Health Canada Approves AbbVie’s RINVOQ® (upadacitinib) for the Treatment of Adults with Active Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Approval supported by efficacy and safety data of two pivotal Phase 3 studies in which RINVOQ demonstrated improved joint outcomes, physical function and skin symptoms, with a greater proportion of patients achieving minimal disease activity versus placebo*

1,2

  • Significantly more patients taking RINVOQ achieved an ACR20 response than patients receiving placebo 1,2

 

MONTREAL, QC, June 7, 2021 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Health Canada has approved RINVOQ® (upadacitinib, 15 mg), an oral, once-daily selective and reversible JAK inhibitor for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate or other Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).3

 

“Psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease that can cause severe pain, restricted mobility, and lasting structural damage.4, 5 The immune system creates inflammation that can lead to skin lesions associated with psoriasis, as well as pain, fatigue and stiffness in the joints,” 6,7 said Dr. Proton Rahman, FRCPC, Clinical Rheumatologist at Eastern Health and University Research Professor at Memorial University. “Despite treatment advances, some people living with PsA do not achieve their treatment goals, which is why access to new therapies is so critical. The approval of RINVOQ offers Canadian physicians and their patients an important new therapeutic option.”

 

“I have had psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis for more than 30 years. At one point, most of my body was covered in psoriasis, and I was using arm and leg braces to help me walk. These diseases have had a huge impact on my life, which is why I am so pleased that Canadians with psoriatic arthritis now have a new treatment option available to them,” said Marilyn Porth, of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

 

This approval is supported by data from two Phase 3 studies across a broad range of more than 2,000 patients with active psoriatic arthritis.1,2 In both studies, RINVOQ met the primary endpoint of ACR20 response at week 12 versus placebo.1,2 RINVOQ 15 mg also achieved non- inferiority versus adalimumab in terms of ACR20 response at week 12.1 Patients receiving RINVOQ also experienced greater improvements in physical function (HAQ-DI*) and skin symptoms (PASI 75*), and a greater proportion achieved minimal disease activity.1,2 Overall, the safety profile of RINVOQ in psoriatic arthritis was consistent with previously reported results across the Phase 3 rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial program, with no new significant safety risks detected.1,2,8

 

 

 

“The approval of RINVOQ is wonderful news for Canadians living with psoriatic arthritis, and an important step forward for the psoriatic arthritis community,” says Wendy Gerhart, Executive Director, Canadian Spondylitis Association. “From our recent member surveys, we know this devastating disease has a profound impact on people’s quality of life including their physical and mental health. This approval provides a new treatment option to Canadian patients. It is a hopeful time for people living with psoriatic arthritis.”

 

“For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to discovering and delivering innovative therapies for people living with rheumatic diseases,” added Tracey Ramsay, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. “We are proud of our deep heritage in rheumatology and pleased to expand our portfolio of treatment options for Canadians living with psoriatic arthritis, particularly by offering people the convenience of a once-daily oral medication.”

 

*Physical function was measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Skin symptoms were measured by a 75 percent improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75). Minimal disease activity is defined as the fulfillment of five of seven outcome measures: Tender joint count ≤1; swollen joint count ≤1; PASI ≤1 or body surface area-psoriasis ≤3 percent; Patient’s Assessment of Pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)

≤1.5; Patient Global Assessment-Disease Activity NRS ≤2.0; HAQ-DI score ≤0.5; and Leeds Enthesitis Index ≤1.

 

About SELECT-PsA 1 1,3

 

SELECT-PsA 1 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active and placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib compared to placebo and adalimumab in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one non-biologic DMARD.

 

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 1 were previously announced in February 2020. More information on this trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03104400).

 

About SELECT-PsA 2 2,3

 

SELECT-PsA 2 is a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have a history of inadequate response to at least one biologic DMARD.

 

Top-line results from SELECT-PsA 2 were previously announced in October 2019. More information on this trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03104374).

 

About RINVOQ® (upadacitinib)

 

RINVOQ is a 15 mg, once-daily oral medication in an extended-release tablet. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that interferes with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which is thought to play a role in inflammatory response.

 

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate, as well as for adults with active psoriatic arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to

 

 

 

methotrexate or other DMARDs. In RA, RINVOQ may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other nonbiologic DMARDs. In PsA, RINVOQ may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

 

For important safety information, please consult the RINVOQ Product Monograph at www.abbvie.ca.

 

About AbbVie in Rheumatology

 

For more than 20 years, AbbVie has been dedicated to improving care for people living with rheumatic diseases. Our longstanding commitment to discovering and delivering innovative therapies is underscored by our pursuit of cutting-edge science that improves our understanding of promising new pathways and targets in order to help more people living with rheumatic diseases reach their treatment goals.

 

About AbbVie

 

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca. Follow @abbviecanada on Twitter or find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

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Media Inquiries: Julie Lepsetz AbbVie Canada (514) 451-9427

julie.lepsetz@abbvie.com

 

 

References

 

  1. McInnes I, et Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib Versus Placebo and Adalimumab in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Non-Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti- Rheumatic Drugs (SELECT-PsA-1): a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trial. 2020 EULAR E-Congress; LB0001.
  2. Genovese MC, et Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Patients With Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (SELECT-PsA- 2): a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Trial. 2020 EULAR E-Congress; OP0223.
  3. RINVOQ (upadacitinib) product monograph. AbbVie Corporation. Available at: https://abbvie.ca/content/dam/abbvie-dotcom/ca/en/documents/products/RINVOQ_PM.pdf. Accessed June 7, 2021.

