New Report: Prices of Canadian Generic Medicines Below International Average

PMRPB: Canadian price declines steepest of all OECD countries

TORONTO, May 29, 2019 /CNW/ - New data released today by the federal government's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) shows that in 2018 Canadian prices for generic prescription medicines dropped to five percent below average or mean prices in comparator countries.

The PMPRB's data also shows that, since 2007, the average price of generic prescription medicines in Canada has fallen by nearly 60 percent, with prices of some of the top-selling generics dropping by an average of 80 percent. While prices of generic medicines have fallen in markets around the world, Canada has experienced the steepest decline of all OECD countries.

"Generic medicines are providing tremendous value and savings for Canadians, largely due to the work we have done with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA)," said Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA). "Now that Canadian payers have benefitted from massive price declines for generic prescription medicines in Canada, much more must be done to increase Canadians' access to and use of these products." 

It is estimated that for every one percent increase in the use of generic medicines, Canadians save an additional $586-million. In the United States, for example, generics are dispensed to fill 90 percent of all prescriptions. If the use of generic medicines in Canada was equal to U.S. levels, Canadians would have saved an additional $11-billion in 2018.

"It is a waste of Canadian's health-care dollars when payers continue to pay for brand-name versions of drugs when generic equivalents are available at up to a 90 percent discount," Keon said. "As today's PMPRB data clearly demonstrates, Canada's generic pharmaceutical sector has made more than its fair share of sacrifice towards making prescription drugs more affordable in Canada. Rules for Canadian drug benefit plans must change to ensure that generic equivalents are being dispensed and reimbursed whenever they are available." 

Changes are also needed at Health Canada to ensure that cost-saving generic prescription medicines available in other jurisdictions are also available to Canadians. In addition, Canada's new Commissioner of Competition recently identified the pharmaceutical sector as a priority area of focus due to concerns over brand-name company tactics that are delaying and impeding Canadians' access to generic and biosimilar medicines.

About the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association
The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) represents Canada's generic pharmaceutical industry. The industry plays an important role in controlling health-care costs in Canada. Generic drugs are dispensed to fill 73 percent of all prescriptions but account for account for less than 20 percent of the $29-billion Canadians spend annually on prescription medicines.

SOURCE Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association

Papa don't smoke: changes to immune genes link paternal tobacco use with childhood asthma

Children exposed to paternal tobacco smoking before birth are more likely to develop asthma – and associated changes to immune genes predict the level of risk.

These are the findings of a new study of Taiwanese families, whose lifestyle and genetic make-up were analyzed to determine how fathers’ tobacco smoking during pregnancy relates to asthma risk in their children.

Published in Frontiers in Genetics on 31st May to coincide with the WHO’s World No Tobacco Day, the study reinforces the risks of either parent smoking – and according to the authors, could provide DNA targets for the early prediction and reversal of tobacco smoking-associated childhood asthma.

A perfect storm

“We found that prenatal exposure to paternal tobacco smoking is associated with increased methylation of certain immune genes, which alters how the genetic code is read,” says lead author Dr. Chih Chiang Wu of Po-Zen Hospital, Taiwan. “This smoking-associated DNA methylation is significantly retained from birth to 6 years of age, and correlates with development of childhood asthma.”

Exposure to tobacco smoke during development is already known to harm children in a variety of ways, and non-coding ‘epigenetic’ changes to DNA (such as methylation) have been repeatedly implicated.

However, this study is the first to show that just like maternal smoking or air pollution, paternal smoking during pregnancy can program epigenetic modifications in important immune system genes – and that these modifications are associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma.

“Twenty-three percent of the fathers [367 in a cohort of 1629 couples with newborns] were smokers, compared to just 3 of the mothers [0.2%]. This unique disparity provided the perfect opportunity to study the effects of paternal tobacco smoking (PTS) exposure,” says co-author Dr. Ho Chang Kuo of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

The study

The researchers followed 1629 children from birth to 18 months (1348) to 6 years of age (756), with medical assessment and DNA analysis at each time point.  

