Bausch's Cabtreo acne drug on two provincial drug plans

Executive Summary

• Bausch Health, Canada Inc. has announced that its acne treatment Cabtreo (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide gel) is now available through the public drug plans of Quebec and Saskatchewan.
• This expansion follows previous announcements regarding coverage in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and federal plans (NIHB, CSC, and Veterans Affairs Canada), significantly broadening patient access to the triple-combination topical treatment.
• Cabtreo is a Canadian-made, triple-combination topical prescription for acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older, featuring three mechanisms of action: an antibiotic, a retinoid, and an antibacterial agent.

Key Details

• Product Availability: Cabtreo gel (1.2% w/w clindamycin phosphate, 0.15% w/w adapalene, and 3.1% w/w benzoyl peroxide) is now covered by public drug plans in Quebec and Saskatchewan.
• Previous Coverage: Coverage was previously announced for Ontario, Nova Scotia, and federal programs including Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for indigenous populations, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), and Veterans Affairs Canada.
• Product Profile: Cabtreo is the first and only triple-combination topical treatment for acne approved by Health Canada with three mechanisms of action. It is administered once daily.
• Clinical Efficacy: In two phase 3 multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 363 patients, Cabtreo achieved approximately 50% treatment success and a >70% reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions at week 12.
• Safety Profile: Most frequent adverse reactions are mild to moderate application site reactions (scaling, dryness, erythema, burning/stinging). Contraindications include hypersensitivity to ingredients, history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, and pregnancy.
• Manufacturing: All four of Bausch Health Canada’s recent dermatology approvals (Cabtreo, Arazlo, Bryhali, and Duobrii) are manufactured at the company’s Laval, Quebec facility for Canada and the United States.
• Market Context: Acne affects approximately 5.6 million Canadians (nearly 20% of the population), including 90% of adolescents.

Notable Quotes

• "The addition of Cabtreo to the Quebec and Saskatchewan public drug plans means more Canadians now have access to this innovative acne treatment -- joining those already covered under most private insurance plans," said Amy Cairns, general manager, Bausch Health Canada. "Acne can have a significant impact on those living with it, and there is strong demand for new treatment options, increasing the importance of public drug plan coverage."