 

 

  1. Diseases & Conditions: Psoriatic 2019. American College of Rheumatology. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis. Accessed on: May 13, 2021.
  2. Schett G, et al. Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: traditional views, novel insights gained from TNF blockade, and concepts for the Arthritis Res & Ther.2011; 13(Suppl1) :s4(1-9)
  3. Duarte GV, et al. Psoriatic arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Feb;26(1):147-56. doi: 1016/j.berh.2012.01.003.
  4. Diseases & Conditions: Psoriatic 2019. American College of Rheumatology. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis. Accessed: December 2020
  5. Cohen , et al. Safety profile of upadacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Integrated analysis from the SELECT Phase 3 Clinical Program. EULAR 2019; THU0167.

AbbVie Receives Health Canada Approval of HUMIRA® (adalimumab) for the Treatment of Pediatric Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

  • With this approval, HUMIRA, an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody, offers pediatric patients from five years of age with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) the first subcutaneous anti-TNF treatment option1
  • Approval based on results from the pivotal Phase 3 ENVISION I study, the largest clinical trial in pediatric ulcerative colitis to date, showing HUMIRA provided significant rates of response and remission both at week 8 and 521,2

 

MONTREAL, QC, April 22, 2021 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Health Canada has approved HUMIRA® (adalimumab) for inducing and maintaining clinical remission in pediatric patients five years of age and older with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and/or azathioprine or 6- mercaptopurine or who are intolerant to such therapies.1 With this approval, HUMIRA offers pediatric patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis the first subcutaneous anti-

TNF therapeutic option.1

 

“Ulcerative colitis is a miserable illness when it is not well controlled, and it has a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents. When the disease is active, it is disabling and embarrassing, and affects how children can engage in their normal lives with peers and at school. Although we are able to treat a lot of children who have ulcerative colitis today, there is still a group of children and adolescents that we cannot help as well as we would like, which is why we do need access to new therapies,” said Dr. Anne Griffiths, Co-Lead, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre at the Hospital for Sick Children.

 

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the large intestine with symptoms ranging from mild to severe bowel urgency and bowel incontinence as well as weight loss and fatigue.4,5 It remains a lifelong condition that is not adequately controlled in many patients, underscoring the need for more treatment options.3,4 Children with ulcerative colitis may fail to develop or grow properly due to malabsorption of nutrients by the diseased bowel.5 Significant unmet needs remain in moderate to severe pediatric ulcerative colitis, compared to adults, as pediatric patients tend to have more extensive disease often causing significant illness in children.4,6

 

Cal Spellman, who is now 17, remembers getting diagnosed when he was 11 years old. “It was very scary for me. As a kid, it can be intimidating when a doctor says you have a chronic illness, and even though it is treatable, it can be hard to manage. I remember having a really difficult time when I was about 12. I was hospitalized twice, four months apart from each other. I was having uncontrollable symptoms, which is particularly hard for someone going through puberty, when you are feeling self-conscious about things. But for anyone who is newly diagnosed, know

 

 

 

that it does get better. It will be hard, but it is something you can manage, and it is possible to live a normal life,” he explained.

 

“Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world5. With the number of cases increasing in children, it is important that we continue to expand the number of pediatric treatment options available” said Susan Cowan, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. “Ulcerative colitis, one of the main forms of IBD, is an unpredictable disease often requiring medication to manage debilitating symptoms. The introduction of a new therapy for children living with ulcerative colitis is an important advancement.”

 

“This approval marks an important milestone for children and adolescents living with ulcerative colitis, who often struggle to control this lifelong condition, particularly because pediatric patients tend to have more extensive disease,” added Tracey Ramsay, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. “AbbVie is proud of our heritage and dedication to discovering and delivering innovative therapies that help adults and children living with inflammatory bowel disease.”

 

About the ENVISION I Phase 3 Study2,7

 

The Health Canada approval is based on results from the ENVISION I study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and the pharmacokinetics of HUMIRA in pediatric patients (ages 4-17) with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, administered subcutaneously.

The ENVISION I study showed that HUMIRA met the co-primary endpoints of clinical remission at week 8 and, among those who responded at week 8, clinical remission at one year (52 weeks).1,2

 

No new safety signals for HUMIRA were observed in this study.1,2 In patients exposed to HUMIRA during the study, 23 percent experienced a serious adverse event.1,2 The most frequently reported (greater than or equal to five percent) treatment-emergent adverse events during induction and maintenance periods were headache and ulcerative colitis.1,2 No deaths, malignancies, active tuberculosis or demyelinating disease were observed in this study.1,2

More information on this trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02065557).

 

About HUMIRA

 

HUMIRA resembles antibodies normally found in the body. It works by blocking TNF-α, a protein that, when produced in excess, plays a central role in the inflammatory responses of many immune-mediated diseases.

 

For further information, please see the HUMIRA Product Monograph available on www.abbvie.ca.

 

 

 

About AbbVie in Gastroenterology

 

AbbVie has focused on improving care in gastroenterology for more than 10 years. With a robust clinical trial program in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we are committed to cutting- edge research to drive exciting discoveries and developments in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By innovating, learning, and adapting, AbbVie aspires to eliminate the burden of IBD and make a long-term impact on the lives of people with IBD.

