Biogen Idec Canada announced today that Alberta Health will now reimburse Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) through the Alberta Drug Benefit List (DBL). Tecfidera is a first-line oral treatment for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Tecfidera is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of RRMS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and to delay the progression of disability.

"Tecfidera is an important first-line oral treatment for MS. Clinical trials have shown significant effectiveness and a favorable safety profile," said Dr. Fabrizio Giuliani, Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Edmonton and Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Alberta. "This expansion of our available therapeutic options will directly benefit the many people in Alberta living with MS."

As of August 1, 2014, Tecfidera is listed on the Alberta DBL as a special authorization benefit for first-line monotherapy for adult patients (18 years of age or older) with RRMS.

For more details, go to: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tecfideratm-a-first-line-oral-treatment-for-multiple-sclerosis-reimbursed-in-alberta-2014-08-07