Ontario becomes first province to provide public funding of TRESIBA for adults with diabetes mellitus

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MISSISSAUGA, ON, CNW/ - Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. announces that Ontario will now reimburse TRESIBA^® (insulin degludec injection) FlexTouch^® prefilled pen in both 100 units/mL and 200 units/mL doses, as a general benefit for people living with Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes. TRESIBA^® is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin, for adults with diabetes mellitus, and will now be reimbursed under the Ontario Drug Benefit program, effective September 27, 2018.^1,2

In addition, the Government of Manitoba also announced that it will reimburse TRESIBA^® (insulin degludec injection) for both 100 units/mL and 200 units/mL doses under the Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary, effective October 18, 2018.³

"Having the ability to choose which insulin works best for them can have a great impact on how well people with diabetes are able to manage their blood sugar levels," says Dr. Jan Hux, President of Diabetes Canada. "The governments of Ontario and Manitoba have shown leadership by improving access to medications through the addition of a new insulin to their public drug program formularies, and we encourage the rest of Canada to do the same."

The addition of TRESIBA^® to the Ontario Drug Benefit program and Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary represents an important milestone for people living with diabetes. Following its approval by Health Canada in August 2017, TRESIBA^® became the first insulin added to the Register of Innovative Drugs for human use and has obtained its first provincial listing promptly after regulatory approval.

"We applaud the governments of Ontario and Manitoba for taking this important step in making innovative treatments more easily available to those living with diabetes in these provinces," says Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada. "When it comes to treatments that help people better manage their Type 1 diabetes, JDRF continues to support both access and choice."

About Tresiba^®
Tresiba^® (insulin degludec injection) is a once-daily, ultra-long-acting basal insulin approved in Canada on August 25, 2017 for the once-daily treatment of adults with diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control.¹ Tresiba^® provides a duration of action beyond 42 hours with a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect.^1,4 It has been shown to provide a lower risk of overall, nocturnal and severe hypoglycemia, and low variability in blood sugar levels versus insulin glargine U100.^1,5 Tresiba^® received its first regulatory approval in September 2012 and has since been approved in more than 80 countries globally. It is now commercially available in more than 61 countries.

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulin preparations, including Tresiba^®. The most common side effects found with Tresiba^® are hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema and weight gain.¹

About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 41,700 people in 77 countries and markets its products in more than 165 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, YouTube.

References

1. Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. TRESIBA^® Product Monograph. July 17, 2018. http://www.novonordisk.ca/content/dam/Canada/AFFILIATE/www-novonordisk-ca/OurProducts/PDF/tresiba-product-monograph.pdf. Accessed July 24, 2018.
2. Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary/Comparative Drug Index. Edition 43. September 20, 2018. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/formulary43/summary_edition43_20180920.pdf. Accessed September 20, 2018.
3. Bulletin #101. Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary Amendments. September 20, 2018. http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mdbif/docs/bulletins/. Accessed September 20, 2018.
4. Haahr H, Heise T. A review of the pharmacological properties of insulin degludec and their clinical relevance. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2014; 53:787-800.
5. Marso SP, McGuire DK, Zinman B, et al. Efficacy and safety of degludec versus glargine in type 2 diabetes. N Eng J Med. 2017. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1615692.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.