Home / Health / Manitoba Drug Battle Won: Access Granted to Life-Sustaining Treatment
Manitoba Drug Battle Won: Access Granted to Life-Sustaining Treatment
28 Oct
Summary
- Manitoba man with degenerative disease secures vital drug coverage.
- Province now covers $300,000 annual treatment after initial refusal.
- Patient advocacy led to federal agency's recommendation reversal.
Jeremy Bray, a 31-year-old Manitoban with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, has secured continued access to his life-sustaining medication, risdiplam (Evrysdi). This drug, costing about $300,000 annually, is crucial for managing his degenerative condition, which progressively limits muscle movement.
Initially, Bray faced reluctance from provincial authorities, as the drug had not been widely tested in adults over 25, leading to a lack of recommendation from Canada's Drug Agency. However, Manitoba's health minister intervened, persuading the manufacturer to extend free coverage on compassionate grounds. Bray's positive response to the treatment, including improved voice and stamina, was vital.
When the free coverage was set to end in November 2025, Manitoba's government initially refused to take over costs. Following Bray's impassioned plea, Premier Wab Kinew announced the province would cover treatment for at least a year. This advocacy prompted a new review by Canada's Drug Agency, which recently issued a draft recommendation supporting expanded public coverage for risdiplam, a recommendation Manitoba has now adopted.
Bray expressed immense relief, highlighting the positive impact on his mental health and his family's peace of mind. He credited the persistence of his advocacy, supported by the public and political allies, for changing bureaucratic and governmental stances. The reversal underscores the power of patient stories in influencing healthcare policy.
