Zanubrutinib Approved by Health Canada
Today we received notification that Health Canada has accepted Zanubrutinib as a WM treatment. Here is a link to the announcement from BeiGene: https://ir.beigene.com/news-releases/news-release-details/health-canada-approves-brukinsar-zanubrutinib-treatment
Zanubrutinib is another BTK inhibitor and has tested to have had fewer side effects. This is good news for WM patients who will have one more option of treatment available to them.
Lymphoma Canada Survey
The next step for Zanubrutinib to be funded in Canada is for a submission to be made to pCODR and INESSS. In January the WMFC sent you a link to a survey which many of you completed and which BeiGene very much appreciated. Lymphoma Canada is trying to do the same thing to help this drug become a funded treatment for WM and is also conducting a survey. Here is a link to the Lymphoma Canada survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WM-BTKi.
The survey is only about 15 minutes long, and I highly encourage you to complete it. Your participation will be helpful in making recommendations to provinces and territories for funding new cancer drugs. Thank you for your willingness to take part.
Paul Kitchen
WMFC Board Chair