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| |  Quebec Government’s Decision to Reimburse Betaseron Applauded TORONTO, Dec. 12, 1996 -- The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is delighted that the Quebec Minister of Health has decided to provide reimbursement for Betaseron(R) -- a drug proven to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations in people with relapsing-remitting MS. "We are very excited about this decision," said Frank Bowman, chair of the MS Society's National Social Action Committee. The Minister's approval of the MS medication was based on the recommendation of the Conseil Consultatif de la Pharmacologie (CCP), an expert body which examines the therapeutic value of new treatments and advises the Minister on whether to add drugs to the list of medications covered under the province's new universal drug plan. "This medication can stabilize the devastating effects of relapsing-remitting MS. Access to it can mean fewer attacks, being able to stay at work or continue caring for children in the home. By providing reimbursement for it, the Quebec government places Betaseron(R) within reach of many individuals who could not afford to pay for the drug themselves. We hope other provinces will follow Quebec's example," continued Mr. Bowman. Quebec is the latest government to decide in favour of listing Betaseron(R), joining 13 other jurisdictions in Europe and Australia which provide coverage. Ontario has moved partially in this direction by reimbursing the medication on a case-by case basis. Other Canadian provinces are considering reimbursing Betaseron(R) through their provincial health insurance plans. Multiple sclerosis is an often disabling disease of the central nervous system. MS is the most common central nervous system disease in young adults in Canada, which has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. MS can cause a variety of symptoms including vision and speech problems, loss of balance, extreme fatigue, and even paralysis.
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