SNS 기사보내기
Korean patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis now have greater flexibility in treatment as reimbursement has been expanded to allow switching between biologic agents and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
The expanded reimbursement will especially have a positive impact on AbbVie Korea’s Rinvoq (ingredient: upadacitinib), which can be used for adolescents aged 12 and older under expanded coverage, reinforcing its role in personalized treatment strategies.
These changes aim to provide more tailored therapeutic options for patients struggling with inadequate responses or adverse effects from existing therapies.
AbbVie Korea held a press conference at the Park Hyatt Seoul Friday to highlight the latest clinical research on Rinvoq and discuss the impact of changes to atopic dermatitis reimbursement criteria.
According to the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association’s treatment guidelines, patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who experience inadequate response or adverse effects with a biologic agent or JAK inhibitor should consider switching to another biologic or JAK inhibitor.
Previously, such treatment switches were not reimbursed, posing challenges for clinicians and patients. However, as of March 1, reimbursement is now granted when switching between biologic agents and JAK inhibitors under certain conditions -- either due to lack of efficacy or the occurrence of adverse effects.
The newly selected treatment must be continued for at least six months, and switching between drugs of the same class remains non-reimbursable.
Professor Han Tae-young at Nowon Eulji Medical Center explains the significance of the reimbursement expansion that now allows switching between biologic agents and Janus kinase inhibitors. (Credit: AbbVie Korea)
Professor Han Tae-young at Nowon Eulji Medical Center explains the significance of the reimbursement expansion that now allows switching between biologic agents and Janus kinase inhibitors. (Credit: AbbVie Korea)
"Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease with varying symptoms and severity among patients, necessitating personalized treatment approaches,” Professor Han Tae-young of the Department of Dermatology at Nowon Eulji Medical Center said. “The approval of reimbursement for treatment switching provides new therapeutic opportunities for patients who previously did not achieve sufficient efficacy."
The change is particularly significant for Rinvoq, which has been directly compared to Dupixent (ingredient: dupilumab) in the Heads Up clinical trial.
The study found that among patients who switched from Dupixent (300mg) to Rinvoq (30mg) after 24 weeks, 90 percent achieved EASI 90 (almost clear skin) and 56.1 percent achieved WP-NRS 0/1 (minimal or no itching) at 16 weeks following the switch.
Professor Jang Yong-hyun at Kyungpook National University College of Medicine speaks at the same conference. (Credit: AbbVie Korea)
Professor Jang Yong-hyun at Kyungpook National University College of Medicine speaks at the same conference. (Credit: AbbVie Korea)
Professor Jang Yong-hyun of the Department of Dermatology at Kyungpook National University College of Medicine also emphasized the importance of early and effective treatment.
"In moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, achieving rapid symptom relief—especially reducing severe itching—is crucial,” Jang said. “With the expansion of reimbursement for treatment switching, Rinvoq becomes an even more viable first-line treatment option."
Rinvoq’s long-term clinical benefits have been demonstrated in phase 3 trials, Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2, which followed patients for approximately four years.
Results showed that 69.8 percent of patients on Rinvoq 15mg and 72.9 percent on Rinvoq 30mg maintained EASI 90 responses, while WP-NRS 0/1 responses were sustained in 44.9 percent and 47.2 percent of patients, respectively.
Safety data from an extended six-year study (over 9,000 patients) reaffirmed Rinvoq’s consistent safety profile.
Recent international guidelines also support the use of JAK inhibitors for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The European Dermatology Guidelines classify Rinvoq as a fast-acting treatment, making it a preferred option for patients requiring immediate symptom control.
Another major development for Rinvoq is its recent approval and reimbursement expansion for adolescents aged 12 and older weighing at least 40kg.
This is particularly significant given that adolescence is a critical period for growth, development, and emotional well-being. Severe atopic dermatitis can cause significant distress, particularly when lesions appear on visible areas such as the face and neck.
"Since adolescence is a crucial time to prevent the worsening of atopic dermatitis into adulthood, early intervention is key,” Jang said. “The reimbursement approval for Rinvoq 30mg allows for rapid and optimal symptom control, followed by a maintenance strategy with Rinvoq 15mg, enabling more flexible treatment planning."
With the approval of treatment switching, Rinvoq is expected to incur additional reimbursement claims, resulting in a price reduction based on the calculation formula.
Effective from March, the maximum price for Rinvoq 15mg will be reduced from 18,740 won ($12.96) to 18,328 won, while Rinvoq 30mg will decrease from 29,850 won to 29,193 won.
tweet
Related articles
‘Rinvoq made me return to how I was before I had Crohn's disease’
Doctors advocate for reimbursement of medication switching on World Atopic Dermatitis Day
Lee Han-soo corea022@docdocdoc.co.kr
See Other Articles
Copyright © KBR Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited
News That You Haven't Seen