News Release Archive
HEALTH--FUNDING APPROVED FOR IMPORTANT DRUG ----------------------------------------------------------------- A drug that stops the immune system from rejecting a new kidney or pancreas is now funded by the Department of Health. Funding for the drug, called Mycophenolate (Cellcept), is an important step in helping to improve the quality of life for transplant recipients. The drug leads to a reduction in organ rejection in the year following the transplantation of a kidney or a pancreas, the period when the greatest rate of rejection occurs. It is anticipated the drug will improve quality of life, and help to reduce health care costs, by improving the survival of new organs, by reducing the need for dialysis and, in some cases, by eliminating the need for another transplant. Maintaining a patient on dialysis for one year is estimated to cost from $40,000 to $50,000. The cost per patient for Mycophenolate is approximately $5,400 a year. For every 100 successful kidney transplants, the cost savings to the system are estimated to be $20 million. Dr. Bryce Kiberd, a staff nephrologist at the QE II Health Sciences Centre, said that the transplant program is pleased with the department's decision to fund this drug. The renal transplant program at the QE II participated in early clinical trials with Mycophenolate and were impressed with the performance of the drug. It is expected about 30 patients a year will receive Mycophenolate on an outpatient basis. The province is the insurer of last resort. An evaluation will be prepared following the first full year of funding to see what impact the drug has had, and if continued funding is appropriate. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Jan. 27, 1997 - 11:32 a.m.