 

 

About AbbVie

 

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbviecanada on Twitter or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Media Inquiries: Julie Lepsetz AbbVie Canada (514) 451-9427

julie.lepsetz@abbvie.com

 

 

References:

  1. HUMIRA (adalimumab) Product Monograph. AbbVie Corporation. Available at: https://abbvie.ca/content/dam/abbvie- dotcom/ca/en/documents/products/HUMIRA_PM_EN.pdf. Accessed on April 21, 2021.
  2. Croft M., et al. Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in pediatric patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis: results of a randomized-controlled phase 3 study. UEGJ. 2020;8(8S):98-99.
  3. The Economic Costs of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Access Economics Pty Limited. Available at: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au/site/wp-content/uploads/Deloitte-Access- Economics-Report.pdf.
  4. Romano, , et al., Management of Acute Severe Colitis in Children With Ulcerative Colitis in the Biologics Era. Pediatrics. 2016;137(5):e20151184.
  5. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. 2018 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Report. Available at : https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Crohns_and_Colitis/documents/reports/2018-Impact-Report-LR.pdf. Accessed March 29,
  6. Jakobsen , et al. Differences in phenotype and disease course in adult and paediatric inflammatory bowel disease—a population-based study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011;34(10):1217–1224pmid:21981762.
  7. Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Pediatric Subjects With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative ClinicalTrials.gov. 2020. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02065557. Accessed on October 6, 2020.

AbbVie’s SKYRIZI® for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis now Publicly Reimbursed across Canada

  • SKYRIZI® is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque 1
  • In clinical studies, SKYRIZI® significantly improved levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and maintained clearance at one year (52 weeks).1
  • Prince Edward Island lists SKYRIZI® on its Pharmacare Formulary effective February 22,
  • SKYRIZI® is now listed for public payer coverage across all Canadian

 

MONTRÉAL, QC, February 24, 2021 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, announced today that SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) is now listed as a special authorization drug on the formulary of Prince Edward Island for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. With the addition of the PEI formulary listing, SKYRIZI® is now listed for public payer coverage in all Canadian jurisdictions.

 

SKYRIZI® is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally.

 

“New psoriasis treatments, which improve the quality of patients lives, are always welcome. In clinical trials, SKYRIZI® demonstrated high levels of skin clearance and persistence of effect. It is great news to know that people living in PEI with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, can now access this drug under the provincial formulary,” shares Dr. Catherine Rodriguez, MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist.

 

Psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, including 1 million Canadians, and many patients despite treatment still do not reach their goals or lose treatment response over time.2-4 The most common form is plaque psoriasis, which affects approximately 90% of patients. 5

 

“Psoriasis is a burdensome disease. The first biologic was approved in 2004 in Canada. Since then, research on different triggers of the disease has led to other classes of medication. The newest are the IL-23 inhibitors that have greatly improved outcomes”, states Dr. Ron Vender, MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist. “Working with SKYRIZI for four years, as I was involved in the clinical trials, I have witnessed that many of my SKYRIZI patients have experienced complete skin clearance – and with only four maintenance doses per year, the effects last. Ontario was the first province to publicly reimburse SKYRIZI – so good to hear that it is now accessible to all Canadians coast-to-coast.”

 

As psoriasis causes a great physical, emotional, and social burden, quality of life in general is often significantly impaired. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy give the best chance to prevent psoriasis patients from unnecessary suffering, and irreversible disability. Optimum therapy also reduces societal costs of the disease. 6

Information regarding specific reimbursement criteria may be found by consulting the link below:

 

 

About SKYRIZI®

SKYRIZI® is a novel, humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit IL-23, a naturally occurring cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses.1 On April 17, 2019, SKYRIZI™ received a NOC from Health Canada for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, based on results from clinical studies showing significant improvement in levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and at 52 weeks with every 3-month dosing in more than 2000 adult patients.1 Four pivotal Phase 3 studies, ultIMMa-1, ultIMMa-2, IMMvent and IMMhance evaluated more than 2,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.4 Canadians living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were well represented in all four of the pivotal clinical trials leading to Health Canada’s approval, showing the Canadian leadership in this clinical development program.

 

About AbbVie in Dermatology

For more than a decade, AbbVie has worked to uncover new solutions and improve care for people with serious skin diseases. With a broad clinical trial program, we continue to actively research and adapt to the evolving needs of the dermatology community and advance our pipeline to help people achieve their treatment goals and live beyond their skin disease.

 

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

 

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Media:

Kim Hogan AbbVie Canada (514) 832-7288

kim.hogan@abbvie.com

 

References:

 

  1. SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) [Canadian Product Monograph]. AbbVie Corporation, September 24,
  2. International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. Accessed March 22, 2019. Available at: https://ifpa-pso.com/wp- content/uploads/2017/01/Brochure-Psoriasis-is-a-serious-disease-deserving-global-attention.pdf.
  3. Mroweitz, , et al. Definition of treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis: a European consensus. Arch Dermatol Res. 2011 Jan; 303(1): 1–10.
  4. Levin, et Biologic fatigue in psoriasis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2014 Feb;25(1):78-82. doi: 10.3109/09546634.2013.826341.
  5. Canadian Dermatology Association – Psoriasis. Accessed on September 30,
  6. World Health Organisation Psoriasis Information Sheet. February 6, 2016. Available at https://www.who.int/docs/default- source/ncds/psoriasis-info-sheet-3.pdf?sfvrsn=a5d14e81_2.

