Eli Lilly Canada Welcomes Québec Public Reimbursement of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) for Mbc Following Successful Pcpa Negotiation

Eli Lilly Canada Inc. confirmed that Verzenio (abemaciclib) is now publicly reimbursed in Québec for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (mBC). The decision follows successful pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) negotiations, with the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) adding two mBC indications to its drug list on May 28, 2026. The reimbursement allows prescribers to submit *Médicament d'exception* requests for Verzenio in combination with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) as initial therapy or with fulvestrant for locally advanced or unresectable metastatic breast cancer. This includes patients with newly diagnosed cancer or those whose disease progressed during or after endocrine therapy. Approximately 75% of breast cancers in Canada are HR+, and 66% to 75% are HER2-negative, making this population a significant focus for treatment innovation. Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, with a five-year survival rate of around 23%, and an estimated 5,400 Canadian women are expected to die from the disease in 2026. Verzenio, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor, is already approved in Canada for HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The reimbursement decision underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access to innovative therapies for eligible patients, as highlighted by Dr. Jamil Asselah, a Medical Oncologist at McGill University Health Centre. MJ DeCoteau, Founder of Rethink Breast Cancer, emphasized the importance of expanded treatment options, stating that access to therapies like Verzenio supports personalized care. The announcement marks a step forward in addressing the needs of patients and caregivers affected by metastatic breast cancer in Québec.