441-02686 (Health)

WHEREAS:

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to an increased workload on the right side of the heart and, ultimately, heart failure;

• Despite the ten medical treatments currently approved for PAH in Canada, most patients remain seriously ill, markedly limited in everyday life, and potentially facing lung transplantation or death within a few short months or years;

• The recent results from the STELLAR clinical trial have demonstrated the exceptional efficacy and safety profile of sotatercept, offering new hope for patients, especially those already receiving maximum therapeutic benefit from the current standard of care;

• Like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada initiated an accelerated review process for sotatercept in recognition of the need for faster access to this innovative treatment; and

• The FDA approved sotatercept on 26 March 2024, yet Canadians in need are expected to wait until at least September for approval from Health Canada.

THEREFORE:

We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:

• Urge Health Canada to approve sotatercept-a significant milestone in the treatment option for PAH-without further delay.