Theratechnologies Announces Regretful Decision by the Quebec Ministry of Health

MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwired – June 9, 2016) – Theratechnologies inc. (TSX:TH) regretfully announces that the Government of Quebec, the province where EGRIFTA^® was discovered, has refused to add it to the list of reimbursed medications.
The decision by the Quebec Minister of Health, Gaétan Barrette, is based on a recommendation by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux, INESSS, which concluded that the decrease of visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients does not constitute a therapeutic advantage. Nevertheless, INESSS recognizes the efficacy EGRIFTA^® and the quality of its clinical studies.
“The decision of the Government of Quebec is sad and disappointing both from a scientific and economic perspective. It has been scientifically demonstrated that the reduction of visceral adipose tissue is directly associated with several comorbities including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients is a real and well documented concern among renowned experts in the field,” said Luc Tanguay, President and Chief Executive Officer, Theratechnologies Inc.
“In addition, the government is sending a message that supporting research is not a priority. It is quite paradoxical that, after supporting the development of EGRIFTA^® through tax credits, the government will not accept to reimburse it,” added Mr. Tanguay.
“We urge the minister to reconsider this decision for the sake of patients and the image of Quebec, and we are ready to fully collaborate with him on this. To that effect, we will submit to INESSS, within the prescribed timelines, a request for a revision of their decision,” concluded Mr. Tanguay.
Theratechnologies submitted to INESSS a comprehensive dossier which included data that lead to public and private reimbursement by a large number of governmental agencies and insurers in Canada and in the United States.
About Theratechnologies
Theratechnologies (TSX:TH) is a specialty pharmaceutical company addressing unmet medical needs to promote healthy ageing and an improved quality of life among HIV patients. Further information about Theratechnologies is available on the Company’s website at www.theratech.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Forward-Looking Information
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