Fact Check: B.C. pulls funding for $1 million drug for 9-year-old with rare disease
What We Know
The British Columbia (B.C.) government has decided to discontinue funding for a drug called Brineura, which is used to treat nine-year-old Charleigh Pollock, who suffers from a rare and terminal condition known as Batten disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2). This drug, which costs approximately $1 million annually, has been pivotal in stabilizing Charleigh’s condition since her diagnosis in 2019, helping to manage severe seizures and mobility loss associated with the disease (Yahoo, Global News).
On June 18, 2025, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne announced that Charleigh no longer meets the criteria for continued funding of the drug, based on a review conducted by the province’s Expensive Drug For Rare Disease Committee (CBC).
Analysis
The decision to withdraw funding for Brineura has been met with significant emotional distress from Charleigh's family, who argue that the drug has been essential for her quality of life. Charleigh's mother, Jori Fales, expressed that losing access to the medication would have catastrophic consequences for her daughter, potentially leading to severe health deterioration (Global News).
Health Minister Osborne stated that clinical evidence indicated the drug was no longer benefiting Charleigh, which is a critical aspect of the funding criteria. The province has historically adhered to the recommendations of its independent drug committee, and this decision marks a continuation of that policy (Yahoo, CBC).
While the emotional weight of this decision is significant, the B.C. government maintains that cost was not a factor in their decision to stop funding the drug (CBC).
Conclusion
The claim that "B.C. pulls funding for $1 million drug for 9-year-old with rare disease" is True. The B.C. government has officially announced the discontinuation of funding for the drug Brineura, which has been used to treat Charleigh Pollock, based on the determination that it no longer meets the criteria for funding. This decision is supported by statements from health officials and the context surrounding the case.
