In short:
A Tarneit family is calling for children under 12 to receive subsidised access to the eczema medication Dupilumab through the PBS, sharing the impact severe eczema has had on their five-year-old son. A federal advisory committee is considering the proposal as families urge the government to improve access to the treatment.
Little Boy, Big Fight For Funding Fairness
A Tarneit family is on the frontline of a campaign pushing for children to gain access to a vital eczema treatment at a subsidised rate.
Five-year-old Aarav has battled severe eczema since he was a baby and his father Gary Chawla has been battling to help him.
“Shortly after his first birthday, we began noticing the first signs of eczema,” Mr Chawla said.
“He would wake up with blood on his forehead caused by scratching himself with his nails during the night.”
With flare-ups at least twice a month— as well as creams and ointments providing minimal relief— the family has found little reprieve.
“Nights are especially difficult—scratching has been constant for the past four years.
“Waking up multiple times during the night is normal, often spending hours soothing him, moisturising his skin, and massaging him when he becomes exhausted from scratching himself.
“At school, Aarav struggles due to constant scratching. Childcare was also challenging, as there were multiple instances where he accidentally consumed foods that triggered his allergies.
“If an effective treatment were made available under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), it would significantly improve not only our lives but also the lives of many other families facing similar challenges—physically, mentally, and socially.”
The family has now joined the SOS (Save Our Skin) for Kids with Eczema campaign, calling on federal decision-makers to make Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) available for children younger than 12 through the PBS.
Currently, a federal government advisory committee is meeting to decide whether Dupilumab should be funded through the PBS for children aged six months to 11 years.
According to Eczema Support Australia founder Melanie Funk, the difference between the medication costing $25 a month and $20,000 a year is a 12th birthday.
“Over the past three months, families from every pocket of Australia have rallied around a single message – we cannot wait any longer for equitable access to a medicine that is life-changing for children,” Ms Funk said.
“Families have shared their stories through media, advocated with members of parliament, and contributed to the government’s PBS consultation process.
“It’s time to cut through the red tape and end age-based treatment discrimination. Young kids and their families need this medicine – let’s not let them down once again.”
The Department of Health, Disability and Aging said it has received the recommendations of an earlier committee held in 2022, but the delays are being caused by the company responsible not playing ball with them.
“Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company responsible for dupilumab in Australia, has not provided the required documentation for the PBS listing to progress,” a spokesperson said.
“As a result, PBS subsidised access remains limited to patients 12 years and older. Further questions about the reasons Sanofi has not provided the required documentation should be referred to the company.
The spokesperson also said it will consider updating its proposal after this current committee meeting winds up.
“The government is committed to listing every medicine that is recommended by the PBAC where the pharmaceutical company agrees to the terms of listing.”
