Ontario First in Canada to Provide Coverage for New ALS Treatment
TORONTO — The Ontario government is connecting people to a new treatment for those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ontario is the first Canadian jurisdiction to cover the new treatment, Albrioza, under the province’s publicly funded drug program.
“Our government is giving people access to more treatment options by expanding public access to new medications and therapeutics,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Expanding Ontario’s drug program coverage to include Albrioza, will ensure that people living with ALS will benefit from this new treatment sooner and is another example of how our government is connecting more people in our province to the care they need.”
An early phase clinical study of Albrioza demonstrated slowed disease progression, with an additional clinical study currently underway to provide additional insight. Albrioza is also being explored for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases.
Albrioza is now funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program’s Exceptional Access Program for Ontarians who meet specified criteria. Eligible Ontarians and their families are encouraged to reach out to their health care provider to help determine if Albrioza is a suitable treatment option for them.
Quick Facts
- ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
- Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to cover Albrioza through its publicly funded drug program.
- Amylyx has a manufacturing partnership for the global supply of Albrioza in Whitby, Ontario.
- Albrioza is available in individual packets, each containing 10 g of powder to be reconstituted in 250 mL of room temperature water and taken orally or administered via feeding tube within one hour of preparation.
- There are approximately 3,000 Canadians who live with ALS. 1,000 are diagnosed annually.
Quotes
"Our government is building on Ontario’s long history of medical breakthroughs and life sciences innovation by connecting more people with Albrioza, an innovative, life-changing treatment for ALS. We continue to grow our life sciences sector thanks to companies like Amylyx, who chose Whitby as its manufacturing hub for the global supply of Albrioza."
- Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
"Amylyx is thrilled to announce that eligible Ontarians living with ALS will now have access to ALBRIOZA through the province’s public drug benefit program. Canada is leading the way with its support of people living with ALS and was the first country in the world to approve and launch ALBRIOZA; a Canada-first approval does not happen often with global pharmaceutical launches. Now, with the support of the Ontario government, Ontario has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide publicly funded access to ALBRIOZA. As an Ontarian, I’m also particularly proud that Amylyx has partnered to manufacture the global supply of this therapy right here in the province."
- Chris Aiello
General Manager and Head of Canada at Amylyx
"We congratulate the Ontario government on its decision to reimburse this treatment in such a timely manner following pCPA negotiations. Because of the speed at which this fatal disease progresses, with a life expectancy of two to three years following diagnosis, timely access to this treatment is crucial. The ALS Society of Canada will continue to advocate for swift and equitable access for ALS therapies by bringing forward the perspectives and experiences of people affected by ALS."
- Tammy Moore
CEO of the ALS Society of Canada