CEMIPLIMAB (LIBTAYO)

Cemiplimab (Libtayo) is an anti-pd1 immunotherapy indicated for the treatment of patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) that cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced BCC) and have received treatment with a hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HHI) or cannot receive treatment with an HHI.  This drug is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets PD-1, a protein on immune system cells (called T cells), that normally helps keep these cells from attacking other cells in the body. By blocking PD-1, this drug boosts the immune response restoring antitumor activity. cemiplimab (Libtayo) is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions from this drug include fatigue, rash, and diarrhea. It’s very important to report any new side effects during or after treatment to your health care team promptly.

Provincial Funding Summary

Libtayo® (cemiplimab) approved in Canada for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. Read the full press release.

Visit CADTH The pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) reivew status for Libtayo. CADTH is an evidence-based, cancer drug review process. The pCODR process is designed to bring consistency and clarity to the assessment of cancer drugs by reviewing clinical evidence, cost-effectiveness, and patient perspectives, and using this information to make recommendations to Canada’s provinces and territories (except Quebec) in guiding their drug funding decisions. VISIT CADTH

Quebec: Libtayo (cemiplimab) received a negative recommendation and has not been approved for the treatment of locally advanced BCC in the province of Quebec

Please note however that the following 3 offerings will continue in all provinces:

1-      REACH program will continue to navigate access and provide financial assistance for patients with private insurance

2-      Infusion services for patients with private coverage will continue to be provided for patients as needed

3-      Patients already enrolled in the REACH program and receiving product donation, will continue to receive their treatments as scheduled as long as they need it ( Based on Physicians’ decision)