The introduction of VYALEV™ (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa solution) in Canada marks an advancement for those living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This new subcutaneous 24-hour infusion therapy is now available for the treatment of motor fluctuations in patients with advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson's disease who do not have satisfactory control of severe, debilitating motor fluctuations and hyper-/dyskinesia despite optimized treatment with available combinations of Parkinson's medicinal products.
Access to VYALEV™ is currently limited to individuals covered by private health insurance and private payers, highlighting the importance of patients and healthcare professionals being informed about the criteria for this treatment's availability. Negotiations regarding the cost of VYALEV™ with the national Patented Medicine Prices Review Board are crucial for determining its accessibility on a wider scale. Following these negotiations, provincial healthcare systems will review their ability to include this therapy in public health coverage based on budget considerations.
VYALEV™ is designed to meet the needs of a specific patient group within the PD community. It targets individuals at an advanced stage of the disease who struggle with significant motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, even after receiving the best available combination treatments. This focus on a particular subset of the PD population underscores the critical need for precise and effective treatment options for those facing the complexities of advanced Parkinson's disease.
The availability of VYALEV™ is a significant step forward in enhancing the treatment options for Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. As we address the challenges related to access and insurance coverage, it remains essential to engage in advocacy and dialogue to ensure that innovative treatments like VYALEV™ become widely accessible. Our goal is to improve care and outcomes for all individuals affected by Parkinson's disease in Canada, with VYALEV™ offering a promising new avenue for those in need of more specialized care.
Read AbbVie Canada's press release here.