Revlimid Approval in Alberta!

[Doug Mylie]

Revlimid has now been added to the formulary for MDS patients in Alberta. Alberta has agreed to reimburse Revlimid using the same criteria in Ontario, and this should lead to the broadest possible availability for MDS patients with deletion of the 5q chromosome.

Public reimbursement is now available in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. Combined with the various private insurance companies that provide reimbursement, more than 90% of Canadians in need of Revlimid for MDS should now have access. However, there are still six other provinces that need to come on side to complete the picture and our advocacy efforts will need to focus on them.

We also understand that Vidaza, a new drug shown to increase survival for patients suffering with Intermediate 2 high risk MDS, may soon be available in Canada. Once again, the advocacy efforts of AAMAC will be essential to ensure that patients in need across Canada will be provided with access to this important new therapy. Stay tuned for further information and we hope to count on all of you for your ongoing support in our advocacy efforts.