Venetoclax (Venclexta)

Key Messages

• Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) recommends that Venclexta be reimbursed by public drug plans, in combination with obinutuzumab, for the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) if certain conditions are met.
• Venclexta in combination with obinutuzumab should only be covered to treat patients with previously untreated CLL who require treatment according to the International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) criteria and are in good health (i.e., have a good performance status, as determined by a clinician).
• Venclexta in combination with obinutuzumab should only be reimbursed if prescribed by a clinician with expertise treating CLL and monitoring therapy, and if the cost of Venclexta is reduced. Patients who experience disease progression while taking Venclexta or who cannot tolerate the drug would not be eligible for continued coverage. Reimbursement of venetoclax should be discontinued after 12 months of therapy is completed.