Infants with prenatal PTS exposure had a significantly higher risk of asthma by age of 6 than those without.

“Children with prenatal PTS exposure corresponding to more than 20 cigarettes per day had a significantly higher risk of developing asthma than those with less than 20 cigarettes per day and those without prenatal PTS exposure: 35%, 25% and 22.7%, respectively,” reports senior author Dr. Kuender Yang of Mackay Children’s Hospital, Taipei.

More striking, however, were the results of the DNA analysis.

The higher the PTS exposure dose, the higher the level of methylation of LMO2, IL10 and GSTM1 – genes known to have key roles in immune function, which could provide a mechanistic link to asthma risk.

“The combination of higher methylation levels of all three genes corresponded to the highest risk of asthma: 43.48%, compared to 16.67%-23.08% with any other combination,” adds Dr. Yang.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the authors postulate that prenatal PTS exposure might program epigenetic modifications of immune genes, that are retained into childhood and so contribute to the development of childhood asthma.

They emphasize though that their study can only show associations between these factors.

“It remains to be determined whether the DNA methylation associated with PTS originated from tobacco smoke exposure in utero, from preconception changes to the father’s sperm, or if there is an alternative explanation,” explains Dr. Wu. “Preconception paternal smoking has been shown previously to alter sperm DNA methylation, with associated increased asthma risk in offspring.”

Nevertheless, secondary outcomes from the study suggest an important mechanistic insight.

“While prenatal PTS exposure was associated with childhood asthma development at 6 years of age, it did not correlate with allergen sensitization or total levels of IgE – an allergy-associated antibody implicated in asthma. Against expectations, this implies that prenatal PTS-associated asthma is mediated by an IgE-independent mechanism,” concludes Dr. Yang.

It is hoped that further work to clarify the pattern of epigenetic changes to immune genes such as LMO2 and IL10 and detoxification gene such as GSTM1 in PTS-associated asthma development can provide strategies for prediction and even reversal.

Quantifying the value of genomics driven health care for children with rare diseases

VANCOUVER, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Two million Canadian children are classified as having a rare disease. As these children and their families navigate these complex, life-threatening, or chronically debilitating conditions, their stories are often similar — they spend years experiencing a diagnostic odyssey that includes many hospital and clinic visits, tests and several misdiagnoses before a firm diagnosis is established.

Over 80% of rare diseases are thought to have a genetic origin. And while next generation sequencing technologies, such as whole exome and whole genome sequencing, may enable more accurate disease diagnosis and treatment guidance for childhood rare diseases, these technologies are not routinely available in clinical care. There are outstanding questions as to whether these technologies are valued by patients, or an efficient use of healthcare resources, as well as understanding at what point they become cost-effective. Answering these questions helps inform the adoption of these tools as a standard of clinical care and potentially validates the impact that genomics has on the quality of life for patients. 

Dr. Dean Regier, a scientist at BC Cancer, focuses his research on improving methods to understand how genes play a role in our personal lives and how patients and the general public value the trade-offs between the benefits and risks when making decisions to undergo genomic testing. He gathers evidence from patients for input into economic models, which evaluate whether these technologies provide value for money.

Over the next two years, a $500,000 project, funded through Genome BC's Genesolve program and Illumina Inc., will draw upon health care data from BC as well as the 100,000 Genomes Project in the UK to generate evidence for the appropriate and sustainable adoption of whole exome and whole genome sequencing to diagnose and guide treatment for children with rare diseases. This work will be undertaken by Dr. Regier in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Oxford, the University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre. 

Quotes: 
"Genomics is already saving lives and improving health outcomes in many areas, including rare disease. However, the validation of these technologies as a cost-effective way to direct clinical management and improve patient outcomes is critical to optimizing the uptake of genomics into the healthcare system."

— Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, Chief Scientific Officer and VP, Sectors, Genome British Columbia

"Genome wide sequencing improves the health and well-being of patients and families with rare diseases. What is needed in BC and around the world is robust, high quality evidence of the cost effectiveness of these tools as well as the value patients and families place on improved diagnoses. This evidence can aid decision makers in assessing value for money in context to the many competing demands on our scarce healthcare resources."

— Dr. Dean Regier, Scientist, BC Cancer and Assistant Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

"In the past few years, we have seen strong evidence emerge in the peer-reviewed scientific literature demonstrating the clinical utility of genome sequencing in the care of patients with rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases. However, we recognize the importance of also evaluating the economic utility and cost effectiveness of new genomics applications. Illumina is committed to supporting development of economic evidence that healthcare systems need to make informed decisions for their communities. We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Genome BC and the Genesolve program to support these critical health economic studies."

— Dr. Brock Schroeder, Director, Health Economic and Outcomes Research, Illumina

About Genome BC's GeneSolve program  
GeneSolve seeks to foster applied and translational research by connecting the producers of genomics driven technologies with its end-users or consumers in BC's Health, Agrifood and Natural Resources sectors.

About Genome British Columbia:  
Genome British Columbia invests in genomics innovation to address critical challenges in key economic sectors such as health, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, agrifood, energy, mining and environment. In addition to scientific programming, Genome BC works to integrate genomics in to society by supporting responsible research and innovation and is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. genomebc.ca

About Illumina Inc. 
At Illumina, our goal is to apply innovative technologies to the analysis of genetic variation and function, making studies possible that were not even imaginable just a few years ago. It is mission critical for us to deliver innovative, flexible, and scalable solutions to meet the needs of our customers. As a global company that places high value on collaborative interactions, rapid delivery of solutions, and providing the highest level of quality, we strive to meet this challenge. Illumina innovative sequencing and array technologies are fueling groundbreaking advancements in life science research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular diagnostics.

About BC Cancer 
BC Cancer, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or follow us on Twitter @BCCancer. 

SOURCE Genome British Columbia

Workout Injury? 4 Ways to Alleviate the Discomfort and Pain

Working out can make you feel like you’re on the top of the world. It can have the opposite effect at times, too, however. If you accidentally pull something or overexert yourself during an exercise session, you may end up feeling just terrible. The terrific news is that there are certain things you can to do get relief from pain and discomfort resulting from workouts gone wrong.

Head to Your Trusty General Practitioner

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why you need to head to your general practitioner for a checkup as soon as you notice something amiss with how you feel post-workout. Your doctor can assess your body and health in general and figure out if you have any injuries that call for treatment. Don’t delay visiting the doctor. Make your appointment as soon as you realize that you have lingering and unusual pain and discomfort.

Try a Chiropractor

People who appreciate natural recovery options are often genuine chiropractic devotees. If you want to get rid of or at least minimize workout pain, then a chiropractic adjustment may work nicely for you. Set up an appointment with a chiropractorwho has a fantastic track record in your area. Chiropractors can help patients with lower backaches, neck pain, leg pain, and much more.

Ask about Physical Therapy Sessions

Physical therapy sessions can be effective for people who feel sore and pained after their workout sessions. If you want to deal with a workout injury in a logical and rational manner, then it may help to schedule a session with a reputable physical therapist. Physical therapists can show you stretches and exercises that can get your motion abilities back. If you want to stay goodbye to nonstop stiffness and discomfort, a physical therapy session may be best.

Take Some Time Off

Breaks are a good thing in this fast-paced world. People need occasional breaks from their jobs. They need occasional breaks from errands, too. It’s no shocker that breaks from workout sessions can also be terrific for wellness purposes. If you feel pain that’s the result of exercise, then that’s most likely your body’s way of telling you that you need to take some time off. Excessive amounts of exercise can in some cases bring on burnout.