Shining A New, Brighter Light: Three Medication Industry Insights

If I were to pick three trends in the biopharmaceutical industry that are top of mind as we head into the end of this very unprecedented year, it would be purposefully navigating COVID-19, the importance of timely patient access to medications, and an increased focus on innovation. One is universal, the second is increasingly important, and the third is the story of the biopharmaceutical industry.
Purposely Navigating COVID-19
Everyone is touched by COVID-19 and it continues to turn our world upside down. As a manufacturer of innovative medications, our priority is to ensure patients have continuous access to treatment. This includes manufacturing, distribution, and ensuring healthcare professionals and patients have consistent access to life-saving and life-changing therapies. Our efforts involve proactive communication to healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, advocates, and health authorities. Our outreach ‒ and active listening ‒ provides a unique window into real needs that impact patient access.
One example is the challenges oncology patients face in getting to the hospital for their medical appointments. This insight gave us the opportunity to find a simple and meaningful solution by partnering with a car service in order to get patients safely to their appointments. If patients are facing barriers getting to their hospital and clinic appointments, lets remove the barrier.
Like all employers, we needed to rapidly change our ways of working and adapt to being remote. We needed to become more digital. This involved training, creating new tools, and discovering new ways of communicating. But, to support real change, we can’t just focus on internal eTransformations. We need to support our stakeholders ‒ healthcare professionals and patient groups ‒ by helping them enhance their digital practices and modifying our delivery models and the way we traditionally conduct business.
I’m very proud of our team’s innovative adaptability. We seem to have made a positive impact as supported by third-party data from ZS Canada where AbbVie is highlighted as having one of the best pandemic responses.
Timely Access To Medications
Our mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and technologies to raise the standard of care. We are unwavering in our commitment to bring the best science to patients by focusing on ground-breaking medicines to address chronic progressive diseases, investing in new pathways, technologies and approaches, and seeking solutions for diseases that currently have few or no treatments. We take on the toughest health challenges. But we do more than treat diseases, we aim to make a remarkable impact on people’s lives.
When we look at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, Canada ranks third from last, after New Zealand and Portugal, in terms of amount of time it takes for medications to be listed on public formulary. When we look at Canadian healthcare budgets, we see prescription medications account for 13 per cent of the overall health spend. Despite many innovative drugs addressing unmet medical needs in complex diseases areas such as oncology and immunology, this percentage has been decreasing for years. It is also consistent with countries having comparable healthcare systems (Source: Prescription Drugs Pharma Focus 2024).
I truly believe in the power of partnerships to advance standards of care and build a better, more sustainable healthcare system. Every Canadian should have timely access to the medicines they need.
Focus On Innovation
I see first-hand the incredible progress innovative therapies have made on people lives, on their ability to work and function. In some disease areas, if treated early enough, we have seen patients enter remission. I think about brave Canadians like Mark Silverstein, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivor.
Through his journey with cancer, he found a new purpose in life. He changed careers and returned to school to become a psychotherapist. He helps clients in his private practice and shares his experience with cancer openly through writing articles, speaking at leukemia/lymphoma conferences, co-facilitating patient survivor groups, and advocating (at Queen’s Park) for better access to the same kind of treatments that have allowed him to keep doing the things he loves. Like so many, he inspires and leads by example.
That is why we are committed to research and development with 21 new products or new indications we hope to deliver by 2023 in Canada. In 2019, we invested over US$5 billion in research and development globally and we are running close to 100 clinical trials in Canada.
Next December, when we reflect on the year, we will all be more focused on what matters and more balanced in our approach to many things in life. Our health and the health or our families and friends have never been more important than now.
This renewed focus has given us all an opportunity to shine a closer light on the vital topic of health. BPM
Denis Hello
Vice-president & General Manager
of AbbVie Canada

Health Canada Approves VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) in combination with azacitidine or low dose cytarabine for untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

  • Health Canada’s approval of VENCLEXTA for newly diagnosed AML patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy is supported by data from two Phase 3 trials – VIALE-A (M15-656) and VIALE-C (M16-043)1.
  • The VIALE-A trial demonstrated a statistically significant increase in overall survival with VENCLEXTA in combination with azacitidine compared to azacitidine 1
  • In the VIALE-C trial, clinical benefit was based on rate and duration of complete 1
  • AML is one of the most difficult-to-treat blood cancers with a very low survival rate.2,3

 

Montreal, QC, December 15, 2020 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, announced today that Health Canada has approved VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) in combination with azacitidine or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) for the treatment of newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults who are age 75 years or older, or who have comorbidities that preclude the use of intensive induction chemotherapy. AML is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat blood cancer with a low survival rate.2,3 In Canada, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with AML is approximately 21%.3

 

“AML is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. AML progresses rapidly and has a significantly lower survival rate compared to other cancers. Having more effective treatment options for AML patients will improve treatment outcomes for Canadians and extend lives,” said Dr. Brian Leber, Head of Leukemia Service at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.

 

In the VIALE-A trial, the median overall survival of patients who received VENCLEXTA plus azacitidine was 14.7 months (11.9, 18.7) vs 9.6 months (7.4, 12.7) in patients who received azacitidine in combination with placebo. In the VENCLEXTA plus azacitidine arm, the most frequent serious adverse reactions (≥ 5%) were febrile neutropenia (30%), pneumonia (23%), sepsis (16 %) and hemorrhage (9%)1.

 

“With limited treatment options, it makes me very happy to know that VENCLEXTA has been approved to treat others, like me, who are diagnosed with AML,” said William Levine of Courtice, Ontario.

 

In the VIALE-C trial, clinical benefit was based on the rate of complete responses (CR) and duration of CR, with supportive evidence of the rate of CR + CRi (complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery), duration of CR + CRi and the rate of conversion from transfusion dependence to transfusion independence. 27 % of patients achieved CR in the VENCLEXTA plus LDAC arm vs 7% of patients treated with Placebo+ LDAC. In the VENCLEXTA + LDAC arm, most frequent serious adverse (≥ 5%) were pneumonia (18%), febrile neutropenia (16%), sepsis (11%), hemorrhage (9%), and thrombocytopenia

(5%)1.

