Shelf-life extension granted for existing lots of lomustine

Health Canada has approved a shelf-life extension for existing lots of lomustine (CeeNU), allowing continued use of certain 10 mg and 40 mg capsules until later in 2025. As the discontinuation of CeeNU approaches, We remains actively engaged with Health Canada and other stakeholders to help ensure ongoing access for patients. In the meantime, Health Canada has authorized the interim importation of lomustine to prevent treatment interruptions.

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Lomustine Discontinuation Update

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada recently met with Health Canada’s Drug Shortages Unit to discuss the pending discontinuation of lomustine. Health Canada has confirmed that there is sufficient supply for the coming months and is actively working with stakeholders to secure additional access. BTFC remains committed to advocating for solutions and continues to engage with Health Canada to navigate this issue.

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Health Canada Approves vorasidenib

The first major treatment advance for glioma diagnoses in nearly 25 years has been approved by Health Canada. VORANIGO™ offers glioma patients the convenience of a once-daily oral treatment, providing them with an opportunity to actively manage their disease. Access to treatment provides HOPE, which is why we continue to advocate for improved and equitable access for the brain tumour community.

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US FDA Approves vorasidenib

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has learned that on August 6th, 2024, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vorasidenib for grade 2 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with a susceptible IDH1 or IDH2 mutation. We are hopeful that this approval in the US will lead Canada one step closer to a new treatment option for brain tumour patients.

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Lomustine Discontinuation Update – August 2024

On July 23, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s CEO and staff met with representatives from Bristol Myers-Squibb (BMS) to discuss the pending discontinuation of lomustine. We were informed that BMS would be sending a letter to health care professionals across Canada to re-inform them of the discontinuation date. BTFC has also learned that Health Canada has escalated the discontinuation by including lomustine on the Tier 3 Drug Shortages List.

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Lomustine Discontinuation Update - May 2024

On April 17th, 2024, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada met with representatives from Health Canada’s Drug Shortages unit to discuss the upcoming discontinuation of lomustine. Health Canada has acknowledged that lomustine is a critical drug and are monitoring the remaining supply of lomustine while they work with stakeholders to understand the full scope of the impact and identify strategies to address access to the drug after the March 31, 2025 discontinuation date.

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CADTH Recommendation regarding funding of the Optune® device

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has learned that CADTH has issued a recommendation regarding the funding of the Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) device, Optune®. The CADTH Health Technology Expert Review Panel (HTERP) recommends that Optune® be reimbursed with conditions for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Read the full recommendation document, including conditions, here.

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Stakeholder Feedback Template

CADTH Recommendation to fund bevacizumab in combination with lomustine

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is pleased to learn that a treatment option for persons with recurrent glioblastoma may soon be more consistently available across Canada.

We hope this recommendation will lead to public funding of the treatment from all public drug plans.

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INESSS recommendation regarding funding of the Optune device

Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has learned that INESSS issued a recommendation for the Quebec Provincial Government regarding the funding of the Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) device Optune. The recommendation at this time is to NOT provide public coverage for the device.

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Health Canada approves Optune® device for the Treatment of GBM

Health Canada has approved Optune® for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). This milestone offers renewed hope and brings us one step closer to another treatment option for GBM patients in Canada. We will continue to keep our community informed on next steps and how we can work together to advocate for this treatment to be available to GBM patients in Canada.

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Lomustine Discontinuation Advocacy Letter and Fact Sheet

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced their discontinuation of lomustine (CCNU), a chemotherapy drug that is often used to treat glioblastoma. Our advocacy letter to Bristol Myers Squibb outlines the potential impact that the discontinuation of lomustine may have on the brain tumour community.

Advocacy Letter Fact Sheet 

Updates

Equal Access to Care

Equal access to drugs that treat brain tumours and associated conditions, as well as the related financial burden, is an issue for families across Canada. Where a patient lives should never determine the treatment for a brain tumour.

Learn more about equal access across Canada

Increased Research Funding

As the leading organization in Canada focused on funding brain tumour research, we are the only group dedicated to overcoming this deadly disease.

Thanks to the support of donors, research funds are distributed every year to researchers across Canada who are examining the cause of and cure for brain tumours.

Read more about research funding here

January 2022 Position Paper – National Pharmacare in Canada

The responsibility for health care falls to the thirteen (13) provinces and territories of Canada. Each provides basic hospital and physician services in exchange for federal funding support. The services they provide under this federal agreement do not include prescription or hospital drug coverage. Each province or territory makes independent decisions on WHAT pharmaceutical drugs they fund for the public, and HOW that drug funding is accessed.

Read Our Position Paper Here

August 2020 Position Paper – Dexamethasone and Drug Shortages

On May 1, 2020, the federal government’s Tier Assignment Committee added dexamethasone to the Tier 3 list. It is an important step, but there is far more action needed. Our position paper recognizes the vital importance of pharmaceutical drug products for persons with brain tumours, including dexamethasone.

Read our position paper here