Yukon to cover new drug that reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms

The Yukon Government has decided to cover the cost ofAubagio, a pill used to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Aubagioprolongs the physical abilities of people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, or RRMS.

The cost of the drugabout $1,500 per month used to be an obstaclefor some people, according to Jenny Roberts, president of the Yukon Multiple Sclerosis Association.

Roberts, who lives with RRMS, says the drug can have a significant impacton the nearly 200 residents of the territory living with multiple sclerosis. Aubagioreduces flare-ups of MS symptoms by as much as 30 per cent.

"If it slows down progression and disability to that percentage, than it means more people can stay in the workforce that much longer and live more of a healthy, normal lifestyle," she says.

Alan Macklon also lives with multiple sclerosis, but not the same kind as Roberts. Still, he says it's nice to have options other than injections.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. People with MS are usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and40.

Previously, people had to qualify under the Yukon's Chronic Disease Program to be covered for Aubagio. Now, patients will no longer have to wait to be accepted into the program before receiving government assistance.

Yukon is the first territory to add Aubagio to itsdrug plan benefits, joiningQuebec, Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.