Exercise pain and discomfort can be a buzzkill. They affect all people once in a while, though. If you feel awful after a workout, then you need to see a doctor immediately.

ProMIS Neurosciences Identifies Novel Antibodies for Alzheimer's Disease with Selectivity for the Neurotoxic Form of Tau

Pipeline offers critical "one-two punch" in potential treatment 
arsenal for Alzheimer's disease

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, has identified several promising novel antibody candidates that selectively bind the toxic form of Tau. 

The misfolded, toxic form of Tau, an otherwise normal protein in the brain, is implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease along with the toxic oligomer of amyloid beta. Dual targeting of toxic forms of Tau and amyloid beta is currently one of the most promising areas of therapy development in Alzheimer's disease. ProMIS Neurosciences now has two potential therapy candidates that address both neurotoxic proteins.

ProMIS leveraged its proprietary drug discovery and development platform to identify several novel antibodies that selectively bind toxic oligomers of Tau. The platform produces antibodies that meet a key success factor for a viable Alzheimer's disease therapy: the ability to selectively target the neurotoxic form of a protein, while sparing the normal forms of the protein, a challenge that has contributed to recent late-stage clinical trial failures. The platform not only generates high-quality antibody candidates, it delivers powerful, validated candidates in months versus years. Used in combination with new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, researchers could dramatically improve the success and speed of future therapy development efforts. 

"The ProMIS platform addresses a problem that has plagued the Alzheimer's drug development community: the inability to selectively target the neurotoxic form of Tau and amyloid beta," said Dr. Neil Cashman, a renowned researcher in protein misfolding diseases and Chief Science Officer of ProMIS Neurosciences. "A recently published scientific study from the team led by Nobel Laureate Stanley B. Prusiner M.D., shows that Alzheimer's disease is a double prion disorder^{1, 2}, resulting from self-propagating amyloid and Tau prions. We're proud that our pipeline may offer the critical one-two punch to neutralize both of these toxic oligomers and offer potential disease-modifying therapy that this patient community so desperately needs and deserves."

ProMIS' novel Tau antibodies join a pipeline of antibody candidates that demonstrate selectivity for the toxic species of naturally occurring proteins in the brain. The pipeline includes:

• Alzheimer's disease: 
  • PMN310, an antibody clinical candidate that selectively targets the toxic form of amyloid beta 
  • Novel Tau antibodies that are potential candidates selectively targeting the toxic form of Tau.
    
• Parkinson's disease 
  • Antibody candidates showing best-in-class selectivity for toxic forms of alpha synuclein compared to other therapeutic antibodies in development.
    
• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
  
  • Antibody candidates targeting the toxic form of TDP43.

To learn more about Tau, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease therapy development efforts and the promise of new biomarkers, listen to the podcast, Saving Minds, at iTunes or Spotify.

About ProMIS Neurosciences
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines -ProMIS and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.

Visit us at www.promisneurosciences.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

References

¹ Science Translational Medicine 01 May 2019: Vol. 11, Issue 490
² https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/05/414326/alzheimers-disease-double-prion-disorder-study-shows

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.

Elizz and Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes caregivers of Canadian veterans with online tool

MARKHAM, ON, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - May marks Military Appreciation Month highlighting caregivers of veterans in the US.  Elizz and Veterans Affairs Canada are ALSO recognizing veterans and caregivers of veterans with our online tool Caregiver Zone.

Caregiver Zone, powered by Elizz, is an innovative e-learning tool that provides instruction, education, videos and tools on a wide range of caregiving topics. It was co-designed with caregivers of Canadian veterans, military community members and Veterans Affairs Canada staff. Caregivers in Canada support 400,000 veterans.

"Families play a crucial role in caring for Veterans, often over many years. Together with Veterans Affairs Canada, we designed this program to recognize the family caregiver and provide them the specialized knowledge they need, and the support they deserve," says Allyson Kinsley, SVP, Strategy & Brand Experience of SE Health. 

