The socio-economic value of effectively managing moderate atopic dermatitis in Europe

What is the issue?

Illustration of a computer browser window showing hands with a skin infection and people studying a solution, suggesting allergy testing and antihistamine cream.

Photo by Flash Vector/Adobe Stock

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by relapsing eczematous lesions and intense pruritus (itching). It often begins in early childhood and can persist or recur in adulthood, making it a lifelong condition for many patients. AD is associated with sleep disruption, for example due to nocturnal itching, elevating the risks of anxiety and depression. Therefore, AD affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life, including physical comfort, sleep quality, psychological well-being and social functioning. AD imposes a substantial economic burden on both healthcare systems and national economies. Costs arise from direct medical expenses, including doctor visits, medications, specialist care, hospitalisation, as well as indirect costs such as lost work productivity.

How are we helping?

This study aims to evaluate the evidence on the burden of moderate atopic dermatitis, understand how current treatment pathways and guidelines are perceived by patients and healthcare providers, and examine how novel therapies can reduce patient burden and costs to healthcare systems and national economies. The research outputs will help demonstrate the value of innovation to key stakeholders, including payers and market access decision makers.

Initially, we will conduct a comprehensive literature review across academic sources and Health Technology Assessment submissions to synthesise existing evidence on moderate AD. Insights from this review will inform both the conceptual economic modelling framework and the stakeholder engagement strategy. The stakeholder engagement aims to:

  • Gather qualitative evidence on the perceived benefits and challenges of current AD therapies from patients and healthcare providers.
  • Collect additional data to address evidence gaps in modelling the economic burden of moderate AD.
  • Validate the modelling approach and scenario analyses. Drawing on these insights, we will implement an economic model to assess key societal cost drivers under different treatment pathway scenarios.

Project Team