Availability of GLASSIA®
represents significant milestone for patients with
emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of Alpha-1
antitrypsin
TORONTO, Dec. 20,
2023 /CNW/ - Takeda Canada Inc. (Takeda) has
entered into a contract with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) for
GLASSIA® (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor)
resulting from CBS's request for proposal for hereditary deficiency
of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1). Glassia has been
approved to be listed on the CBS Plasma Protein and Related
Products (PPRP) formulary with specific criteria for reimbursement.
This marks Takeda's entry into the Alpha-1 community in
Canada, building on the company's
commitment to developing innovative treatments for rare
diseases.
"With its landmark decision, Canadian Blood Services will ensure
that all Canadians suffering the pulmonary consequences of this
genetic disorder will have access to the protective benefits of
augmentation therapy," said Dr. Ken
Chapman, Director, Asthma & Airway Centre, University
Health Network, Professor of Medicine, University of
Toronto. "As a physician who has cared for many patients with
alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency, I'm reassured that I will now have
the tools to slow the progression of emphysema and prevent
disability for all of my patients, not just a fortunate few".
"The availability of treatments for patients with Alpha-1
Antitrypsin Deficiency across Canada is tremendous and welcome news," said
Angela Diano, Executive Director,
Alpha-1 Canada. "This is a
landmark moment because until now, Canadian patients have had
limited options available to them, unless they lived in one of the
few provinces where treatment was accessible. We look forward to
working with CBS to ensure Canadian Alpha-1 patients have the
information, resources, support and now treatment, they need."
GLASSIA® is a liquid medicine for
infusion containing human Alpha 1-Proteinase Inhibitor (A1-PI) also
known as alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), which is purified from human
blood. The main purpose of infusing
GLASSIA® is to increase the levels of the
A1AT protein in the blood. Its main function is to protect the lung
tissue by limiting the action of a certain enzyme, called
neutrophil elastase. Neutrophil elastase can cause damage if its
action is not controlled (for example, in case you have an A1-P1
deficiency).i
"We are pleased to share this positive development to support
Canadians living with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that will now
have a treatment option in the form of GLASSIA®,"
said Rute Fernandes, President &
General Manager, Takeda in Canada.
"We're excited about this collaboration with CBS because of the
positive impact it will have on the lives of patients living with
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. At Takeda, we're proud of our
commitment to developing innovative treatments for rare diseases
and putting patients at the centre of everything we do."
About GLASSIA
Health Canada issued the
marketing authorization (Notice of Compliance) for
GLASSIA® in November
2021 for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in
adults with clinically evident emphysema due to severe hereditary
deficiency of Alpha-1 antitrypsin.
GLASSIA® increases antigenic and functional
(anti-neutrophil elastase capacity, ANEC) serum levels of Alpha-1
antitrypsin. GLASSIA® has shown to be
equivalent in activity and similar in safety to another marketed
alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation therapy.i
For a listing of contraindications, warnings, precautions,
adverse reactions, interactions, dosing, and conditions of clinical
use, the Canadian product monograph should be consulted at
https://www.takeda.com/en-ca/glassiapm.
About Alpha-1
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a genetic
condition that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 Canadians &
predisposes patients to liver disease & early onset emphysema.
AATD can lead to lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), even in non-smokers. It increases the risk of liver
cirrhosis & a skin condition called panniculitis. Low serum
levels of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin indicate increased risk for
developing the disease.ii
About Takeda Canada Inc.
Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian organization of Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502/NYSE: TAK), a global,
values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered
in Japan, committed to discovering
and delivering life-transforming treatments, guided by our
commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses
its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare
Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI).
We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived
Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly
innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in
people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options
and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and
capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our
employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients
and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80
countries and regions. For more information,
visit: takeda.com/en-ca
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i GLASSIA® Product Monograph. Date of
Revision April 17, 2023.
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ii Alpha-1
Canada. Glossary and Brochures. Available at
https://alpha1canada.ca/wp-content/themes/alpha-1/files/Fast%20Facts%20WEB%20ENG.pdf
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SOURCE Takeda Canada Inc.