Date: November 7, 2024
Location: Vancouver, BC
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada) is thrilled to announce that Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) has recommended that Winrevair™ (sotatercept) should be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of adult patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). This crucial recommendation marks a significant advancement in the care and treatment options for those affected by this rare and life-threatening condition.
Approved by Health Canada in August 2024, Winrevair™ is a groundbreaking therapy that offers renewed hope for individuals battling PAH, which is characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs and has historically limited life expectancy to just 2 to 3 years without treatment. Winrevair™ is the first of its kind, targeting activin signaling—a key pathway in the progression of the disease.
On November 6, 2024, following a comprehensive review of clinical and economic evidence, the CDEC recommended that Winrevair™ should be included in publicly funded drug programs across Canada if certain conditions are met. This decision comes at a critical time, as it is estimated that over 2,000 Canadians are currently diagnosed with PAH, with many others potentially undiagnosed.
“PHA Canada urges federal and provincial governments to act swiftly through the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) to ensure that Winrevair™ becomes available to PAH patients nationwide as soon as possible,” said Jamie Myrah, PHA Canada’s Executive Director. “Access to this innovative treatment can significantly improve the lives of individuals living with this challenging disease.”
While advancements in PAH therapies have been made, existing treatments fall short in halting disease progression and improving quality of life. Winrevair™ represents a critital new option for patients seeking comprehensive care.
PHA Canada is committed to advocating for equitable access to leading-edge treatments for all Canadians impacted by PAH and will continue to keep the community informed as the public funding process progresses.
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BACKGROUND
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.
About pulmonary arterial hypertension
PAH is a type of PH that is specifically due to narrowing of the pulmonary arteries (blood vessels) that carry blood to the lungs.
The exact cause of PAH is not well understood. Narrowing of pulmonary arteries in PAH is due to multiplication and growth of cells in the walls of the pulmonary arteries, as well as scar tissue formation in the pulmonary arteries. Tremendous ongoing research has identified many biologic abnormalities in PAH, including genes, proteins, and small chemicals in the body.
About the Time Matters PAH campaign
In August 2024, Health Canada approved sotatercept (Winrevair™), the first activin signalling inhibitor for long-term pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) has now issued a recommendation that sotatercept be publicly funded, alongside standard pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies, for patients in WHO Functional Class II or III—provided it's prescribed by a PAH specialist. PHA Canada has been actively engaged with the CDA throughout their review process.
For this treatment to become accessible to patients, the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) must then negotiate pricing and funding with the manufacturer on behalf of the provincial drug programs. This is where your voice can make a difference.
Time Matters! To ensure patients can access sotatercept without unnecessary delays, we’re asking you to write to your provincial or territorial health minister* using the template below. By doing so, you’ll help raise awareness of this important treatment and encourage provincial leaders to prioritize and expedite negotiations.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Jeremy Durand
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada
1 877-774-2226 ext. 102
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