 

Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada. “Having effective and proven treatment options is vital for patients and their families impacted by AML.”

 

Health Canada’s approval was granted under Project Orbis, an FDA initiative which provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology products among international partners.

 

Venetoclax is being developed by AbbVie and Roche. It is jointly commercialized by AbbVie and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, in the U.S. and by AbbVie outside of the U.S.

 

About AbbVie in Oncology

At AbbVie, we strive to discover and develop medicines that deliver transformational improvements in cancer treatment by uniquely combining our deep knowledge in core areas of biology with cutting-edge technologies, and by working together with our partners – scientists, clinical experts, industry peers, advocates, and patients. We remain focused on delivering these transformative advances in treatment across some of the most debilitating and widespread cancers. We are also committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. AbbVie’s oncology portfolio consists of marketed medicines and a robust pipeline containing multiple new molecules being evaluated worldwide in more than 300 clinical trials and more than 20 different tumor types.

 

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

 

 

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Media:

Gino Calabretta AbbVie Canada 438-220-4297

gino.calabretta@abbvie.com

1 AbbVie Corporation Venclexta(R) (venetoclax) Product Monograph. Date of Preparation: September 27, 2016. Date of Revision: December 3, 2020.

2 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). https://www.llscanada.org/leukemia/acute- myeloid-leukemia. Accessed November 25, 2020.

3 Canadian Cancer Society. Survival statistics for acute myelogenous leukemia. https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer- information/cancer-type/leukemia-acute-myelogenous-aml/prognosis-and-survival/survival-statistics/?region=on Accessed November 25, 2020.

Health Canada Approves MAVIRET® 8-Week Treatment Duration for Treatment-Naïve Patients with Genotype 3 Compensated Cirrhosis

  • MAVIRET® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) is the only 8-week oral treatment approved for all Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Genotypes.1
  • MAVIRET is indicated for the treatment of chronic HCV infection in adults and adolescent patients 12 to 18 years of age.1
  • MAVIRET is available and reimbursed across **

 

MONTREAL (Quebec), November 10, 2020 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development- based biopharmaceutical company announced today that Health Canada has approved a label change for MAVIRET® (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir tablets) to include Treatment-Naïve Genotype 3 patients with compensated cirrhosis.1 With this change, the recommended treatment duration for ALL individuals* with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who are treatment naïve, genotypes 1-6 with/or without compensated cirrhosis is 8 weeks.

 

“I witness the destructive effects hepatitis C has on patients, our community and healthcare system. At the Ottawa Hospital, we see thousands of people on a yearly basis with a variety of liver diseases.

Having access to effective HCV treatment options that cover all hepatitis C genotypes is a game

changer,” said Dr. Curtis Cooper, Director, The Ottawa Hospital and Regional Hepatitis Program. “We now have an opportunity to eliminate this deadly virus with testing, treatment and care in shorter periods of time also available for patients with Genotype 3”

 

Health Canada first approved MAVIRET in August 2017. MAVIRET is a once-daily ribavirin-free treatment for adults and adolescent patients 12 to 18 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus infection across all major HCV genotypes (GT1-6).2 It is an 8-week, pan-genotypic treatment for patients without cirrhosis and who are new to treatment.*

 

MAVIRET’s efficacy and safety were evaluated in nine phase II-III clinical trials, in over 2300 patients with genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 HCV infection and with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis). 1

 

“AbbVie is committed to eliminating hepatitis C by 2030 and sees this objective as a national public health priority. Through meaningful partnerships, we are working to find sustainable solutions that allow more patients to be screened, linked to care, and treated sooner,” said Denis Hello, Vice-President and General Manager AbbVie Canada.

 

 

About Hepatitis C

An estimated 250,000 people in Canada are living with chronic hepatitis C but as many as 44% are not aware that they have it.3 Left undiagnosed and untreated, chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. Currently, hepatitis C is the leading indication for liver transplant in Canada.4 AbbVie supports a range of efforts to help elevate and prioritize HCV elimination because we know achieving the shared goal of elimination by 2030 will take more than medicine. It will take transparent and collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders – industry, healthcare providers, healthcare systems, patient groups and their support networks. Joint efforts and maximizing the time we have left will enable us to reach this goal.

 

 

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology,

women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbviecanada on Twitter or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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Media:

Kim Hogan AbbVie Canada 514-832-7288

kim.hogan@abbvie.com

 

* The safety and efficacy of MAVIRET in patients less than 12 years of age have not been established. MAVIRET exposures in HCV-infected patients 12 to 18 years were comparable to those in HCV-infected adults; however, the safety and efficacy of MAVIRET in patients 12 to 18 years infected with HCV genotype 5 or 6 and/or with compensated cirrhosis and/or

previously treated with a regimen containing NS5B inhibitor have not been studied.

** Please refer to your province’s or Territory’s specific reimbursement criteria.

1 AbbVie Corporation MAVIRET (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir tablets) Product Monograph. Date of Preparation: August 16, 2017. Date of Revision: October 30, 2020.

2CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Recommendation –

Final. www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/cdr/complete/SR0523_Maviret_complete-Jan-25-18.pdf. Accessed September 2020. 3Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC). Blueprint to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in Canada. https://www.canhepc.ca/sites/default/files/media/documents/blueprint_hcv_2019_05.pdf Accessed September 2020.4The 4Canadian Liver Foundation. www.liver.ca/how-you-help/advocate/. Accessed September 2020.

