People in Quebec living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) will now be able to access a new treatment option through the province's prescription drug insurance plan. Just yesterday, Gazyva (obinutuzumab) in combination with chlorambucil chemotherapy was added to Quebec's Hospital Formulary. Gazyva was approved by Health Canada on November 25, 2014, in combination with chlorambucil, for the treatment of patients with previously untreated CLL.

"We are pleased to hear about the Minister of Health's decision to make Gazyva available to CLL patients," said Mr. Ronnie Miller, president and CEO, Roche Canada. "As a leader in oncology, Roche is committed to not only developing breakthrough treatments for patients, but also collaborating with key stakeholders within the healthcare system to ensure that patients have access to those medications." 

CLL is the most common form of adult leukaemia, with nearly 2,200 Canadians diagnosed each year. It is an incurable, slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.  Since the average age of diagnosis for CLL is 72 years, nearly 90 per cent of patients are living with at least one comorbidity (e.g., cardiac disease, diabetes or respiratory disease), which may be associated with their age and lifestyle, potentially limiting their treatment options.

For more details, go to: http://www.morningstar.com/news/canada-news-wire/CNW_20150602C4889/quebec-becomes-the-first-province-to-fund-gazyva-for-patients-with-most-common-form-of-leukemia1.html