- Albrioza now covered under province’s publicly funded drug program -

The Ontario government is connecting people to a new treatment for those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ontario is the first Canadian jurisdiction to cover the new treatment, Albrioza, under the province’s publicly funded drug program.

“Our government is giving people access to more treatment options by expanding public access to new medications and therapeutics,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Expanding Ontario’s drug program coverage to include Albrioza, will ensure that people living with ALS will benefit from this new treatment sooner and is another example of how our government is connecting more people in our province to the care they need.”

An early phase clinical study of Albrioza demonstrated slowed disease progression, with an additional clinical study currently underway to provide additional insight. Albrioza is also being explored for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases.

Albrioza is now funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program’s Exceptional Access Program for Ontarians who meet specified criteria. Eligible Ontarians and their families are encouraged to reach out to their health care provider to help determine if Albrioza is a suitable treatment option for them.

Quick Facts

• ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.
• Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to cover Albrioza through its publicly funded drug program.
• Amylyx has a manufacturing partnership for the global supply of Albrioza in Whitby, Ontario.
• Albrioza is available in individual packets, each containing 10 g of powder to be reconstituted in 250 mL of room temperature water and taken orally or administered via feeding tube within one hour of preparation.
• There are approximately 3,000 Canadians who live with ALS. 1,000 are diagnosed annually.

SOURCE: ONtario Ministry of Health

* * *