Jeremy Bray was emotional upon learning that the Manitoba government remained firm in its decision not to fund his crucial treatment. Bray, 30, who suffers from a degenerative illness affecting his muscle movement, met with Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara after appealing to the NDP administration for assistance with his medication costs. Despite his plea, the province declined to cover the drug, leaving Bray disheartened but hopeful for a change of heart.
Living with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, Bray had been receiving treatment with the drug risdiplam, known as Evrysdi, for over six months. The Minister had previously convinced the drug’s manufacturer, Roche, to provide the medication for free on compassionate grounds. Bray’s positive response to the treatment, including enhanced voice strength and improved facial movements, had sparked optimism for its approval by Canada’s Drug Agency for adults over 25, although the agency cited insufficient evidence due to the absence of this age group in clinical trials.
Bray’s desire to continue the treatment for a full year, with hopes of proving its efficacy, was met with disappointment as Roche ceased its free coverage. While Bray and his family remained hopeful for the province’s intervention, their efforts were in vain as Manitoba upheld its decision, emphasizing the agency’s stance on the matter.
The costly nature of the drug, estimated at $300,000 for the initial year, was deemed a significant factor in Manitoba’s reluctance, as expressed by Bray’s father. Despite this setback, the family, along with their supporters, remains determined to explore alternative funding options for Bray’s treatment, refusing to give up on their quest for his well-being.
