Takeda’s FRUZAQLA™ (fruquintinib) publicly reimbursed in Quebec for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
Takeda Canada Inc. announced that FRUZAQLA™ (fruquintinib capsules) is now reimbursed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible adults with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Coverage applies to patients who have previously received, or are not considered candidates for, standard available therapies and who meet specified clinical criteria.
FRUZAQLA received market authorization from Health Canada in 2024, followed by positive reimbursement recommendations from national and provincial health technology assessment bodies. This listing expands potential access to a new treatment option for people living with mCRC in Quebec.
“We are pleased to see Quebec reimbursing this new treatment to benefit people in the province living with this terminal cancer,” said Filomena Servidio-Italiano, President & CEO, Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network. “The majority of deaths occur among those diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the metastatic setting. Having a treatment that supports people at the metastatic phase of the disease is crucial, for it can help these individuals achieve potential improved outcomes, including survival and quality of life.”
What RAMQ coverage means
FRUZAQLA will be listed on the RAMQ public formulary under defined conditions to ensure appropriate use for patients most likely to benefit. The listing provides a publicly funded option in the later-line treatment setting, where choices have historically been limited.
RAMQ eligibility criteria
FRUZAQLA is reimbursed as a monotherapy for adults with mCRC who have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, and for whom the following therapies have failed, unless contraindicated or not tolerated:
- Irinotecan- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy
- Oxaliplatin- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy
- A regimen including bevacizumab
- For RAS wild-type tumors: a regimen including panitumumab or cetuximab
- A regimen including trifluridine/tipiracil
“The reimbursement of FRUZAQLA in Quebec is a first step to increasing access to this treatment for people across Canada living with metastatic colorectal cancer,” said Kiran Dharani, Oncology Country Head, Takeda Canada. “At Takeda, we are committed to developing innovative oncology therapies and working with provinces to improve access so those affected can benefit from the newest treatments available.”
Understanding metastatic colorectal cancer
Metastatic colorectal cancer occurs when cancer originating in the colon or rectum spreads to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. Each year in Canada, tens of thousands are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and many die from the disease. A substantial portion of patients will experience metastasis, either at initial diagnosis or following earlier treatment, and metastatic spread is the primary cause of CRC-related mortality.
About FRUZAQLA™ (fruquintinib)
FRUZAQLA is a selective, oral inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) 1, 2, and 3. By targeting VEGFR signaling, FRUZAQLA helps block tumor angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow—thereby slowing cancer growth.
Clinical evidence
The approval and reimbursement of FRUZAQLA in mCRC are supported by two large Phase 3 trials, FRESCO and FRESCO-2. In both studies, FRUZAQLA plus best supportive care demonstrated statistically significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared with placebo plus best supportive care in patients with refractory mCRC. The safety profile observed was consistent with VEGFR inhibition and manageable with established clinical practice.
About Takeda Canada Inc.
Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. The company focuses research and development on Oncology, Rare Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology, with targeted investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. Takeda’s teams work to discover and deliver transformative treatments and collaborate with partners across approximately 80 countries and regions.
