Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. has successfully concluded negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for public reimbursement of Cosentyx (secukinumab) in the treatment of adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, painful and often debilitating inflammatory skin condition. The milestone agreement represents a significant step forward in expanding treatment access for Canadian patients living with this challenging condition.
Quebec Leads Provincial Coverage
Following the completion of negotiations, Cosentyx has been listed in Quebec, making it the first province to provide public reimbursement for the therapy in hidradenitis suppurativa. Novartis remains committed to ongoing collaboration with provincial public drug programs across Canada to enable timely access and reimbursement for eligible patients nationwide.
"Concluding pCPA negotiations for Cosentyx in HS is an important step toward improving access to a therapy grounded in strong science and real patient need," said Mark Vineis, Country President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "At Novartis, we are committed to continuing to work with stakeholders across the healthcare system to help ensure eligible patients with HS have timely public access to innovative treatment options."
Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
The agreement addresses a significant gap in treatment options for patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Dr. Susan Poelman, Canadian and U.S. Board-Certified Dermatologist, emphasized the clinical significance of this development: "For people living with moderate to severe HS, the condition can have a profound impact on daily life - not only due to physical symptoms, but also the emotional toll it can take. The conclusion of pCPA negotiations for Cosentyx is a promising step that could help expand possibilities for patients who have historically had limited treatment options."
Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the news as validation for those living with the condition. "Too often, people living with HS feel like their condition is invisible within the healthcare system," said Latoya Palmer, Founder of Hidradenitis and Me Support Group. "As someone living with HS, it gives me hope to see this step forward. It feels validating and shows people like me that there is a path toward better support for those who need it most."
About Cosentyx
Cosentyx is the first and only fully human biologic that directly inhibits interleukin-17A, an important cytokine involved in many inflammatory diseases. The medicine has been studied clinically for more than 14 years and is backed by robust evidence, including 5 years of clinical data in adults supporting long-term safety and efficacy across moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, axial spondyloarthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
The clinical data strengthen the position of Cosentyx as a treatment across multiple inflammatory conditions, including moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (adult and pediatric), psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, axial spondyloarthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, including enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis. More than 1 million patients have been treated with Cosentyx worldwide since its launch in 2015.
