NEW DRUGS APPROVED FOR DRUG PLAN COVERAGE

Released on January 3, 2003

The Saskatchewan Drug Plan expanded coverage to include an additional 219

drug products in 2002. Drugs are added quarterly.



"The Drug Plan helps over 109,000 Saskatchewan families pay for

prescription drugs," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Benefits are

targeted to people who need help the most with drug costs and to drugs that

work the best." Over 3,500 drugs and drug products are listed. In 2002,

the plan paid out approximately $115 million in benefits.



On January 1, 2003, 42 new drug products were added to the Saskatchewan

Drug Plan Formulary (see attached list).



Two of the products approved for coverage are Bimatoprost (Lumigan), and

Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp). Bimatoprost is used for the treatment of high

intraocular pressure in certain eye conditions. It will be listed as a

regular benefit under the Drug Plan. Darbepoetin alfa is a new drug for

the treatment of anemia cause by chronic renal disease. It will be listed

under Exception Drug Status (EDS).



Drugs may be added to the Drug Plan as full benefits or under EDS. Under

EDS, drugs are approved for coverage provided specific medical criteria are

met. EDS ensures that patients most likely to benefit from a drug have

access to it.



Saskatchewan's two independent drug review committees are continually

reviewing new drugs and drug products for coverage. The committees

determine the benefits of new drugs to patients and their value to the

health care system. However, in 2003, the process will change.



This fall, Health Ministers from across Canada partnered with other

provinces, territories and the federal government in a new national drug

review process. A national expert drug advisory committee will do an

initial review of the clinical and cost benefits of the drug and make a

recommendation about coverage to each provincial and federal drug plan.

After that, it will be up to each province to make its own decision, based

on population need, similar drugs already covered and cost.



"This is a positive example of the provinces working together to streamline

new drug approval across the country. I am hopeful that this will lead to

further co-operation and opportunities to improve the quality of health

care services for Saskatchewan residents," Nilson said.



Initially, the Common Drug Review process, which has already begun, will

only be for new drugs. Future plans include reviews of all submissions

including new strengths of existing drugs and new uses for existing drugs.



The attached list also includes drugs that were reviewed and were not

approved for coverage and new products currently under consideration

reviewed in the last quarter of 2002. Drugs are not approved when the

clinical results are uncertain or the drug does not offer enough benefits

compared to other drugs or to other treatments and services in the health

system.



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For more information, contact:



Mark Wyatt

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2743