Health Canada has approved Jamteki as the first biosimilar in Canada of ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We expect that it will eventually be approved for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis as the originator ustekinumab (Stelara) is currently. Approval for an ustekinumab biosimilar from Amgen is also expected soon. Likely additional approvals for other manufacturers will follow.
The date for the product availability of Jamteki has not yet been announced. We are also awaiting how coverage for ustekinumab will be impacted by this approval, by both government and private insurance plans.
Stay tuned…
Carolyn Whiskin is the Pharmacy Manager for Charlton Health. Carolyn specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, pharmaceutical compounding, women’s health, pain, and smoking cessation. Carolyn has won provincial and national awards for her commitment to patient care and public service.