New eczema treatment given NHS green light

More than 62,000 people in England suffering from debilitating hand eczema could benefit from a new treatment that has been approved for use on the NHS. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has given the green light to delgocitinib, also known as Anzupgo and produced by Leo Pharma, which could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds.

The cream, which is intended for adults with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema, has been approved for use on the NHS. This condition causes the hands to become dry, sore, cracked and itchy, making everyday tasks challenging.

This can be particularly problematic for those who work outdoors or in healthcare roles that require frequent handwashing. Delgocitinib is applied twice daily to the affected areas on the hands and wrists and can be used at home.

Nice recommends that it should be offered to patients with limited options, such as when steroid creams have not worked or are not suitable. Current treatments for these patients include ultraviolet light therapy, which requires regular hospital visits, or retinoid medication, which can cause side effects like dizziness, dry eyes, dry mouth, alopecia, anaemia and conjunctivitis.

According to Nice, the introduction of delgocitinib could reduce outpatient procedures like phototherapy, as well as freeing up clinical capacity for other patients requiring specialist care. Delgocitinib will be available on the NHS within 90 days.