Quebec lists Trikafta for reimbursement, offering new hope for Quebecers living with Cystic fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Canada calls on remaining provinces to save lives and list Trikafta immediately
TORONTO, September 28, 2021 – Cystic Fibrosis Canada welcomes the news that Trikafta, the life-changing cystic fibrosis (CF) drug, will now be publicly funded in the province of Quebec. Due to the drug system in Quebec, this will mean that, as of Wednesday, September 29, 2021,Trikafta will be covered by public and private insurers in Quebec. Quebec joins Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan as the provinces that have listed Trikafta on their public drug plans and, in turn, given long overdue hope to Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. A remaining six provinces have yet to announce that they will fund this life-saving drug.
“Our community has fought very hard for this moment, and we are so pleased that all eligible Quebecers will now have access to this life changing drug,” said Dr. John Wallenburg, Chief Scientific Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “While we are pleased that four provinces have seized the opportunity to save lives through providing access to Trikafta, it is our expectation that every province in this country shows that same resolve to stop this disease in its tracks. We call on all Health Ministers and Premiers to bring Trikafta to everyone who can benefit from it, now.”
In June 2021, Health Canada approved the use of Trikafta for people with cystic fibrosis over the age of 12 with at least one F508del mutation, the most common CF-causing mutation. However, L’Institut national d'excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESSS) provided narrow guidance on access criteria for who should be eligible for Trikafta.The INESSS recommendation would have effectively excluded 27 per cent of eligible Quebecers with CF, many of whom are children and youth who could greatly benefit from the treatment. INESSS’ recommended access criteria is similar to the recommendation from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), finalised on September 17. With one exception, no other jurisdiction in the world has imposed this limiting condition.
It is Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s understanding that those who do not meet Quebec’s specified access criteria may work with their clinician to apply for the patient d'exception program to be considered for funding on a case by case basis.
“This news is a result of our hard work and a dream come true for the Quebec CF community,” said Marie-Pier Emery, a Montreal professional who lives with cystic fibrosis. “For me, my partner and my family, this news truly means a new breath of life and the possibility of a less scary future.”
Cystic Fibrosis Canada calls on all provinces to quickly fund Trikafta under their public drug programs using Health Canada’s indications and Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s clinician-developed guidelines for access and continuation. We urge all provinces to ensure swift access for all who could benefit from the drug as recommended by their physician.
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For more information or to speak to a community member or clinician for a reaction, please contact:
Cateryne Rhéaume, National Bilingual Communications and Marketing Associate
Tel: 438 868-4451
Email: crheaume@fibrosekystique.ca
Nicole Young, Director
Tel: (905) 317-5529
Email:?nyoung@cysticfibrosis.ca
