Alberta's government has announced public reimbursement for Pluvicto (lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan injection), expanding access to this targeted radioligand therapy for eligible patients with advanced prostate cancer. The decision makes Alberta the third Canadian province to provide public funding for the treatment, joining Ontario and Nova Scotia in addressing a critical unmet medical need.
Provincial Expansion of Access
The addition of Pluvicto to Alberta's publicly funded treatments provides access to this radioligand therapy for eligible individuals with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously received androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy.
"Alberta's government is committed to improving access to life-prolonging treatments for all Albertans, especially those battling advanced prostate cancer," said Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. "By adding Pluvicto to Alberta's publicly funded treatments, we are ensuring that patients have expanded access to a novel therapy that can improve clinical outcomes."
Clinical Impact and Expert Perspectives
The announcement represents a significant advancement for patients with advanced prostate cancer in Alberta, with clinicians recognizing the therapy's importance for patients with limited treatment options.
"This is an important development for Albertans with advanced prostate cancer who have run out of other options," said Calgary-based medical oncologist Dr. Steven Yip. "This decision helps address a significant gap in our treatment landscape, offering a vital option for patients with few alternatives. For my patients who have exhausted other avenues, this brings renewed hope and the opportunity for more time with their loved ones with a meaningful quality of life."
Patient advocacy groups have also welcomed the decision as a crucial step forward in prostate cancer care. "This is an important turning point for patients in Alberta who are facing advanced prostate cancer," said Abby Collier, Executive Director of Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada. "Public funding for Pluvicto helps ensure that eligible patients can receive treatment closer to home, surrounded by their loved ones and support networks."
Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Approach
Pluvicto is a precision cancer treatment that combines a targeting compound (ligand) with a therapeutic radioisotope. After administration into the bloodstream, the therapy binds to target cells, including prostate cancer cells that express PSMA, a transmembrane protein. Once bound, energy emissions from the radioisotope damage the target cells and nearby cells, disrupting their ability to replicate and triggering cell death.
The therapy is indicated for adult patients with PSMA-positive mCRPC who have received at least one androgen receptor pathway inhibitor and taxane-based chemotherapy. Approved by Health Canada in August 2022, Pluvicto is the first targeted radioligand therapy in Canada for treating mCRPC.
Broader Access Goals
Following successful negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) in December 2024, Novartis has been working to secure provincial reimbursement across Canada. The company remains committed to expanding access to all eligible patients nationwide.
"We are encouraged by Alberta's decision to publicly reimburse Pluvicto, marking a meaningful step toward ensuring equitable access for patients," said Mark Vineis, Country President of Novartis Canada. "We are fully dedicated to furthering our engagement with the remaining provinces to ensure patients throughout Canada have the opportunity to access this advance in prostate cancer care."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, and mCRPC represents an advanced form of the disease that is particularly challenging to treat. The availability of targeted radioligand therapy like Pluvicto offers new hope and a much-needed option for patients and their families facing this devastating diagnosis.
