The fight against cancer is relentless, and for Canadians living with blood cancers such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), innovation is critical.
As the treatment landscape evolves, one biotechnology company is dedicated to ensuring that life-saving therapies reach those who need them most. BeiGene, a global oncology firm, entered the Canadian market in 2021 and is disrupting cancer care with its pioneering therapies. In the wake of World Cancer Day, it’s important to recognize BeiGene’s role as a leader in this field. Health Canada has already approved five indications for BeiGene’s BTK inhibitor, including treatments for B-cell malignancies like Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (WM), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and CLL. The real commitment of BeiGene, however, is to make these novel therapies available to all Canadians, regardless of geography, cost, or circumstance.
This mission is no easy feat, but BeiGene Canada’s Country Medical Director, Brad Gillesby, Ph.D., is not easily deterred. “Our focus is on changing the way blood cancer care is delivered in Canada. Innovation is only meaningful if it reaches the patients who need it.”
“Treating blood cancers like CLL has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advancements in targeted therapies like BRUKINSA,” says Dr. Jacqueline Costello, adult hematologist and clinical assistant professor at Memorial University. “These innovations have extended survival rates and improved the quality of life for many of my patients. The next step is ensuring equitable access to these treatments for patients across Canada.”
Dr. Costello’s perspective highlights the dual importance of innovation and patient support in cancer care. While new therapies offer hope, the broader journey of managing cancer can be daunting. This is where BeiGene’s patient-centric approach becomes essential.
Beyond cutting-edge therapies, BeiGene is committed to holistic patient support through its myBeiGene program. This initiative helps patients manage the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. BeiGene understands that comprehensive cancer care extends beyond medication—it’s about supporting the patient’s overall well-being.
BeiGene also emphasizes community involvement as a critical component of its mission, standing with patients, families, and caregivers throughout their journeys. The company partners with patient organizations like Gilda’s Toronto, whose purpose is to help patients, caregivers and families, live, while living with cancer, and participates in fundraising events like Lymphoma Canada’s Laps Around Lymphoma and Leukemia & Lymphoma Canada’s Light the Night.
As BeiGene’s robust pipeline becomes available in Canada, the company continues to drive change. Though challenges remain, collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, patient advocates, and governments brings hope for a future of accessible cancer care.
For Canadians facing a blood cancer diagnosis, BeiGene is committed to transforming cancer care. Their global mission, Cancer Has No Borders, and Neither Do We, embodies a bold approach to making novel treatments accessible to all, breaking down barriers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
For more information, visit beigene.ca/en-ca/.
