Takeda gains reimbursement in Canada for Crohn's disease drug

Canadians living with Crohn's disease (CD), the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease, may soon have access through provincial drug plans to the latest therapy, Entyvio (vedolizumab), to treat the debilitating condition that affects more than 129,000 people in Canada.

The Canadian Drug Expert Committee (CDEC) of the Common Drug Review (CDR) issued a positive listing recommendation for the new biologic treatment from Japanese drug major Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502) for reimbursement by provincial drug plans for the treatment of adults with moderate to severely active CD. This is a key milestone in the process to secure public drug plan reimbursement for Entyvioin Canada .

"Crohn's disease is a real concern in Canada , where we have among the highest reported prevalence and incidence in the world. This incurable disease affects adults but can begin in early childhood. Effective treatments, such as the biologic medicine Entyvio, are essential to keep this disease under control," said Gail Attara , co-founder, president, and chief executive, Gastrointestinal Society.