Mr. Garen Sarafian reports

(PR)Siliq (BRODALUMAB INJECTION) NOW REIMBURSED UNDER ALBERTA'S PUBLIC DRUG PLAN, IMPROVING ACCESS FOR ELIGIBLE PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE PLAQUE PSORIASIS

Bausch Health Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Bausch Health Companies Inc., has noted that Siliq (brodalumab injection) is now listed under Alberta's public drug plan for eligible patients who meet the applicable reimbursement criteria.

Siliq (brodalumab injection) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Available in Canada since 2018, Siliq has been covered by public drug plans nationwide, with the exception of British Columbia and Alberta. Alberta's recent reimbursement decision represents an important milestone in expanding patient access and brings Siliq one step closer to achieving comprehensive public coverage across Canada.

"Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and timely access to treatment is essential. We are pleased that eligible patients in Alberta will now have access to reimbursed coverage for Siliq. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to innovative treatment options and supporting Canadians living with chronic dermatologic conditions," said Amy Cairns, general manager, Bausch Health Canada.

"Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis is a chronic, often debilitating, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can affect much more than the skin. Its impact on physical comfort, emotional well-being and daily functioning can be substantial. For people living with this condition, finding the right treatment can make a meaningful difference in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life," said dermatologist Dr. Vimal H. Prajapati, MD, FRCPC, DABD, clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary, co-founder and co-director at Skin Health & Wellness Centre, Dermatology Research Institute, Dermphi Centre and Dermphi Shop, as well as councilor for the International Psoriasis Council. "The addition of Siliq to Alberta's public drug plan provides health care providers with another treatment option to support individualized patient care."

"As dermatologists, we see firsthand the significant hardship that moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can place on patients. Treatment goals extend beyond skin clearance to improving quality of life and helping patients regain confidence in their everyday lives. The public reimbursement of Siliq in Alberta is a positive development that expands the range of options available to eligible patients and supports individualized treatment decisions," said Dr. Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC, Dermatology Residency Program Director and clinical professor of dermatology, University of Alberta.

About psoriasis

Psoriasis affects an estimated 1 to 3 per cent of people in Canada. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting approximately 90 per cent of patients. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that manifests in the skin. Skin affected by psoriasis is inflamed and covered by a flaky white buildup called scale. Red plaques with white scale are typically seen in lighter skin types, whereas darker skin types tend to have more purple to grey plaques and tend to be thicker.

Plaque psoriasis can develop on any part of the body, but most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp and trunk. Signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis include raised, red, purple, brown or gray patches of skin covered with loose, silvery scales; bleeding where skin scales crack, flake or scrape; itchiness; pain; dryness; nail problems (tiny pits, yellowish colouring, buildup of dead skin under nails, nail dislodging or falling off), and scalp scaling or lesions.

For some patients, psoriasis can greatly affect their quality of life and can often be emotionally disabling.

Psoriasis can develop at any age, although it is typically seen in adults. The majority experience onset of symptoms between the ages of 15 and 35. What causes psoriasis is unknown, but genetic predisposition is considered a key factor, and environmental and behavioural factors may also play a major role.

Siliq clinical data and safety information

Siliq (brodalumab injection) belongs to a group of medicines called interleukin (IL) inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of IL-17 proteins, which are present at increased levels in diseases such as psoriasis.

Treatment with Siliq may lead to improvements in skin clearance, including possible total skin clearance, and reductions in signs and symptoms such as itch, redness, scaling, burning, stinging, cracking, flaking and pain.

Common side effects of Siliq include headache, joint pain, feeling tired, mouth or throat pain, and diarrhea.

Suicidal ideation and behaviour, including completed suicides, have been reported in patients treated with Siliq. A causal association between treatment with Siliq and increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour has not been established. Please consult the Canadian Product Monograph for complete safety information.

About Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Bausch Health Companies is a global, diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes. The company develops, manufactures and markets a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neuroscience, dermatology, dentistry, aesthetics, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through the company's controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corp. The company's ambition is to be a globally integrated health care company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees, and investors.

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