means that the medication costs $25 a script on PBS for 12 years and older, but around $1600 a script for children under 12 years old. 

What does dupilumab do for eczema?
Dupilumab targets the underlying inflammation that causes eczema, helping reduce itch, improve skin and support long-term control.