AbbVie has announced that Alberta has added VRAYLAR® (cariprazine) to its Health Drug Formulary, marking a significant milestone in mental health treatment access across Canada. This approval ensures that the atypical antipsychotic medication is now publicly reimbursed in all Canadian provinces and through federal programs including Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Correctional Service Canada (CSC), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
The achievement comes after years of advocacy efforts and addresses a critical healthcare access challenge. Up to 90% of Canadians with serious mental illness are unemployed, making public plan coverage essential for patients to access medications needed to manage their symptoms.
Clinical Profile and Mechanism of Action
VRAYLAR® is an atypical antipsychotic medication with partial agonist activity at central dopamine D3 receptors, in addition to targeted activity at D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. In controlled clinical trials, the medication has demonstrated efficacy in improving both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia in adults.
The drug works by adjusting the balance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. While the exact mechanism of action in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder remains unknown, the medication helps address chemical imbalances that may contribute to symptoms experienced by patients.
Beyond schizophrenia treatment, VRAYLAR® is also indicated as monotherapy for bipolar mania in acute management of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults, and for bipolar depression in acute management of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults.
Expert Perspectives on Access Expansion
Dr. Toba Oluboka, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary, emphasized the clinical significance of the Alberta listing. "For individuals living with schizophrenia, access to a broader range of therapies can make a real difference in daily life. Public reimbursement in Alberta ensures that more patients can benefit from treatments tailored to their needs, supporting stability and overall quality of life," Dr. Oluboka stated.
Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, praised the development as "wonderful news that another therapeutic option is now available for adults living with schizophrenia in Alberta to assist them with the symptoms associated with the illness." He noted that the Schizophrenia Society of Canada had "advocated persistently and passionately for the last several years to now see this medication made available in all provinces."
Industry Commitment to Mental Health Access
Rami Fayed, Vice-President and General Manager of AbbVie Canada, highlighted the company's dedication to improving patient outcomes. "We are proud to see increased access to innovative treatment options for people living with schizophrenia in Alberta. This marks an important step forward for a population that continues to face significant challenges in accessing care," Fayed said.
He emphasized the importance of treatment diversity, noting that "as treatment needs vary from one person to another, ensuring a diverse range of therapeutic solutions is essential. This progress reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of patients and supporting the healthcare community in delivering better outcomes."
Development and Commercialization
VRAYLAR® is being developed jointly by AbbVie and Gedeon Richter Plc, with AbbVie responsible for commercialization across multiple global markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and certain Latin American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela.
The Alberta formulary listing represents the culmination of a comprehensive coverage strategy that now spans the entire Canadian healthcare landscape, ensuring equitable access to this treatment option for patients with schizophrenia regardless of their provincial location.
