Alzheimer's Drug Study Gets $70 Million From Province

By 250 News

B.C. is the lead funding partner in a new $78-million study of the effectiveness of Alzheimer's medications.  The Province will provide  $70 million dollars  in PharmaCare coverage of three cholinesterase inhibitors.

Clinical evidence to date indicates that cholinesterase inhibitors appear to work best in the early and moderate stages of Alzheimer's disease. Data collected through the research study will be used to address the gaps in evidence on the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors, identify characteristics of individuals with Alzheimer's
disease who may benefit from treatment with these drugs, and evaluate the resulting impact on caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Drug Therapy Initiative, which begins this month, is expected to last up to three years and involve more than 25,000 British Columbians diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disorder whose symptoms include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning as well as changes in mood and behaviour, is the most common form of dementia. While some patients may live up to 20 years after diagnosis, the average life expectancy is between eight and 12 years.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. reports that approximately 64,000 people in British Columbia currently suffer from some form of dementia. That number is expected to grow to more than 74,000 over the next five years.

"Alzheimer's patients who participate in the study will have their drug costs covered," said Health Minister George Abbott. "Through their participation, we will gather the additional evidence we need to make a decision on whether to add the drugs to our PharmaCare formulary and, if so, under what criteria."

The research initiative is a partnership involving the Province, the Alzheimer Society of B.C., the University of Victoria, UBC and drug manufacturers. Based on early analyses, the Province estimates the cost at $78 million over three years, including approximately $70 million from the Province and $8 million expected to be contributed by drug
manufacturers.

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