Family members who take care of veterans can use this resource to help them take care of their loved ones and themselves. Caregivers also have the opportunity to connect with other caregivers about their shared experience and access the support of a caregiver coach. Caregiver Zone was developed with the unique Canadian military culture in mind and in respect to the distinct experience of caregivers of Canadian veterans. 

For more information or to join Caregiver Zone, visit www.caregiverzone.ca

SOURCE SE Health

#HearNowON seeks Ontario secondary student input on school mental health

Online survey, forums part of "ground-breaking" initiative by School Mental Health Ontario to hear student voice

HAMILTON, ON, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - School Mental Health Ontario - Santé mentale en milieu scolaire Ontario will engage secondary students across Ontario to hear student voices, improve youth engagement in school-based mental health programming, and inform a provincial student mental health leadership strategy.  Through an online survey, and in-person forums, English and French students will have a voice in the development of mental health awareness and wellness promotion efforts in Ontario's publicly-funded schools.   

Notes Dr. Kathy Short, Executive Director of School Mental Health Ontario, "Schools are an excellent place to promote student mental health, to build knowledge about social-emotional skills, and to identify and support students early who may struggle with a mental health problem.  Young people have already let  us know that they have something to say about how this happens in schools.  That's why #HearNowON is ground-breaking — we will learn first-hand what secondary school students want to know about mental health, how they prefer to learn this information, and how they want to be engaged in mental health leadership. All of that can do so much to help us, and all Ontario school districts, to better promote the mental health of students."

The work of #HearNowON will be conducted with Wisdom2Action and the initiative protocols have been approved by the Dalhousie University Research Ethics Board so that findings can be summarized and shared widely.

The project is supported by the Ontario Student Trustees' Association (OSTA-AECO). Says Taylor Dallin, Operations Coordinator, OSTA-AECO, "Students want to learn more about mental health and mental illness.  They want to know how to cope with stress, and how to recognize when things are starting to get off track, for themselves or their friends.  They want to know how to help, and they want to get involved.  #HearNowON is so important—we get to make a difference in this work. We really encourage every Ontario secondary student to make their voice heard".

Highlights Short, "While there are many products, speakers, and resources designed to support mental health awareness in schools, not all of these are evidence-based, co-created with youth, and aligned with the systematic work underway within Ontario school districts. School Mental Health Ontario is committed to the use of resources that are not only evidence-based and implementation-sensitive, but also student-centred.  #HearNowON will help us  to raise up the voices of students to inform the development and/or selection of mental health awareness, promotion initiatives and resources in coming years."

Says Short, "Our partners involved in this initiative, and more broadly across Ontario, are critical to the success of #HearNowON.  School board mental health leadership teams, child and youth mental health organizations, and other education and health sector stakeholders understand the importance of supporting good mental health at school. They know the need for authentic youth voice to inform and complement existing evidence-based mental health promotion efforts."

#HearNowON includes an online survey and in-person forums. To find out more, visit : https://www.wisdom2action.org/hearnowon/

#HearNowON Online Survey
The online survey launches on June 3^rd and will remain open until July 12^th. The survey will be focused on student mental health knowledge needs and preferences. The survey can be accessed at https://www.wisdom2action.org/hearnowon/

#HearNowON Regional Forums
Regional forums will provide an opportunity for students to think together about ideas for promoting student mental health in Ontario schools, and how students can be engaged as leaders in school-based mental health initiatives. Forums are taking place in London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Toronto. Mental health support will be available at all forums.

• Thunder Bay – Saturday, June 1^st
• London – Saturday, June 1^st: 
• Toronto – Saturday, June 8^th
• Ottawa – Saturday, June 15^th

Those interested can follow the conversation on Twitter #HearNowON @SMHO_SMSO

School Mental Health Ontario works with Ontario school districts to support student mental health.  

