In recognition of the challenges faced by British Columbians with Parkinson’s disease, the Ministry of Health will be working with the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre to identify and prioritize patients for coverage of the medication Duodopa.

“We have been in discussion with the Parkinson Society British Columbia and the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre about this treatment, and they have shared strong testimonials and compelling accounts of the drug improving symptoms and quality of life for some patients,” said Health Minister Terry Lake.

Physicians at the centre, which is part of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia, will identify suitable patients and submit requests for PharmaCare coverage under the ministry’s Special Authority program. Coverage is expected to be provided to a small number of patients who are clinically appropriate and may benefit from the treatment, and for whom other options like deep-brain stimulation surgery are not feasible.

Read the rest of this news release at news.gov.bc.ca.