KIRKLAND, QC — November 20, 2025 — Leads & Copy — Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has successfully concluded negotiations with the pan‑Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for WINREVAIR® (sotatercept).
The pCPA negotiates on behalf of the provinces, territories, and federal drug programs, representing a crucial step in making WINREVAIR® available for public reimbursement.
WINREVAIR® is indicated for use in combination with standard pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy for treating adults with World Health Organization [WHO] Group 1 PAH and Functional Class (FC) II or III.
Jamie Myrah, Executive Director at Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada, emphasized the importance of broad and equitable access to innovative therapies like WINREVAIR®, stating that pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-limiting disease affecting patients’ ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain independence.
Dr. Jason Weatherald, a pulmonologist at the University of Alberta, noted that having additional therapeutic options that target different pathways is crucial for clinicians to tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs, aiming to improve their symptoms, function, quality of life, and overall outcomes. He added that the completion of this negotiation is a significant step toward improving access to therapies with demonstrated benefits for patients living with PAH.
The next phase involves provincial and territorial governments, and federal drug programs implementing equitable reimbursement to ensure appropriate access to WINREVAIR® based on the established patient eligibility criteria from Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies.
PAH is described as a serious, progressive condition where small arteries carrying blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed due to excess cell growth and scarring. This narrowing reduces blood flow to the lungs, lowering oxygen levels in the blood. PAH can be idiopathic, inherited, or linked to other conditions. Common symptoms include increasing shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the feet and legs, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. Untreated PAH can strain the heart, leading to reduced mobility, heart failure, and reduced life expectancy.
Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, is committed to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. With over 130 years of history, the company aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, delivering innovative health solutions for the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. The company also promotes a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operates responsibly to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, general industry conditions and competition, economic factors, the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation, technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors, challenges inherent in new product development, manufacturing difficulties or delays, financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk, and the exposure to litigation and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement.
Merck Canada Media Relations can be contacted at 1-833-906-3725 or mediacanada@merck.com.
Source: Merck
