Saskatchewan Government and Ottawa Agree on $40 Million Deal to Improve Access to Medication for Rare Diseases

The Saskatchewan government has reached a $40 million agreement with the federal government in Ottawa to enhance access to medication for rare diseases. This partnership also includes the province’s involvement in a national strategy to enhance screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill of Saskatchewan and his federal counterpart made the announcement at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Cockrill stated that the bilateral agreement will improve coverage for two drugs used to treat rare lymphoma cancers and a rare genetic kidney disease.

The medications covered in the agreement are:

• Poteligeo, for mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome.
• Oxlumo, for hyperoxaluria type 1.
• Epkinly, for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Cockrill mentioned that these drugs are already covered by Saskatchewan’s publicly-funded health plan, but the agreement will provide additional funding to support their accessibility.

Mark Holland, the federal health minister, highlighted that approximately one in 12 individuals is projected to develop a rare disease. He emphasized the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and understanding diagnoses, especially when considering the financial burden of necessary medications.

Holland praised the agreement as a significant step in ensuring individuals can afford the medications essential for their well-being. Saskatchewan is the fourth province to sign onto the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, following British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Alberta.

When questioned about pending rare disease and pharmacare agreements with other provinces and the potential impact of an upcoming election on finalizing these agreements, Holland expressed optimism in resolving all agreements promptly. He urged for the utilization of the available time to prioritize essential tasks, including completing healthcare agreements.

Should the timeline extend until October, Holland affirmed his commitment to finalizing all pharmacare deals, underscoring the importance of focusing on crucial healthcare initiatives before any potential government changes.