Dupilumab (Dupixent)

Key Messages

• Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) recommends that Dupixent should be reimbursed by public drug plans as an add-on maintenance treatment in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by raised blood eosinophils inadequately controlled by the combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), or on a combination of a LABA and a LAMA if ICS is not appropriate, if certain conditions are met.
• Dupixent should only be covered to treat adults diagnosed with COPD who have obstructed airflow confirmed by lung function testing, whose disease has been stable while receiving optimized inhaler therapy for at least 3 months, who have experienced at least 2 moderate COPD exacerbations or 1 severe exacerbation within the past 12 months (with at least 1 occurring after the patient had been receiving optimized inhaler therapy for 3 months), and who have elevated blood eosinophil levels. Optimized inhaler therapy must consist of LABA, LAMA, and ICS combination therapy or a LABA in combination with a LAMA if the use of an ICS is inappropriate.
• Dupixent should be prescribed by, or in consultation with, a respirologist. Dupixent should only be reimbursed if the cost of Dupixent is reduced.