~ Alzheimer patients in Alberta now have a choice of treatments through provincial formulary ~
DORVAL, QUEBEC (January 16, 2001) -- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that the government of Alberta has agreed to list Exelon®, a new therapy for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease, on the provincial formulary under special authorization criteria effective immediately.
"Alzheimer Disease has a devastating impact on a person's life, and the lives of that person's family members who often find themselves in a caregiver role after the diagnosis," explained Dr. David B. Hogan, Medical Director, Cognitive Assessment Clinic, Calgary Regional Health Authority, University of Calgary. "When Exelon® was introduced in Canada, we had a choice in treatment for our patients for the first time. I am very pleased that the government of Alberta has acted quickly in ensuring that people have access to this important treatment option for Alzheimer Disease through formulary listing."
ABOUT Exelon®
Exelon® is approved in more than 70 countries, including all of Europe and the United States. The medication is a potent brain-selective cholinesterase inhibitor for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease.
Exelon® is the first Alzheimer medication to show clinical benefits on the symptomatic progression of the disease in the three key functional domains: activities of daily living (e.g. eating, dressing and completing household chores), global function (including behaviour) and cognition (including thinking, memory and speaking). Exelon® demonstrated these clinical benefits during the most extensive worldwide study program ever conducted on an Alzheimer Disease medication.
"When a patient with Alzheimer Disease declines in any one of the three domains of the disease, it has a major impact on the lives of the patient and his or her caregiver," said Dr. Angela Juby, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta. "A therapy such as Exelon®, which has been shown in clinical trials to have a positive impact on the symptoms of the disease, can make a significant difference. As a physician in this province, I am very pleased the government will be providing coverage for Exelon®."
Exelon® is unique in that it inhibits two enzymes - acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase, which is shown to be elevated in the brains of patients afflicted with Alzheimer Disease, has only recently been identified as a promising new strategy for the treatment of the disease. Dual inhibition action reduces the acetylcholine breakdown in the Alzheimer Disease brain. Acetylcholine is thought to play an important role in memory and cognition; levels of this neurotransmitter are lower in people with Alzheimer Disease. Exelon® optimizes cholinergic function, thereby preserving patients' ability to function.
Exelon® is well tolerated and has a low potential for drug interactions, particularly important since the average Alzheimer Disease patient often takes many medications simultaneously. The most common side effects are gastro-intestinal in nature and are generally mild to moderate in intensity and transient.
"The listing of Exelon® on the Alberta provincial formulary is good news for people with Alzheimer Disease and their caregivers. We are very pleased that people in this province who are diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease now have access to this effective treatment," said Mr. Ian Clark, President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "Exelon® is an important medication that offers Canadians the hope of delaying the progression of the disease."
ALZHEIMER DISEASE
Alzheimer Disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 64 per cent of all dementias. Symptoms include loss of memory, judgement and reasoning, decline in ability to perform day-to-day activities, as well as changes in mood and behaviour. Alzheimer Disease gradually destroys vital nerve cells in the brain and affects each person differently. There is no known cause or cure for Alzheimer Disease. It is a progressive, degenerative and irreversible brain disorder that is ultimately fatal.
It is estimated that more than 300,000 Canadians over the age of 65 currently suffer from Alzheimer Disease. By the year 2031, it is projected that Alzheimer Disease will affect more than three-quarters of a million Canadians.
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC.
Novartis (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in healthcare with core businesses in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care, and animal health. In 1999, the Group achieved sales of $22.2 billion and invested more than $3.2 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis employs about 66,000 people and operates in over 140 countries around the world.
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