Posted by Michael Wonder on 03 Mar 2019
Biogen responds to CADTH’s updated recommendation regarding coverage for Spinraza
1 March 2019 - CADTH has expanded their recommendations for public reimbursement for SMA patients.
Today, CADTH publicly released updated recommendations that could inform provincial jurisdictions’ decisions on the public reimbursement of Spinraza (nusinersen), the first and only approved treatment shown to be effective in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
While the expanded CADTH recommendation will provide access to treatment for a larger subset of patients with SMA, it is disappointing that the clinical criteria in the recommendation continue to limit access to treatment for many patients with SMA who could potentially benefit from Spinraza, the only life-changing drug therapy available. Notably all patients over 12 years of age and all those who have reached the ability to walk independently (Type 3) are denied treatment.
