Thousands of Canadians living with debilitating skin and respiratory diseases have moved a step closer to expanded treatment access after pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) completed negotiations for four additional uses of Dupixent.

 

The agreement, formalized through a signed Letter of Intent (LOI), covers pediatric atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

Sanofi will now work with provincial, territorial and federal drug programs to support access to the treatment for eligible patients through public drug plans.

 

"This agreement with the pCPA is an important step forward in expanding patient access to the first advanced biologic therapy approved for pediatric atopic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and COPD," said James Guy, General Manager, Specialty Care and Country Lead, Sanofi Canada.

 

The agreement targets significant gaps in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases that can severely disrupt patients' daily lives, affecting their physical health, mental well-being and quality of life.

 

Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is estimated to affect 15% of children and 4% of adults in Canada. Dupixent is indicated for patients aged six months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies.

 

The drug is also indicated for adults with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis, a chronic skin disease characterized by intensely itchy nodules and plaques that can cause persistent discomfort.

 

Dr. Chih-ho Hong, a board-certified dermatologist in British Columbia, said the agreement could help address the challenges faced by patients and their families.

 

"I see firsthand the physical and emotional burden that unmanaged atopic dermatitis has on pediatric patients and their families, as well as adults living with prurigo nodularis," said Dr. Chih-ho Hong, Board-Certified Dermatologist in British Columbia. "This news represents a meaningful step in addressing unmet needs and advancing care."

 

Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director of the Eczema Society of Canada (ESC), highlighted the toll these conditions take on patients, particularly children and their families.

 

"For children living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and their families, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Similarly, for people living with prurigo nodularis, persistent symptoms can significantly affect sleep, mental health, and social life. This milestone in the reimbursement process is encouraging for patients and their families who are seeking additional treatment options," said Amanda Cresswell-Melville, Executive Director of Eczema Society of Canada (ESC).

 

The agreement also covers Dupixent for adults with COPD whose disease remains inadequately controlled despite combination inhaled therapies, provided they meet the treatment's approved criteria.

 

More than two million Canadians live with COPD, a progressive lung disease that ranks as the country's fifth leading cause of death.

 

Ken Chapman, a respirologist in Ontario, said the agreement represents progress in addressing the growing burden of the disease.

 

"COPD is a growing public health challenge affecting about 9% of Canadians aged 35 and older. This agreement represents critical progress that could help more Canadians access a therapy that targets the underlying biology of their disease," said Ken Chapman, MD, FRCPC, Respirologist in Ontario.

 

For patients, the potential expansion of public coverage could mean another treatment option for a condition marked by breathlessness and disruptive flare-ups.

 

"Many Canadians living with COPD experience disruptive exacerbations and breathlessness, which can have a significant impact on their daily lives and overall quality of life. This letter of intent represents a meaningful step forward, offering hope to Canadians living with uncontrolled COPD who may benefit from an additional treatment option," said Henry Roberts, Managing Director, COPD Canada.

 

"This agreement marks a major step forward for patients managing severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and their families," said Jeffrey Beach, President and CEO, Asthma Canada.

 

The signed Letter of Intent concludes negotiations between Sanofi and the pCPA for the four additional indications. Sanofi said it would work with public payers to support access for eligible patients.

 

The announcement marks progress in the reimbursement process, but it does not, by itself, confirm that public coverage is already available across Canada. Access will depend on the next steps with the relevant public drug programs.