New ALS Treatment Added To Saskatchewan Drug Plan

Released on June 30, 2020

Effective July 1, 2020, Saskatchewan will provide coverage of RADICAVA® (edaravone) for eligible residents under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.

Radicava is an intravenous infusion treatment for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.  Studies have shown that Radicava can slow the progression of ALS for people newly diagnosed with ALS or in the early stages of the disease.

“Radicava is the first new ALS treatment available in Canada in many years,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said.  “While this is not a cure for ALS, we are proud to offer coverage for this treatment that can help people in the early stages of ALS slow the rate of progression of their disease.”

“We are so pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of this new drug for the ALS community, and we thank them for supporting those who will now have access to this treatment option by including it on the provincial formulary,” ALS Society of Saskatchewan Executive Director Denis Simard said.

The ALS Society of Saskatchewan is a community-based organization that works to raise funds and promote awareness of ALS while also supporting clients and families impacted by ALS.  Treatment with Radicava costs approximately $123,000 per patient in the first year of treatment, and $120,000 annually afterward.

For more information about the Saskatchewan Drug Plan, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/prescription-drug-plans-and-health-coverage/extended-benefits-and-drug-plan/saskatchewan-drug-plan. 

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For more information, contact:

Colleen Book
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca