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VANCOUVER – Hepatitis B patients now have more treatment options following government’s approval of two drug therapies, adefovir (Hepsera) and entecavir (Baraclude), through the PharmaCare program, announced Health Minister George Abbott today in Vancouver.
Beginning March 27, 2008, physicians can apply using specialized forms for Special Authority coverage of either drug by fax or mail for patients who meet the eligibility criteria. Patients must also meet their PharmaCare deductibles and co-payments.
“We have improved access to drug treatments for hepatitis B patients that can help slow the progression of the disease and improve their quality of life,” said Abbott. “Adefovir will provide a treatment option for patients who develop resistance to one of the existing drugs, and entecavir will provide an alternative for patients who are not responsive to currently available drug therapies for hepatitis B.”
There are approximately 30,000 to 60,000 British Columbians who live with chronic hepatitis B, a disease with a high prevalence rate among people with Asian heritage. PharmaCare estimates the cost for first year coverage of adefovir and entecavir will be approximately $3 million.
“I applaud government’s approval of both adefovir and entecavir, which will benefit patients who suffer from hepatitis B,” said Dr. Eric Yoshida, head of gastroenterology at the University of British Columbia.
It is estimated that chronic hepatitis B affects between
0.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent of the general population in Canada. Chronic
hepatitis B is more common in certain groups such as Canadians of Aboriginal
descent and Inuits (four per cent) and immigrants (4.3 per cent), particularly
from the Far East and other regions of the world where hepatitis B infections
are common. Other groups with relatively high levels of chronic hepatitis
infections include adolescents and people with compromised immune systems often
resulting from existing conditions.
“We welcome government's decision to make these new drugs available for hepatitis B patients,” said Mr. Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “Many patients in Chinese communities and other ethnic origins across B.C. now have even more options and better drug coverage through B.C.’s PharmaCare program.”
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is a non-profit organization that promotes the well-being of Canadians and immigrants of Chinese and other ethnic origins, and encourages their participation in the community in the spirit of multiculturalism.
PharmaCare has also expanded current drug coverage of lamivudine (Heptovir) and interferon alfa (Intron A) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B for patients who meet eligibility requirements.
The Province spends approximately $200 million each year managing viral hepatitis and preventing new infections. Government-funded vaccine programs for children and at-risk adult populations have significantly reduced the number of new hepatitis B infections seen in the province. B.C.’s annual rate of new hepatitis B infections has dropped from 5.7 cases per 100,000 in 1997 to 0.9 in 2006.
In May 2007, the ministry released its provincial Viral Hepatitis framework, Healthy Pathways Forward, which aims to lower the prevalence of hepatitis in the province by examining ways to prevent hepatitis infections and reduce the risk of those infected progressing to serious liver disease as well as expanding program reach to patients across B.C.
Compared to the large prevalence estimates for chronic hepatitis B in B.C., few of these patients are PharmaCare beneficiaries. Patients who are not enrolled with Fair PharmaCare are encouraged to register.
PharmaCare continues to expand its evidence based drug formulary. Since 2005, PharmaCare has approved 343 individual drug submissions, of which roughly 244 are generic drugs and approximately 99 are other submission types, including new brand name drugs and new drug indications. Since 2001, government has increased PharmaCare’s budget by $361 million to more than $1 billion in 2007/08.
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Communications Director Ministry of Health 250 812-5571 (cell) 250 952-1887 (media line) |
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