PHA Canada Marks World Pulmonary Hypertension Day with National Advocacy Events Calling for Timely Access to Treatment

On May 5, World Pulmonary Hypertension Day, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada) is calling for urgent action to ensure timely, equitable access to sotatercept (Winrevair™), a new treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Advocates, patients, and caregivers are gathering today in St. John’s and Winnipeg to meet with elected officials and raise awareness about pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—a rare and progressive lung disease characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs, which can lead to heart failure. These in-person events are part of PHA Canada’s ongoing Time Matters PAH campaign, urging decision-makers to prioritize access to life-changing therapies for Canadians living with PAH.

In August 2024, Health Canada approved sotatercept (Winrevair™), the first activin signalling inhibitor for long-term treatment of PAH. In October 2024, Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) recommended the drug be publicly funded. As of this spring, sotatercept is in active price negotiations between the manufacturer and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA)—the final step before provinces and territories can fund access.

PHA Canada is encouraging Canadians to support the campaign by sending a letter to their provincial or territorial health minister via our website. Hundreds have already sent letters, and the letter has recently been updated to reflect the recent progress at the pCPA.

This is a critical moment. We have a Health Canada–approved treatment with significant clinical benefit. Now we need government leadership to make sure it reaches the people who need it.

Today’s advocacy events in Newfoundland and Manitoba reflect growing national momentum to bring attention to pulmonary arterial hypertension and the urgent need for additional treatments so Canadians living with PAH receive the therapies that will help them stay alive until a cure can be found.

To send a letter, learn more or to take further action, visit: www.phacanada.ca/advocate

About the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada) 

PHA Canada is a federally registered charity whose mission is to empower the Canadian pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. PHA Canada was established in 2008 by patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to work together to better the lives of Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension and represent a united national pulmonary hypertension community.

For more information about the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada, please visit www.phacanada.ca.

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Media Contact:

Jeremy Durand

Manager, Marketing & Communications

Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada

jdurand@phacanada.ca