Six Canadian provinces have recently changed their eligibility criteria for Stelara®, in accordance with their biosimilar initiatives. As such, they will no longer reimburse Stelara® for most patients. They will be expected to take biosimilars Wezlana® and Jamteki®.
Anyone affected by these changes should discuss their individual case with their gastroenterologist. Exemptions may be granted in some limited circumstances.
Visit our webpage on biotherapies for further information.
Recent provincial change summary
Alberta
Alberta announced a six-month transition to Jamteki® and Wezlana® commencing May 1, 2024 with a deadline of November 1, 2024. See the summary document for further details.
British Columbia
The British Columbia government announced a six-month transition to Jamteki® as of May 30, 2024 with a deadline of December 2, 2024. See the Biosimilars initiative for health professionals document for further details.
New Brunswick
Those with moderate to severe Crohn’s or colitis must begin taking Wezlana® when their current Special Authorization expires or as of November 30, 2024, whichever occurs first. See the July 2024 New Brunswick Drug Plans Formulary document for details.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia announced a six-month transition to biosimilar version as of June 1, 2024, with a deadline of December 1. 2024. See the Pharmacare News Update on the subject for details.
Ontario
Ontario government covered Stelara® users have six months from July 31, 2024 to January 31, 2025 to transition to biosimilar versions Jamteki® and Wezlana®. Exceptions are:
- Recipients who are pregnant during the transition period or who require palliative care during the transition period are temporarily exempt from the requirement to transition.
- Medically necessary exemptions may be considered through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP).
See the Updated Executive Officer Notice: Biosimilar Policy for more detail.
Quebec
Quebec’s policy is to replace biologic drugs with biosimilar drugs when a corresponding biosimilar drug is listed on the approved list of medications. As a result, Stelara® users must now use Wezlana®. Exceptions are:
- Pregnant women, who should be transitioned to biosimilars in the 12 months after childbirth.
- Pediatric patients, who should be transitioned to biosimilars in the 12 months after their 18th birthday.
- Patients who have experienced two or more therapeutic failures while being treated with a biologic drug.