Public coverage of AbbVie’s SKYRIZI® for the treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis is now available across additional jurisdictions

  • SKYRIZI® is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor used for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque 1
  • In clinical studies, SKYRIZI® significantly improved levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and maintained clearance at one year (52 weeks).1
  • New Brunswick lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective March 19,
  • Yukon lists SKYRIZI® on its formulary effective April 1,
  • British Columbia lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective May 05,
  • Newfoundland and Labrador lists SKYRIZI® on its provincial formulary effective September 16,

 

MONTRÉAL, QC, October 01, 2020 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, announced today that SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) is now listed as a special authorization drug or exception drug status on the formularies of New Brunswick, Yukon, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

 

SKYRIZI® is part of a collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and AbbVie, with AbbVie leading development and commercialization globally, and is the only IL-23 inhibitor to arrive at a positive conclusion with the pCPA.

 

“I have been fortunate to be involved in the clinical trials. SKYRIZI® has improved the quality of life of

my patients with psoriasis by offering them clear skin,” states Dr. Irina Turchin, MD, FRCPC, Fredericton, NB. “It is great to see that this treatment is now available to more patients in New Brunswick.”

 

Psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, including 1 million Canadians, and many patients despite treatment still do not reach their goals or lose treatment response over time.2-4 The most common form is plaque psoriasis, which affects approximately 90% of patients. 5

 

“I am excited to be able to offer SKYRIZI® to patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in British Columbia as it is now listed on the provincial Pharmacare formulary. Having experience with the medication in clinical trials, I have personally seen how it provides durable and complete skin clearance for many patients. Patients are particularly happy with the dosing schedule,” explains Dr Chih-ho Hong, MD, FRCPC, Dermatologist.

 

Psoriasis has a genetic basis and about one-third of people with psoriasis have at least one family member with the disease. 5 Of note, the prevalence of psoriasis is 5- to 10-fold higher in Newfoundland and Labrador than in the rest of Canada. 6

 

“PsoriasisNL is pleased to learn of this listing of another treatment for Psoriasis for the patients of our province. We would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their continued support of advanced therapeutics for the patients of this province who suffer from severe Psoriasis. As the province with

 

the highest prevalence of this disease, the availability of these treatments have greatly increased the quality of life for those who suffer from psoriasis”, explains Deva Murthy, President, PsoriasisNL.

 

Information regarding specific reimbursement criteria may be found by consulting the links below:

 

 

About SKYRIZI®

SKYRIZI® is a novel, humanized immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit IL-23, a naturally occurring cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses.1 On April 17, 2019, SKYRIZI™ received a NOC from Health Canada for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, based on results from clinical studies showing significant improvement in levels of skin clearance after just 16 weeks and at 52 weeks with every 3-month dosing in more than 2000 adult patients.1 Four pivotal Phase 3 studies, ultIMMa-1, ultIMMa-2, IMMvent and IMMhance evaluated more than 2,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.4 Canadians living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were well represented in all four of the pivotal clinical trials leading to Health Canada’s approval, showing the Canadian leadership in this clinical development program.

 

About AbbVie in Dermatology

For more than a decade, AbbVie has worked to uncover new solutions and improve care for people with serious skin diseases. With a broad clinical trial program, we continue to actively research and adapt to the evolving needs of the dermatology community and advance our pipeline to help people achieve their treatment goals and live beyond their skin disease.

 

About AbbVie Care

The AbbVie Care program is designed to provide a wide range of customized services including reimbursement and financial support, pharmacy services, lab work reminders and coordination, personalized education and ongoing disease management support throughout the treatment journey. For more information, consult abbviecare.ca

 

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

 

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Media:

Kim Hogan AbbVie Canada

 

(514) 832-7288

kim.hogan@abbvie.com

 

References:

 

  1. SKYRIZI® (risankizumab) [Canadian Product Monograph]. AbbVie Corporation, April 17,
  2. International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. Accessed March 22, 2019. Available at: https://ifpa-pso.com/wp- content/uploads/2017/01/Brochure-Psoriasis-is-a-serious-disease-deserving-global-attention.pdf.
  3. Mroweitz, , et al. Definition of treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis: a European consensus. Arch Dermatol Res. 2011 Jan; 303(1): 1–10.
  4. Levin, et Biologic fatigue in psoriasis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2014 Feb;25(1):78-82. doi: 10.3109/09546634.2013.826341.
  5. Canadian Dermatology Association – Psoriasis. Accessed on September 30,
  6. Nall, L., Gulliver, W., Charmley, P. and Farber, E.M. (1999) Search for the psoriasis susceptibility gene: The Newfoundland Cutis, 64, 323–329.)

We can eliminate Hepatitis C in Canada by 2030

  • In Canada, an estimated 250,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis C but as many as 44% are not aware that they have it.1
  • Partnerships are essential in solving some of the most pressing public health

 

Montreal, QC, JULY 28, 2020 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company, firmly supports efforts to eliminate hepatitis C. In Canada, an estimated 250,000 people are living with hepatitis C but almost half (44%) of Canadians infected are unaware they are living with the disease.1

 

We are 10 years away from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mandate of curing the world of hepatitis C. In 2016, Canada was one of the 194 countries that committed to eliminating the disease by 2030.

AbbVie supports a wide range of efforts to help elevate and prioritize hepatitis C elimination because achieving the shared goal of elimination by 2030 will take more than medicine. It will take transparent and collaborative partnerships with healthcare professionals, governments, and community organizations to remove barriers to care.

