Canada denies patients access to ovarian cancer drug Lynparza

Following its deliberations, the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) recently announced its decision not to recommend for provincial reimbursement for Lynparza (olaparib), a maintenance treatment for women with platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated (germline or somatic) high grade serous epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

Anglo-Swedish pharma major AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) Canadian subsidiary said it is extremely disappointed that pCODR has disregarded the demonstrated significant clinical benefits of Lynparza, including potentially prolonging life, creating a roadblock for Canadian women in accessing the first oral, targeted therapy for BRCA-mutated relapsed ovarian cancer.

"We are surprised and deeply disappointed in pCODR's assessment of Lynparza," says Mark Findlay, vice president, patient access and established brands, AstraZeneca Canada. "Regulatory bodies around the world, Canadian oncologists and patient organizations have all demonstrated strong support for this important advancement in ovarian cancer treatment. Additionally, women from many countries with similar reimbursement agencies as pCODR, such as the UK, France, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, already have access to this treatment option as a result of reimbursement of Lynparza; Canadian women deserve no less. We are committed to working with provincial governments to urgently address the issue of access to Lynparza for Canadian women with relapsed ovarian cancer," Mr Findlay added.