---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 1999 14:10:55 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]

> Attention News/Health Editors:
>
> Parkinson's Sufferers Denied Access To Promising New Treatment Options
>
>           Ontario Government's Efforts Deemed ``Unacceptable'' by
>                     Parkinson Foundation of Canada
>
>     TORONTO, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Despite federal approval of two new and
> effective Parkinson's drugs specifically Pramipexole and Ropinirole that
> were approved in January 1998 and August 1997 respectively, Ontario,
> unlike other provinces, has not provided government coverage for the
> treatments. The Parkinson Foundation of Canada is calling on the Ontario
> government to list new treatments on the provincial formulary. Without
> registration on the provincial formulary, the drugs are unavailable to
> Ontario Parkinson's sufferers who rely on the provincial drug plan.
>
>     ``Through their non-action, the government of Ontario is neglecting
> the needs of people living with Parkinson's disease,'' said Blaire
> McRobie, President and CEO of The Parkinson Foundation of Canada.
> ``Treatment advancements for Parkinson's are rare, making it even more
> important to ensure that each Ontario resident - not just those who can
> afford it - has access to the newest, most effective medications
> available,'' he added.
>
>     Parkinson's disease is a chronic debilitating neuromuscular disease
> that undermines a person's ability to control their movements. Parkinson's
> affects more than 100,000 Canadians - a figure that is expected to rise by
> at least 30 per cent in the next 20 years. It is estimated that one out of
> every 250 people over the age of 40 is affected by the condition. This
> figure increases to approximately one person in 100 among those over the
> age of 65.
>
>     The two new Parkinson's treatments, Pramipexole and Ropinirole, have
> been proven to be effective in both the early and late stages of the
> condition's progression. The prospect of trying these new therapies has
> raised hopes for many people in Ontario with Parkinson's, as well as their
> families and caregivers.
>
>     The Parkinson Foundation of Canada is dedicated to funding research
> and providing support services for people living with Parkinson's and
> their families. Founded in 1965, the Foundation has more than 100 chapters
> and support groups across Canada and has committed in the past five years
> more than $6.5 million to 125 scientists working on the Parkinson's
> puzzle. The Foundation also supports 10 Movement Disorder Clinics and four
> Community Outreach programs.
>
> -30-
>
> For further information: Patrick Ussher, The Parkinson Foundation of
>  Canada, (416) 366-0099 or Jane McCoubrey, NATIONAL PharmaCom, (416)
> 586-0180