“To reach the WHO 2030 goal of hepatitis C elimination, we must see this objective as a national and provincial health priority year after year. As the challenge is to identify people who are unaware they have Hepatitis C, and therefore need care, building meaningful elimination initiatives will help us to reach the goal of disease elimination,” Denis Hello, Vice-President and General Manager AbbVie Canada.

In Canada, the most at-risk populations for hepatitis C include Indigenous people, people with experience in the prison system, people born between 1945 and 1975, immigrants and newcomers, and people who inject or use drugs1.Up to 35% of all hepatitis C infections in Canada are among immigrants and newcomers from countries where hepatitis C is common1. People who inject drugs account for up to 66% of past or current HCV infections1. Through partnerships with organizations such as HepCURE in Toronto and the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, AbbVie continues to work towards the goal of disease elimination.

 

HepCURE has developed a comprehensive clinical treatment program that specifically addresses the unmet needs of marginalized individuals and people who inject drugs. Along with creating awareness and educating the community, the program fast-tracks access to diagnosis and treatment by eliminating linkage to care barriers and leveraging technology to track and monitor treatment related interventions and outcomes.

 

“We invest a lot of time understanding the needs of the patient population to develop solutions that truly address treatment related barriers and medication adherence issues. We also work very closely with community-based providers to support patients during treatment which leads to better care and help them achieve their treatment goals,” explains Christian Marcoux, Executive Director, HepCURE.

Through their outreach work and a goal of micro elimination in the immigrant community, the Hepatitis C Project at the Jewish General Hospital identifies patients who may have been lost to follow up due to cultural or language barriers; and links them to testing, care, and initiates treatment as required.

“At the Jewish General Hospital, we see thousands of people on a yearly basis with a variety of liver diseases. A significant number of them are immigrants and newcomers. Hepatitis C is one of the common diseases that we find among this population. I must say that we have a great referral system with our local community health centres,” explains Dr. Nir Hilzenrat, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist.

 

Building meaningful elimination initiatives with stakeholders such as these, we are working to find sustainable solutions that allow more patients to be screened, linked to care, and treated sooner. Let’s work together to ensure that Canada is one of the countries that is on track to reach our shared WHO 2030 elimination objective.

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

– 30 –

 

 

For additional information:

Kim Hogan AbbVie Canada 514-832-7288

kim.hogan@abbvie.com

 

 

1 Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC). Blueprint to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in Canada. https://www.canhepc.ca/sites/default/files/media/documents/blueprint_hcv_2019_05.pdf accessed July 2019.

When you are living with cancer, quick and optimal access to medication can be a matter of life or death

Timely access to innovative medicines benefits all Canadians and should be a top government priority

 

By Denis Hello, Vice-President and General Manager, AbbVie Canada

 

Despite innovative, clinically proven therapies being approved by Health Canada, there are still many Canadians with cancer who are experiencing delays and medication access challenges. Today, it is estimated that over 600 Canadians will learn they have cancer.i As the leading cause of death in Canada, cancer is responsible for 30 per cent of all deaths in our country.ii While alarming, there is hope. Between 1992 to 1994 and 2012 to 2014, cancer survival rates in Canada increased from 55 per cent to 63 per cent at the five years after diagnosis mark.iii   A report released by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows the biggest increases in cancer survival since the early 1990s have been for blood cancers. In 2019, an estimated 21,000 Canadians were diagnosed with blood cancers, representing about 10 per cent of all cancer diagnoses.iv

 

While there are a variety of factors including the Canadian Governments’ efforts that are contributing to improved cancer care in Canada and advancements in cancer treatment, Canadians still experience delays in accessing clinically proven, innovative medications. Once the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) commences its drug review process, it can take up to 2 years for a medication to be made available to Canadians.v Some Canadians are granted quicker access to their medication through their private insurer, while others may have to wait longer for public funding. Many countries have tackled this barrier, by simplifying access to innovative medicines providing sustainable solutions. For example, in Germany, once a pharmaceutical product has been authorized, it is immediately eligible for reimbursement from the Government Health Insurance (GKV) fund.vi We must focus on individuals living with cancer who must wait multiple years to access public coverage of Health Canada approved therapies.

 

For cancer patients like Mark Silverstein, medication choice and timely access are essential.

Most blood-related cancers are considered incurable and become harder to treat each time they return. Relapse – meaning the cancer reappears after a period of remission – and refractory – used to describe when cancer no longer responds to a specific treatment – become a new reality that Canadians managing blood cancer get accustomed to. In this context, it is important to delay disease progressions and improve quality of life so that Canadians can live longer.  “The first thing I understood during my initial consultation with my hematologist about my leukemia is that it was chronic. Since my diagnosis in 2010, I have relapsed three times, but I am one of the lucky ones since the right treatment was available to me at the right time,” says Silverstein who resides in Aurora, ON. “As a Canadian living with CLL, having medication choice and access is essential. I have chosen my own way over the last eight years – by educating myself on my disease, maintaining a healthy partnership with my hematologist, by removing fear from my choices, and finally to consistently remain intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually open to a journey with no assurances on how it will all turn out.”

 

Better together – Canadians with cancer deserve enhanced access to innovative treatments.

With a strong commitment to developing innovative therapies for patients and contributing to longer-term healthcare sustainability, AbbVie is committed to developing and providing solutions that transform the current treatment paradigm and bring significant clinical value to patients, healthcare practitioners and our healthcare system.

 

For cancer patients, timely access to the right medication can mean the difference between life and death. Collaboration between government, industry and our healthcare system will surely result in more optimal cancer care and our policymakers can play a greater role in ensuring the timeliness of that access to care.

