Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease affecting an estimated 30,000 Canadians, accounts for 5000 deaths a year.Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) are told life expectancy is between 3 – 5 years after diagnosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, patients become progressively more short of breath.

There is no cure.

Things can change. With early detection, pulmonary rehabilitation, and early medication, patients can live longer, more productive lives by slowing the progression of the disease. Ofev, a new drug approved by Health Canada, ifor use in patients with PF, Inessential Lung Disease (ILD). In British Columbia, Ofev has not yet been approved for patients with certain PF indicators.
Mirjana Komljenovic, community advocate and leader, Summerland resident, business leader, has PF. She was born with Albinism, from which a disorder called Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) developed, and as a result of HPS, Mirjana now has Pulmonary Fibrosis. Despite, or maybe in spite of her many obstacles, Mirjana has thrived.
In November 2020 Mirjana started the very expensive Ofev treatment to slow the progression of PF. Her peers, colleges, family, friends and even strangers contributed to “Mirjana’s Movement.” Her “Warriors” as she calls them started the movement to raise the $4000 a month needed to purchase Ofev. So far, they have raised over $35,000 toward Mirjana’s Movement. With medication, rehab, and other techniques, Mirjana is doing great. Others do not have the same opportunity as Mirjana yet their Pulmonary Fibrosis is progressing every day. The sooner they can receive access to Ofev, the better their outcome. 

We, the undersigned, call on Minister Dix and BC PharmaCare to reconsider their decision to provide access for Ofev to Mirjana Komljenovic immediately. In addition, on behalf of residents of British Columbia suffering from progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD), we respectful ask BC PharmaCare to urgently provide access to Ofev as per the CADTH recommendations.