Cubic News

Breakthrough in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment: the first oral MS drug approved for sale in Canada

April 2011

Gilenya™ (fingolimod) is the first oral MS drug approved for sale in Canada, representing a true breakthrough for patients with MS: whereas previous treatments were limited to injectable therapies, this new class of medications is available as a convenient once-a-day capsule, taken without regard to meals.

Indicated for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of MS that continue to worsen in disability progression, results from clinical trials suggest that Gilenya™ reduces relapses and delays the progression of disability compared to treatments commonly prescribed for MS as well as compared to placebo.

Novartis, the manufacturer of Gilenya™, expects it will cost approximately $30,000 per patient per year for this treatment. Although this figure is in-line with the annual costs associated with injectable MS therapies currently on the market, the high cost of this specialty therapy is an important consideration for Canadian plan sponsors. Employers are encouraged to ensure their plans are equipped with expanded Prior Authorization (PA) programs that both promote optimal prescribing for plan members being initiated on expensive specialty therapies, and include regular follow-up requirements to ensure plan members are continuing to benefit from the ongoing use of the specialty therapy.

Gilenya™ is expected to be available in Canadian pharmacies as early as April 1, 2011.

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