Kyprolis is Now Covered in British Columbia and Manitoba

Thanks to You, We Are All Making a Difference!

Making Myeloma Matter

Kyprolis (Carfilzomib) is Now Covered

in British Columbia and Manitoba

In 2016, Health Canada approved four new drugs, yet none of them were covered by our provincial drug plans. Access to these new therapies was proving to be increasingly difficult, with the many layers of government involved in the reimbursement process seeming to get longer and longer and more complex.

With patients in the crossfire of the ever-multiplying bureaucracy, it was time we stood together to make our voices heard. Canadian patients could no longer wait to get access to life-saving medications.

In March 2017 during Myeloma Awareness Month, Myeloma Canada responded by launching the Myeloma Advocacy Program (MAP). This impactful program pushed all boundaries of traditional advocacy by involving the community at large to act for a common cause. It proved that by working together, our voice is strengthened and we can make a difference. The program called on our community to reach out to their local government representatives to share concerns regarding drug access and request that they act on this pressing issue.

Governments need to hear from us otherwise they will tackle other issues. As the old saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. We need to reaffirm why gaining access to new treatments is imperative for myeloma patients.

Since then, over 930 letters have been sent by our engaged community and as a result, Myeloma Canada has the pleasure of announcing that your efforts have proven to be successful; Kyprolis is now covered in Manitoba and British Columbia.

Manitoba

On March 9, 2018, Kyprolis (carfilzomib) was listed on Manitoba’s Provincial Oncology Drug Program.

Carfilzomib is introduced as a new proteasome inhibitor in two regimens for patients who have experienced a relapse for the treatment of myeloma:

in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone

in combination with dexamethasone alone

British Columbia

April 1, 2018, Kyprolis (carfilzomib) is being funded by the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA). The announcement can be found in the BCCA Systemic Therapy Update for the month of April. To view the update, click here .

The British Columbia Cancer Lymphoma and Myeloma Group is introducing carfilzomib as a new proteasome inhibitor in two regimens for patients who have experienced a relapse for the treatment of myeloma:

in combination with Revlimid (lenalidomide) and dexamethasone

in combination with dexamethasone alone

We would like to thank each one of you who participated in the MAP campaign to date and would like to encourage those living in other provinces to continue writing letters to get Kyprolis funded in your province. If you have already sent a letter to your government representative, ask a friend, a family member, or a neighbour to take part as well.

To participate in this program or for more information click here: Myeloma Advocacy Program 3.0.