- patients who are pre-symptomatic with two or three copies of the SMN2 gene;
- patients with a disease duration of less than six months, two copies of the SMN2 gene, and symptom onset the first week after birth and on or before seven months of age;
- patients under the age of 18, with symptom onset after six months of age and who have never achieved the ability to walk independently.
In addition, symptomatic Type 2 and 3 patients under the age of 18 regardless of ever achieving the ability to walk independently will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other patients who do not meet the expanded funding criteria may be considered in exceptional cases.
This announcement makes Ontario the third province, following Quebec and Saskatchewan, to offer broader access to SPINRAZA™ for Canadians living with SMA.
“We are pleased to be working with our government partners across the country to increase access to treatments that are improving the lives of those impacted with rare diseases,” said Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Working alongside our clients, we will continue to bring the needs of this community to the national stage until all Canadians, regardless of where they live in our beautiful country, have equal access to treatment.”
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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA
Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.
MEDIA CONTACT
Heather RiceMuscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
