SMA drug Zolgensma finally makes Alberta's Rare Diseases Drug Coverage Program
Coverage for Zolgensma, a gene therapy used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, is now permanently available in Alberta.
The therapy was added to the province's Rare Diseases Drug Coverage Program after the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) reached a long-term pricing agreement with manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. in October.
Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said in a statement the government was "extremely pleased" at the development and Alberta's new ability to offer the treatment on a more secure basis.
The province had been providing access to the drug on its own pending a national drug review, approval and the price negotiations with Novartis.
Zolgensma, a one-time treatment with a price tag of $2.91 million, is administered by intravenous infusion to replace a missing or faulty gene that results in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The rare disorder can cause a loss of muscle function and is seen in about one in 10,000 Canadian babies each year, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Zolgensma is supposed to stop the disease's progression and restore protein production of the missing or defective SMN1 gene. It must be administered when a patient is a toddler.
Several Alberta families led the push to have it approved and covered in Alberta and Canada.
Spinraza, a spinal injection given three times a year that can be used as a treatment for SMA, is also covered under the Alberta Drug Benefit List.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former 'Sports Illustrated' model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning.
Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down
Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Magnus Carlsen quits World Rapid and Blitz Championships after refusing to change out of jeans
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of the jeans he was wearing, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
If you're mentally struggling during the holidays, here’s how to cope
For many people, celebrating New Year’s Day can include reflecting on a life well lived or a chance to start anew. But for some, the holiday may have dark undertones, according to a recent large study.
Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured
A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast.
Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments
Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state.
G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario
A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care'
If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well.
Delta, B.C., port terminals closed after 'machinery fire' Saturday morning
A large fire at the port in Delta, B.C., sent a plume of smoke into the sky Saturday morning.