Enstilar® is now covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program for Adults with Psoriasis Vulgaris
THORNHILL, ON, Oct. 31, 2018 /CNW/ - LEO Pharma Canada has announced that as of October 31st, 2018, Enstilar® has been added as a General Benefit through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program.*
Enstilar® (calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate) is a spray foam for once-daily topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disorder. It can occur as single lesions at predisposed sites (e.g., knees, elbows) or as a generalized disease across wider areas of the body, causing pain, disfigurement and disability.1,2 Although it is typically seen in adults, it can develop at any age with equal distribution between men and women.1
"ODB coverage of Enstilar® is great news for patients suffering from psoriasis. Enstilar® is an efficacious topical therapy available for thousands of patients across the province," said Dr. Charles Lynde, a board-certified dermatologist in Markham, Ontario.
"Having a safe and effective medication for those suffering from psoriasis is always welcome. And that is one reason I am glad to see Enstilar® listed on ODB. ODB coverage will give many patients across the province access to Enstilar®," said Dr. Kim Papp, a board-certified dermatologist in Waterloo, Ontario.
"Cosmetic acceptability is often the most important factor when prescribing a topical medication for psoriasis patients to ensure adherence. Enstilar®'s unique and pleasing vehicle makes it easy for me to use as a first-line agent to help improve patient adherence and outcomes," said Dr. Daniel Schachter, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto, Ontario.
Psoriasis vulgaris affects approximately 1 million Canadians which equates to about 3% of the entire Canadian population.1,3
"This new format to apply a topical treatment should help with adherence for patients. We are looking forward to seeing Enstilar® available to all patients across Canada," said Kathryn Andrews-Clay, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients.
Enstilar® already received Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) approval on June 1st 2017, Saskatchewan (SK) on January 1st 2018 and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) on October 15th 2018.
Kristian Fick, President of LEO Pharma Canada, says, "Today marks a special day for those living with psoriasis in Canada. At LEO Pharma our mission is to help people achieve healthy skin. We commend the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for adding Enstilar® to the Formulary, and bringing us one step closer to achieving this mission. LEO is looking forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with psoriasis have access to Enstilar®."
About Enstilar®
Enstilar® is an aerosol spray foam containing calcipotriol monohydrate 50 mcg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g. It is indicated for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults for up to 4 weeks. On average, 120 g (2 cans x 60 g) of Enstilar® is used for the once-daily treatment of psoriasis for up to 4 weeks.4-7 Enstilar® has been available to Canadian patients since November 2016 and currently, it is estimated that 50,000 Canadian patients have been prescribed Enstilar®.
About LEO Pharma
LEO Pharma is committed to helping people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 100 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. The LEO Foundation is the sole shareholder of LEO Pharma, founded in 1908, and is independent from heirs, outside shareholders, and other interests. This means that LEO Pharma has full control over how we reinvest our profits, ensuring that they are reinvested to benefit patients. LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark and employs around 5,000 people worldwide. Helping patients for more than 30 years in Canada, LEO Pharma Canada is a division of LEO Pharma A/S. To learn more about LEO Pharma's products and commitment to dermatology care in Canada, visit: www.leo-pharma.ca.
* Enstilar® has been added as a General Benefit with Therapeutic Note through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for the treatment of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in patients who have failed first-line topical corticosteroid therapy, and for the treatment of mild to moderate body psoriasis in patients who have failed first-line topical corticosteroid therapy and Dovonex® (calcipotriol) therapy.
References:
1. |
Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Retrieved October 18, 2018. |
2. |
National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Guidance. Psoriasis: Assessment and Management of Psoriasis. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2012. |
3. |
Statistics Canada. Population. Available at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/12-581-x/2018000/pop-eng.htm. Retrieved October 23, 2018. |
4. |
Enstilar® Product Monograph. Leo Pharma Inc. September 8, 2016. |
5. |
Koo J, et al. Superior efficacy of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam versus ointment in patients with psoriasis vulgaris—A randomized phase II study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2016;27(2):120-127. |
6. |
Leonardi C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris—a Randomized Phase III Study (PSO-FAST). J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(12):1468-1477. |
7. |
Lebwohl M, et al. Fixed Combination Aerosol Foam Calcipotriene 0.005% (Cal) Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% (BD) is More Efficacious than Cal or BD Aerosol Foam Alone for Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Three-arm, Phase 2 Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(2):34-41. |
SOURCE LEO Pharma Canada
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