New drug for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension now available in Alberta

Jun 12, 2026 | 4:56 PM

A new treatment for the rare disease known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is now available in Alberta.

The provincial government shared Friday that patients will now be covered through the Specialized High Cost Drug Program for the drug Sotatercept.

According to a release, pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare but devastating condition that causes high blood pressure in the lungs. Over time, it places stress on the right side of the heart and can lead to heart failure. It is progressive, disabling and life-threatening with no cure.

“As both a pulmonary hypertension physician in Alberta and a board director at the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada, I am incredibly happy and thankful that Sotatercept is now available to Albertans,” says Dr. Mitesh Thakrar, physician, Peter Lougheed Center, and board director, Pulmonary Hypertension Association Canada.

“We have seen the immense benefits of this medication. It is our hope that many patients will have significant and sustained improvements in their disease and quality of life, and ability to participate more fully in everyday activities. This is an exciting and hope-inspiring time for patients and families who have already overcome so much with this illness.”

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Sotatercept is also known as Winrevair, and is the first drug for PAH which targets the biological pathway. Clinical evidence, the government notes, shows it can improve exercise capability, as well as heart and lung function, while slowing progression.

Sotatercept was approved for use by Health Canada and negotiated through the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. Eligible Albertans will now have access to the drug in combination with other therapies that are currently in use to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension affects about seven to eight people per 100,000 Canadians, which is roughly 270 Albertans.

by Josh Hall

New drug for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension now available in Alberta

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