FDA Approval of Dupilumab (Dupixent) for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Dear friends of the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED),
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in patients 1 year and older. This approval came a little earlier than expected, and we are excited and hopeful that Dupixent will simplify the management of EoE for some patients.
Currently, insurance coverage for Dupixent can be challenging, as all parties (insurance, pharmacy, pharmaceutical companies and physicians) adjust to the new approval for this age group. We are working with pharmaceutical companies to ensure our patients have access to available patient assistance programs and resources. We encourage all families to remain patient and vigilant as we navigate through these changes in the coming weeks.
We will be evaluating each patient ages 1 year and older with EoE for the use of Dupixent at their next appointment and look forward to discussing the risks and benefits of this possible treatment with each patient personally to determine the best personalized care plan.
Patients whose EoE is in remission with common treatments, such as an elimination diet or topical steroids, should not alter their therapy until discussed with their physician. Established patients who are in the process of participating in food trials, or whose medication dose has been changed, should continue with their therapy as prescribed.
At this time, Dupixent has not been approved for any other eosinophilic gastrointestinal condition, such as eosinophilic gastritis (EoG), eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD), or eosinophilic colitis (EoC).
- CCED staff
