Enstilar® is now covered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Interchangeable Drug Products Formulary for Adults with Psoriasis Vulgaris
THORNHILL, ON, Feb. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - LEO Pharma Canada has announced that as of February 6th, 2019, Enstilar® has been added as an Open Benefit through the Newfoundland and Labrador Interchangeable Drug Products Formulary.
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
"I am extremely happy to hear of the public coverage of Enstilar® for the treatment of my patients who suffer from psoriasis. This will enhance my practice and my ability to treat psoriasis, and most importantly this will provide a much needed and effective therapy for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador with psoriasis," said Dr. Ian Landells, a board-certified dermatologist in St. John's, Newfoundland.
"I was very pleased to hear the news that the province of Newfoundland and Labrador will now cover Enstilar® as an open benefit through the Newfoundland and Labrador Drug Prescription Program to aid in our treatment of patients with psoriasis. Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest rates of psoriasis in Canada, if not the world, and having Enstilar® as part of our management regime will be of great benefit to the many thousands of psoriasis sufferers here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I believe our patients will be pleased to have access to Enstilar® as it has excellent efficacy as well as very high patient acceptance, because of its ease of use and highly moisturizing vehicle. I'm sure all the dermatologists who practice here in Newfoundland and Labrador will be extremely pleased to hear the news and recognize how our provincial government continues to approve therapies that will directly benefit patients who suffer from this devastating skin disorder," said Dr. Wayne Gulliver, a board-certified dermatologist in St. John's, Newfoundland.
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, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) on October 15th 2018 and Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) on October 31st 2018.
Kristian Fick, President of LEO Pharma Canada, says, "Today marks a special day for those living with psoriasis in Newfoundland and Labrador. At LEO Pharma our mission is to help people achieve healthy skin. We commend the Newfoundland and Labrador Interchangeable Drug Products 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 A/S
LEO Pharma helps people achieve healthy skin. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 130 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions. Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, the healthcare company headquartered in Denmark has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions. In 2017 LEO Pharma employed around 5,200 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.
References:
- Canadian Dermatology Association. Psoriasis. Available at: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
- 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.
- Statistics Canada. Population. Available at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/12-581-x/2018000/pop-eng.htm. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
- Enstilar® Product Monograph. Leo Pharma Inc. September 8, 2016.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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