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news.Genzyme, a Sanofi company, announced that PEI Pharmacare has included Aubagio (teriflunomide) 14mg on the provincial drug formulary as a first-line oral tablet for people in the province living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
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Aubagio is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and to delay the accumulation of physical disability.
"Aubagio is proving to be a very simple, safe and effective treatment for MS. I’m glad to see it endorsed by this province’s Prescription Drug Program," states Dr. Richard Leckey , a clinician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown , PEI and Staff Neurologist at the Dalhousie Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit in Halifax, Nova Scotia .
"We’ve all waited patiently for safe and effective oral medications in MS," says Dr. Gregg MacLean , Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Director in Saint John, New Brunswick and native Islander. "I am pleased that Aubagio has gained a listing in Prince Edward Island ."
"The MS Society is pleased that PEI has come on board to provide coverage of another treatment option for those living with multiple sclerosis," says Monica Jordan , Interim President, Atlantic Division, MS Society of Canada.
"This means Islanders living with MS have greater access and more choice when it comes to treatments that manage the effects of their disease. For people with MS who are interested in exploring treatment options, we encourage them to consult with their healthcare team to find the course that is most appropriate for them. The MS Society of Canada continues to support and advocate for greater access to therapies that will improve the quality of life for people living with MS."
With 100,000 Canadians living with MS and three people newly diagnosed every day, Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. As most people are diagnosed with relapsing MS in their twenties and thirties, MS is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada .
"We congratulate the Government of PEI for making AUBAGIO available to patients suffering from RRMS. With its once-a-day oral regimen, this will provide patients an alternative to injectables," said Peter Brenders , General Manager, Genzyme Canada.
As part of its commitment to those living with MS, Genzyme has developed the MS One to One program which offers comprehensive information services and ongoing education, as well as reimbursement navigation. Staffed by dedicated MS nurses and highly trained representatives, MS One to One provides support for individuals living with MS, their healthcare providers, family and loved ones.