PrOKEDI approved in Québec
Québec becomes first province to list PrOKEDI for schizophrenia on public drug formulary.
Québec has become the first Canadian province to add OKEDI — an extended-release injectable form of risperidone — to its public drug reimbursement formulary for schizophrenia, according to Ottawa Sun. Bausch Health Canada, a subsidiary of Bausch Healthcare Companies Inc., made the announcement, calling it a major step forward in patient access to long-acting antipsychotic treatment.
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder affecting roughly 1% of the population. The listing means eligible patients in Québec can now get OKEDI covered through the public plan, removing a significant cost barrier to treatment.
How OKEDI Works and Why It Stands Out
OKEDI is a prolonged-release suspension of risperidone injected once every four weeks. Unlike some other long-acting injectable antipsychotics, it requires no oral supplementation at the start and no loading dose, according to Fort Saskatchewan Record. That makes the treatment simpler for both patients and healthcare providers.
The drug provides steady, sustained release of the active ingredient over the full four-week dosing interval. The most common side effects include issues related to prolactin levels, headache, and weight gain. Prolactin is a hormone the body can overproduce in response to certain antipsychotic drugs.
Pan-Canadian Negotiations Paved the Way for Listing
The Québec listing followed negotiations with the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, known as the pCPA. The pCPA is a group that negotiates drug prices on behalf of provincial and territorial public drug plans across Canada. A successful pCPA negotiation is typically a key step before provinces add a drug to their formularies, according to The Observer.
This deal marks a significant milestone for Bausch Health Canada in its effort to secure public reimbursement for OKEDI. The company said it will continue pushing for listings in other provinces and territories, following each jurisdiction's own reimbursement process.
Why Long-Acting Injectables Matter for Schizophrenia Care
Schizophrenia requires long-term medication management. One of the biggest challenges is patients stopping their medication, which can trigger relapses. Long-acting injectable drugs like OKEDI help solve this by replacing daily pills with a single monthly injection, according to Seaforth Huron Expositor.
When medication is not covered by a public plan, cost can force patients to go without treatment. Québec's formulary listing directly addresses that gap. It gives patients access to a monthly injection option without facing the full out-of-pocket cost of the drug.
Bausch Health Eyes Broader Rollout Across Canada
Bausch Health Canada has confirmed it will pursue reimbursement listings in other Canadian provinces, according to Mitchell Advocate. Each province runs its own drug plan and review process, so gaining coverage across the country requires separate negotiations in each jurisdiction.
Québec being first sets a precedent. Other provincial drug plans often look to existing listings when making their own decisions. Bausch Health's goal is to make OKEDI publicly covered for schizophrenia patients from coast to coast, building on the momentum of this first listing.
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