Toronto, ON – October 28, 2010 – The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada) supports the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s recent decision to revise existing Exceptional Access Program (EAP) criteria to include funding of combination therapy for patients living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

"This is a huge victory for our members who have worked tirelessly to ensure Ontarians get access to the life-saving treatments they need,” says Darren Bell, President, Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada.  “It has been a long journey, but thanks to the efforts of all of our supporters, we have continued to raise awareness of this rare disease.  We will continue to work with governments across the country to ensure that those living with pulmonary arterial hypertension have access to the best quality of care.”

Although there is still no cure for PH, new treatment options, including combination therapy, are bringing renewed hope to all touched by this disease.  PHA Canada is thankful for the ongoing support and commitment of its members and will do its best to ensure that all PH patients receive the best support and care needed.

“I’m pleased that the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has taken the necessary steps to ensure Ontarians living with this chronic illness have access to treatments that will greatly improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Sanjay Mehta, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Southwest Ontario PH Clinic in London, Ontario, and Medical Advisor, PHA Canada.  “Ongoing research is advancing our understanding of the causes of PAH, and since 1997, Health Canada has approved several treatments. Thanks to these advancements, many patients with PH are living longer and healthier lives.”