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22-12-2025

Information on reimbursement for the medicinal product “Dupixent”

Iliustracija

The pharmaceutical company “Sanofi Winthrop Industrie”, representing the marketing authorization holder of the medicinal product “Dupixent” (active substance – dupilumab), has decided to terminate negotiations with the Interinstitutional Commission for the Negotiation of Prices of Medicinal Products and Medical Aids. As a result, as of 1 January 2026, this medicinal product indicated for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis will no longer be reimbursed from the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

“Throughout the entire process, the Negotiation Commission aimed to reach an agreement that would ensure patients’ access to effective and safe treatment while maintaining the sustainability of the fund’s budget. However, the outcome of negotiations always depends on the capabilities of the pharmaceutical manufacturer and its decision to apply conditions acceptable to Lithuania. Unfortunately, the manufacturer decided not to continue the negotiations, and therefore no agreement was reached,” says Daniel Naumovas, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Health.

The National Health Insurance Fund, together with the Ministry of Health, sought a rational solution during year-long negotiations to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment with this medicine and that the fund’s resources are used responsibly. The Negotiation Commission made several proposals to the manufacturer, but the parties failed to reach an agreement. The manufacturer remained firm on its proposed terms and did not attempt to find a compromise solution. After the Negotiation Commission presented the manufacturer with the most favorable proposal possible and asked it to specify the terms for supplying “Dupixent” to patients already being treated with this medicine, the manufacturer announced that it was terminating the negotiations. 

“During negotiations, it is often difficult to agree on prices, quantities, contract terms, or other conditions. However, we are unpleasantly surprised that even now, the company is unwilling to supply the necessary medicines to patients undergoing treatment under the previous conditions. This is an extremely unfriendly decision,” says Gytis Bendorius, Director of the National Health Insurance Fund.  

The process of negotiating medicinal product prices is clearly regulated – the Negotiation Commission does not have the power to unilaterally set the price of a medicinal product or oblige the manufacturer to apply discounts. An agreement can only be reached if both parties agree to the proposed terms. In all cases, the aim is to ensure that patients have access to the most effective and safest treatment methods and that the healthcare system remains financially sustainable.

The Negotiation Commission emphasizes that it is open to further discussion and, should circumstances change, the negotiations on the reimbursement of this or other innovative medicinal products could be resumed in the future.  

Currently, 230 patients are being treated with “Dupixent”. They are advised to consult their treating physician regarding further treatment with other medicinal products that are reimbursed in Lithuania. For patients with severe atopic dermatitis, reimbursed treatment options currently include the JAK inhibitors upadacitinib and baricitinib, which are subject to similar prescribing conditions. They can be prescribed to patients by a dermatovenerologist, allergist, clinical immunologist, or pediatric allergist. Healthcare institutions and dermatologists will be informed about the changes separately. 

The NHIF invites you:

Last updated: 23-12-2025

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