 

Denis Hello is Vice-President and General Manager of AbbVie Canada. AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.

 

 

i Cancer Statistics at a Glance. Canadian Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-statistics-at-a- glance/?region=on

ii IBID

iii IBID

iv New report shows survival for blood cancers has increased more than any other cancer over 20 years. Canadian Caner Society. https://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/for-media/media-releases/national/2019/canadian-cancer-statistics/?region=nl

v Innovative Medicines Canada. http://innovativemedicines.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CADTH-Poster-EN.pdf

vi Reimbursement of Pharmaceuticals in Germany 2018. https://www.iges.com/e15094/e15095/e15096/e17469/IGES_Reimbursement_Pharmaceuticals_2018_WEB_ger.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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COVID-19 is Hurting Chronic Migraine Care in Canada

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

 

TORONTO, June 23, 2020 – Like most chronic conditions, COVID-19 is having an incredible impact on patients living with chronic migraines (CM). Allergan, an AbbVie Company, is proudly supporting National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month encouraging patients and caregivers to share their experiences with #MoreThanAMigraine to encourage dialogue and awareness surrounding chronic migraines, migraines and headaches.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly vulnerable time for individuals with chronic migraines, with many physical and mental stressors, increased anxiety, and changes in daily routine that have served as triggering factors for worsening symptoms. This, combined with limited access to their headache specialists, has resulted in trying times for this patient population to manage their condition,” said Dr. Ian Finkelstein, Medical Director at the Toronto Headache & Pain Clinic. “Chronic migraine patients ‘walk a tight line’ when it comes to managing their symptoms, and COVID-19 has been an impetus in derailing many otherwise well controlled patients. Better diagnosis, management and education surrounding this disabling condition is of paramount importance.”

 

The Difference Between Migraines and Other Types of Headaches

Migraines are more severe and debilitating than other types of headaches, and impact over 2.7 million Canadians.1 They consist of moderately to severely intense headaches with throbbing or pulsating pain and are often on one side of the head.2 Other debilitating symptoms include nausea; vomiting; and hypersensitivity to lights, sounds and smells.3

 

#MoreThanAMigraine

Throughout June, Allergan is encouraging migraine sufferers to break their silence in hopes to spread awareness on the condition, to highlight the symptoms, and qualify disease impact. Patients and caregivers can share their experiences online using #MoreThanAMigraine. A patient self-assessment, triggers and treatment options can be accessed via mychronicmigraine.ca. The site also features a search tool that allows Canadians to find a doctor in their area who may be able to help. Migraine sufferers should speak to their healthcare providers about their quality of life and symptom impact.

 

Throbbing Statistics

  • It is estimated that between 370,000- 600,000 adult Canadians, 18 years or older, suffer from 4
  • Over 80 per cent of CM sufferers in Canada are women.5

 

  • It has been estimated that just 20.2 per cent of CM sufferers receive a CM diagnosis, and only 3 per cent of CM patients use preventive medication.6
  • Patients with CM are more likely to miss days of work, school, household work, become occupationally disabled and experience lower levels of household 7,8
  • Patients with CM are nearly twice as likely to be affected by depression or anxiety when compared to episodic migraines.9
  • Patients with CM are more likely to receive opioid medications than those with episodic 10,11

 

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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Media:

Jennifer Gordon

Head of Communications Allergan, an AbbVie company Jennifer.gordon@allergan.com Tel.: 905-940-7003

 

 

  • Statistics Canada. Prevalence of migraine in the Canadian household population. Accessed May 2018: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033- htm
  • Natoli JL et al. Global Prevalence of Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review. Cephalalgia. 2010 May;30 (5):599-609.. 3 Natoli JL et Global Prevalence of Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review. Cephalalgia. 2010 May;30 (5):599-609.
  • 4 Natoli JL et Global Prevalence of Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review. Cephalalgia. 2010 May;30 (5):599-609.
  • Stokes M. et al. “Cost of health care among patients with chronic and episodic migraine in Canada and the USA: results from the International Burden of Migraine Study (IBMS).” American Headache Society. 2011 May: 1065.
  • Bigal ME, Serrano D, Reed M, Lipton RB. Chronic migraine in the population: Burden, diagnosis, and satisfaction with treatment. Neurology. 2008;71:559-566. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000323925.29520.e7.
  • Buse DC, Manack A, Serrano D, Turkel C, Lipton RB. Sociodemographic and comorbidity profiles of chronic migraine and episodic migraine sufferers. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2010;81(4):428-432. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2009.192492.
  • Bigal ME, Serrano D, Reed M, Lipton RB. Chronic migraine in the population: Burden, diagnosis, and satisfaction with treatment. Neurology. 2008;71:559-566. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000323925.29520.e7.
  • Buse DC, Manack A, Serrano D, Turkel C, Lipton RB. Sociodemographic and comorbidity profiles of chronic migraine and episodic migraine sufferers. J Neurol Neurosurg 2010;81(4):428-432. doi:10.1136/jnnp.2009.192492.
  • Bigal ME, Serrano D, Reed M, Lipton RB. Chronic migraine in the population: Burden, diagnosis, and satisfaction with treatment. Neurology. 2008;71:559-566. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000323925.29520.e7.
  • Pavlovic J, Yu J, Silberstein S, et al. Migraine Treatment Patterns and Opioid Use Among Chronic and Episodic Migraine Patients Identified by a Clinician-Administered Semi-Structured Diagnostic Interview (S32.001). Neurology. 2018;90(15 Supplement):S32.001. http://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/S32.001. Accessed June 1,