Eli Lilly Canada Inc. (Lilly) has announced that Verzenio (abemaciclib) is now publicly reimbursed in Quebec for eligible patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (mBC). This follows the successful completion of pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) negotiations in April 2026.
Reimbursement Details
As of May 28, 2026, the Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) has added two mBC indications for Verzenio to its list of medications, in addition to an existing early breast cancer (EBC) indication. Prescribers can now submit requests for Verzenio in combination with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI) as initial endocrine therapy, or with fulvestrant for patients with HR+, HER2- locally advanced, unresectable metastatic breast cancer, including newly diagnosed cases or those progressing during or after endocrine therapy.
This milestone significantly improves access to Verzenio in Quebec, bringing Canadians affected by advanced breast cancer closer to timely access to innovative treatments.
Impact on Patients
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Canada, with metastatic breast cancer profoundly affecting patients, families, and caregivers. Dr. Jamil Asselah, Medical Oncologist at McGill University Health Centre and Associate Professor at McGill University, noted: "Reimbursement for these metastatic breast cancer indications marks meaningful progress in improving access to Verzenio for eligible patients in Quebec and reflects the importance of continued innovation in breast cancer care."
Approximately 75% of breast cancers are HR+, and 66% to 75% are HER2-negative. While early-stage breast cancer is treated with curative intent, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, with a five-year survival rate of about 23%.
In Canada, an estimated 5,400 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2026, representing roughly 13% of all cancer deaths among women. On average, 15 women in Canada die from breast cancer every day.
Patient Advocacy Perspective
MJ DeCoteau, Founder and Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer, emphasized the importance of treatment options: "More treatment options mean more choice for people living with metastatic breast cancer, and that matters. No two patient experiences are the same, including how people respond to treatment and the side effects they are willing or able to tolerate. Access to therapies like Verzenio helps support more personalized treatment decisions, giving patients and their healthcare teams greater flexibility to choose the option that best fits their lives, priorities, and goals. Today's announcement is welcome news for eligible patients in Quebec living with metastatic breast cancer."
About Verzenio
Verzenio is a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitor currently approved in Canada for certain patients with HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Lilly remains committed to working collaboratively with healthcare systems, clinicians, patient advocacy organizations, and governments to help improve quality of life and access to care for Canadians affected by metastatic breast cancer.
