JAK inhibitors are similarly expensive, ranging from S$500 to about S$2,000 a month, said Clinical Associate Professor Mark Koh, head and senior consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s (KKH) dermatology department.
Of the targeted therapies, only one – abrocitinib (Cibinqo), a JAK inhibitor – is subsidised under the Ministry of Health’s Medication Assistance Fund, after being added to the list in March 2024. Singaporeans can qualify for up to 75 per cent off, depending on their household income, bringing higher-dose pills to between S$300 and S$900 a month.
Why do these drugs cost so much? Drug patents last about 20 years, granting manufacturers a monopoly that eliminates competition. For biologics specifically, the manufacturing process – biological rather than chemical – is costlier and harder to reproduce, said Dr Yew.
Dupixent is subsidised in parts of Europe, Canada and Australia, but not in Singapore. In November 2024, then-Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Janil Puthucheary said in parliament that Dupixent was not recommended for subsidy as its benefits did not justify its cost at the price proposed by the manufacturer.
Cibinqo, an oral medication, was assessed as at least as effective and available at a lower price, he said.
