The move increases access to an alternative treatment for a severe chronic condition
Canadian health authorities have expanded national coverage for a biologic treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC).
Humira, a UC treatment developed by pharmaceutical firm Abbvie, is now covered under the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, according to IBD News. The program provides coverage to nearly one million registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people across Canada.
“This is great news because it improves public access to another treatment option for Canadians with ulcerative colitis,” said Brian Bressler, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. “In British Columbia in particular, this means HUMIRA is the only sub-cutaneous option covered by the government and having that treatment option is critical for patients.”
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon, UC is typically treated using corticosteroids, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or a combination of those drugs. However, some patients are intolerant to one or more of those compounds, in which case Humira presents a practical alternative.
Humira is an antibody-based treatment that blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa). In cases of IBD, immune cells typically overproduce TNFa, which can lead to a harmful inflammatory response in UC patients. By neutralizing TNFa, Humira alleviates the symptoms of IBD and could potentially facilitate sustained remission from UC. Approved in 90 countries, Humira is supported by a global clinical database spanning 20 years covering 13 indications, which includes more than 100 clinical trials.
The most recent figures from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada show that around 104,000 Canadians live with UC, with nearly 4,500 new cases getting diagnosed each year. In addition, Canada is one of the countries with the highest prevalence and incidence of IBD in the world.
“Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and challenging disease to manage and patients need medications that work,” said Gail Attara, CEO of the Gastrointestinal Society. “Ensuring coverage of these vital biologic medications for patients across the country is essential.”
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Humira, a UC treatment developed by pharmaceutical firm Abbvie, is now covered under the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, according to IBD News. The program provides coverage to nearly one million registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people across Canada.
“This is great news because it improves public access to another treatment option for Canadians with ulcerative colitis,” said Brian Bressler, clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia. “In British Columbia in particular, this means HUMIRA is the only sub-cutaneous option covered by the government and having that treatment option is critical for patients.”
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon, UC is typically treated using corticosteroids, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or a combination of those drugs. However, some patients are intolerant to one or more of those compounds, in which case Humira presents a practical alternative.
Humira is an antibody-based treatment that blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa). In cases of IBD, immune cells typically overproduce TNFa, which can lead to a harmful inflammatory response in UC patients. By neutralizing TNFa, Humira alleviates the symptoms of IBD and could potentially facilitate sustained remission from UC. Approved in 90 countries, Humira is supported by a global clinical database spanning 20 years covering 13 indications, which includes more than 100 clinical trials.
The most recent figures from the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada show that around 104,000 Canadians live with UC, with nearly 4,500 new cases getting diagnosed each year. In addition, Canada is one of the countries with the highest prevalence and incidence of IBD in the world.
“Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and challenging disease to manage and patients need medications that work,” said Gail Attara, CEO of the Gastrointestinal Society. “Ensuring coverage of these vital biologic medications for patients across the country is essential.”
Related stories:
Alberta announces coverage for new vision-loss treatment
Pro-choice advocate calls for greater abortion access in Nova Scotia
