CBC News Canada carried the story of a 23-year-old patient, Morgan Buyaki of Saskatchewan, Canada, who was diagnosed eighteen months ago with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Morgan’s mother April McIvor is making a desperate plea to save her daughter’s life.
EGPA is an extremely rare disease. No more than five cases in one million are reported each year. EGPA is fatal if it is left untreated.
Yet a medication called NUCALA (mepolizumab) has shown positive effects for many patients. Studies are still being conducted on its optimal use and efficacy.
Morgan would require monthly injections of 300 mg at a cost of $5,600 to $9,000 per month.
April’s Appeals
April appealed to the government and GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer, but to date has not received a personal reply.
CBC News contacted the Saskatchewan Health Ministry which replied with a written statement. The Ministry responded that in keeping with the laws of privacy, it is unable to comment.
The Ministry included in its statement that the individual or prescriber may present further questions to the Drug Plan directly. It appears that NUCALA qualifies as an eligible benefit in accordance with Saskatchewan’s Exception Drug Status.
CBC reports that NUCALA is one of the drugs for which the government provides coverage. However, the dose required to treat EGPA is 300 mg/month while the government only covers 100 mg/month.
GoFundMe as a Last Resort
Morgan’s Mother was emotional in her plea to CBC for help. She understands that this is a difficult time financially for so many people. She admitted that she is desperate because Morgan is currently using a walker and requires oxygen. Her condition is deteriorating. Morgan has ever-increasing problems with her kidneys, liver, and heart. April said that it is heartbreaking to see her in such pain.
Morgan’s GoFundMe
So far, the GoFundMe for Morgan has raised over $5,600 with a goal of $200,000. April expressed her gratitude to the contributors and said that it has given her hope that Morgan may one day enjoy a normal, pain-free future.
