Zeulide Depot(TM) is now Covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program for Patients Living with Prostate Cancer
TORONTO, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ - Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc. is pleased to announce that as of May 29, 2020, Zeulide Depot(TM) (Leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), a hormone therapy for the palliative treatment of prostate cancer, has been added as a General Benefit through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program.
Zeulide Depot(TM) is a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) that reduces testosterone levels in patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. LHRH is the treatment of choice for physicians across North America and Europe for its proven ability to lower testosterone levels, which can help to slow or stop the progression of this cancer.
"LHRH therapy such as Zeulide Depot(TM) is a proven option for the treatment of prostate cancer," said Dr. Neil Fleshner, Verity Pharma's Chief Medical Officer. "With ODB coverage, physicians and their patients will have broader access to this new therapeutic option, and the latest in LHRH drug delivery technology."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, with one in nine being diagnosed in their lifetime. It is critical for Canadians to have access to effective treatments.
"Today marks an important day for those living with prostate cancer in Ontario," said Howard Glase, Chief Executive Officer, Verity Pharma. "ODB coverage will allow these patients to have access to a safe, clinically proven, cost effective treatment option for a disease that has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. We commend the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for adding Zeulide Depot(TM) to the Formulary and look forward to working collaboratively with the remaining provinces and territories to ensure all patients with prostate cancer have access to Zeulide Depot(TM)."
With its patented microsphere controlled-release technology and demonstrated efficacy, Zeulide Depot(TM) provides physicians and their patients with an innovative treatment option, while also being the most cost-effective prostate cancer therapy in Canada.
About Zeulide Depot(TM)
Zeulide Depot(TM) (Leuprolide acetate for depot suspension), is a Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Analog, indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced and/or metastatic prostate cancer. It has been approved for use in Europe for several years and recently received Heath Canada Notice of Compliance for use in this country.
Lowering a patient's testosterone levels can slow or reverse the progression of prostate cancer. Along with proven efficacy for lowering testosterone to super-castrate levels of <=1.7 nmol/L, the innovative, patented microsphere technology within Zeulide Depot(TM) provides a unique solution for the controlled and sustained release of leuprolide acetate. In a recent study, the sustained duration of castration was significantly longer with Zeulide Depot(TM) compared to a leading leuprolide acetate formulation.
About Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Verity Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on providing therapeutically relevant agents to the Canadian healthcare community. Our mission is to provide access to prescription products that are in short supply or have not yet been made available in Canada. Zeulide Depot(TM) is just one of a number of important Verity products now available in Canada or planned for launch in 2020 and 2021.
SOURCE Verity Pharmaceuticals Inc.
