Winter 2021 (Volume 31, Number 4)
Update from the Therapeutics Committee
By Rosie Scuccimarri, MD, FRCPC
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The pandemic has continued to dominate the agenda
of the CRA Therapeutics Committee, and we have
been busy developing guidance for members on urgent
and emerging issues related to COVID-19. Some of the
highlights over the past year include:
- CRA Position Statement on the Safety of
Hydroxychloroquine in the Treatment of Rheumatic
Diseases, published January 27th, 2021.
- CRA Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination —
updated April 16th to include the AstraZeneca and
Johnson & Johnson vaccines, as well as advocate for
prioritization and expedited second dose for patients
with rheumatic disease; updated May 20th to include
the use of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12–15-year olds;
and updated September 27th to include
addition of Moderna vaccine to recommendations
for individuals between 12 and 18 years old, and
to advocate for a third dose in immunosuppressed
patients.
- Contribution to the updated Decision Tool for
COVID-19 Vaccination and participation on the CRA
COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines panel.
- Letter sent on April 21st to the National Advisory
Committee on Immunization (NACI) advocating for
prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccine and expedited
second dose for patients with rheumatic disease.
- Communication sent to CRA members October 18th
regarding Actemra IV shortage due to global supply
chain challenges as well as COVID-19 use, and
recommendation to switch patients to subcutaneous
where possible.
Monitoring for drug shortages and advocating for CRA
members and their patients are always our top priority.
To that end, we plan to develop a provincial framework
in 2022 to aid with communication and dissemination of
drug access issues. And, as always, we’ll continue to respond
to emerging issues on behalf of our members through
position statements.
This work is only possible through the dedication of
our volunteer committee members. Over the last two years,
there have been many demands on them. They have been
highly committed and have always impressed with their
quick response and expert guidance. In addition, we have
recently welcomed Dr. Alison Kydd as Vice Chair and we
appreciate the initiative and leadership she demonstrates
in this new role. A heartfelt thanks to the committee
members and to Sue Ranta for the tremendous support
that she provides to this committee.
Rosie Scuccimarri, MD, FRCPC
Chair, CRA Therapeutics Committee
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics,
McGill University
Pediatric Rheumatologist,
Montreal Children's Hospital
Montreal, Quebec
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