Wisdom2Action is a national social enterprise dedicated to youth engagement, knowledge mobilization and research

OSTA-AECO is the largest student stakeholder in Ontario education, representing approximately 2 million students in the public and Catholic schools in Ontario. The association also provides world-class professional development to student trustees across Ontario.

Note to media :
Due to the sensitivity of the topic, the regional forums are not open to media.

S

Allergan To Voluntarily Recall Textured Breast Implants in Canada

TORONTO, May 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Allergan Canada has made the decision to voluntarily recall textured breast implants from the Canadian market as a result of Health Canada's suspension of the BIOCELL® textured implant licence.  Health Canada's decision is in contrast to public rulings and positions by other regulatory bodies and societies around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent position.  Allergan continues to stand firmly behind the benefit / risk profile of its breast implant products, and the Company plans to explore options to appeal this decision with Health Canada. 

As part of this voluntary recall, any unused BIOCELL saline-filled and silicone-filled textured breast implants (medical device licences 3112, 72262, 72263, 87277 and 87279) will be removed from the Canadian market and no longer be sold.  NATRELLE smooth implants and tissue expanders are not impacted by this licence suspension and voluntary recall.

Patient safety is Allergan's highest priority.  This decision will raise many questions for Canadians who have textured breast implants.  Patients are advised to have a thorough discussion with their plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits of their implant type should they have any concerns with their implants.  Allergan is committed to working with Health Canada to implement a communications plan to inform surgeons, hospitals, government organizations, medical and healthcare professional associations and patient groups to ensure patient needs are met.   

Should any Canadian patients or healthcare professionals have questions about BIOCELL® textured breast implants, you can contact our Medical Information team: MR-MedicalInformation@Allergan.com or 1-800-668-6424.

Health Canada's decision is not consistent with regulatory agencies and professional societies including the FDA, the Italian Ministry of Health, Spanish Ministry of Health, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency, Argentina's National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices, and the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), which have been systematically reviewing the status of textured breast implants in the context of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).  These agencies and societies have determined that textured implants remain available to ensure that choice is not limited for surgeons and their patients. Specifically, they have stated that there is a need for more evidence gathering and information to make a fully informed determination regarding textured breast implants.

There continues to be no recommendation from any health authority, including Health Canadaⁱ and the FDA, for asymptomatic patients to have their textured breast implants removed or replaced prophylactically.  As there is risk associated with all surgeries, patients are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare professional.  

BIA-ALCL has been reported in patients with an implant history that includes Allergan's and other manufacturers' textured breast implants with various surface properties, styles, and shapes.  As per Health Canada, the exact cause of BIA-ALCL is unknown.ⁱ

Whether mammaplasty, breast reconstruction or breast augmentation procedures; breast implants play a vital role in a patient's physical and psychological health.  Surgeons need a variety of implant types to address the variable nature of breast anatomy and pathology to meet the needs of individual patients.  With every medical procedure, there are benefits and risks.  Allergan supports informed consent for patients. 

"The safety profile of Allergan's breast implants is supported by extensive pre-clinical device testing and more than a decade of worldwide clinical use, as well as, a large number of peer-reviewed and published studies," said Dr. Carmen Enciu, Director, Chief Medical Office, Allergan Canada.  "Allergan is committed to on-going evaluation, understanding and research surrounding breast implant effectiveness and safety."

About Allergan plc
Allergan plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical leader. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical and regenerative medicine products for patients around the world.

Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories.

Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, a model of research and development, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. With this approach, Allergan has built one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry.

Allergan's success is powered by our global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what is right.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives every day.

For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statement 
Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective on existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; the impact of uncertainty around timing of generic entry related to key products, including RESTASIS^®, on our financial results; uncertainty associated with financial projections, projected cost reductions, projected synergies, restructurings, increased costs, and adverse tax consequences; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and Allergan's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.