Revlimid now available to multiple myeloma patients in Nova Scotia

Following the broadcast on CTV's W5 of the plight of multiple myeloma patient Frank Boyd and his inability to obtain appropriate drug treatment, on March 27, the President of Myeloma Canada, John Lemieux, immediately wrote to the Honourable Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health of Nova Scotia urging her to implement an interim arrangement to ensure that Revlimid is available to multiple myeloma patients, including Mr. Boyd, in Nova Scotia. Revlimid is recognized worldwide as one of the most effective new medications in the treatment of multiple myeloma and one that extends patients' lives and, in many cases, allows them to be fully functioning and productive members of their communities.

On April 1, Myeloma Canada learned that the ongoing crusade to obtain equitable treatment for Nova Scotia myeloma patients had been successful. Under an interim administrative arrangement entered into between Celgene Canada, the drug manufacturer, and Nova Scotia Health, Frank Boyd and others will receive Revlimid free of charge.

Myeloma Canada is now awaiting the positive outcome of discussions for the general reimbursement of Revlimid. Mr. Lemieux stated that, "Myeloma Canada is expecting a permanent decision that will provide for the general reimbursement of Revlimid. We are confident this interim measure will lead to the inclusion of Revlimid on the Nova Scotia drug formulary."

Since the approval of Revlimid by Health Canada in October 2008, several provincial jurisdictions have approved Revlimid, either as second-line therapy (B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan) and in the case of Québec as third-line therapy for multiple myeloma patients. Newfoundland & Labrador has approved the drug and Manitoba now provides Revlimid on a case-by-case basis; shortly, New Brunswick should join the ranks of other provinces in providing a drug which has shown insurmountable evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of multiple myeloma.