In Singapore, Chloe Ng suffered from severe eczema flare-ups, enduring open wounds on her fingers that made it difficult to even hold a pen or a spoon. After years of experimenting with different treatments, she found her solution in new therapies at the National Skin Centre in 2021.
Thanks to an oral JAK inhibitor, a medication that blocks certain immune responses, Chloe was able to manage her condition effectively. She states, "I live a normal life after taking this new medication; I had been suffering from sleep deprivation since 2008 until the day I tried this treatment."
Event Details
Atopic eczema, the most common form of eczema, affects about one in five school-aged children and one in ten adults. This condition causes dry skin, severe itching, and inflammation. With the emergence of new treatments like JAK inhibitors and biologics, options have become safer and more effective for moderate to severe cases, yet their high costs remain a barrier for many.
Although the JAK inhibitor helped Chloe eliminate about 95% of her eczema, its cost is approximately 1,200 Singapore dollars (940 USD) per month. Consequently, she had to switch to a less expensive medication to manage her condition.
Background & Context
For decades, severe cases of eczema have relied on oral immunosuppressants that reduce inflammation and itching, but these medications come with serious side effects such as high blood pressure and increased infection risk. In 2019, Singapore approved a biologic medication known as Dupixent for treating moderate to severe eczema, which targets specific immune pathways rather than broadly suppressing the immune system.
JAK inhibitors followed in early 2020, working by blocking the enzymes responsible for immune signaling that leads to inflammation. These treatments are considered a first or second-line option for moderate to severe cases and provide rapid improvement compared to traditional immunosuppressants.
Impact & Consequences
Dr. Uma Alagappan, a dermatologist, confirms that these treatments have made a significant difference in patients' lives, providing them with confidence and improving their quality of life. However, the high prices remain a major obstacle, as a single injection of Dupixent costs over 900 Singapore dollars.
Reez Lim, a 19-year-old student, began using Dupixent after his condition worsened, noting that the treatment gave him hope, but he struggles to afford it.
Regional Significance
Eczema is a common ailment in the Arab world, where many individuals suffer from its negative impacts on their daily lives. There is a pressing need for effective and affordable treatments, especially given the challenging economic conditions faced by some Arab countries.
Many health organizations in the region are striving to improve access to modern treatments, which could enhance the quality of life for patients.