Fact Check: "Medical experts determined Brineura no longer benefits Charleigh Pollock."
What We Know
Charleigh Pollock, a 9-year-old girl from British Columbia, suffers from CLN2, a rare and terminal neurological disorder known as Batten disease. She has been receiving Brineura (cerliponase alpha), the only drug approved for her condition, since 2019. Recently, the provincial health ministry announced that funding for her treatment would be discontinued, citing clinical evidence that indicates Brineura is no longer beneficial once a patient's motor and language functions begin to decline significantly (Capital Daily).
Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that a review by Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) found no evidence to support ongoing funding for Brineura given Charleigh's advanced condition. The CDA's findings align with the clinical criteria used to assess the efficacy of the drug, which suggests that it does not provide life-saving benefits and primarily slows the progression of the disease (Langley Advance Times).
Analysis
The claim that "medical experts determined Brineura no longer benefits Charleigh Pollock" is supported by the statements made by health officials and the findings from the CDA review. The health ministry emphasized that the decision to discontinue funding was based on rigorous, evidence-based assessments conducted by independent medical experts (CBC News).
Charleigh's mother, Jori Fales, has expressed her belief that the clinical criteria for discontinuation are outdated and that her daughter has benefited from the treatment, reducing her seizures significantly (Langley Advance Times). However, the health ministry's position is that the evidence does not support the continuation of treatment at this stage of Charleigh's disease progression.
The sources cited are credible, with the Capital Daily and CBC News being reputable news outlets that report on health and local issues. The health ministry's statements are backed by clinical evidence and expert reviews, which adds to the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. Medical experts, through the CDA review and the provincial health ministry's assessment, have determined that Brineura no longer benefits Charleigh Pollock due to the advanced stage of her condition. The decision to discontinue funding aligns with established clinical criteria and evidence-based practices in the treatment of Batten disease.
