March 1, 2024 marks a significant milestone for alpha-1 patients in Canada with the availability of Glassia, an alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI), through Canadian Blood Services. This new access will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many individuals who previously had limited treatment options. For those interested in determining if a patient meets the prescribing criteria and the steps to prescribe treatment, it is essential to consult the attached information. It contains the necessary details and steps required for healthcare providers (HCPs). Respirologists will need to complete the Request for Patient Designated PPRP form for Canadian Blood Services (https://www.blood.ca/sites/default/files/F800135_Rev_1.pdf), and the Glassia Enrolment and Consent Form (last page of FAQ attachment). Furthermore, HCPs in Alberta will be required to complete a Bayshore Enrolment form, which will provide home delivery for Alberta alpha-1 patients, starting March 18, 2024. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the prescribing process will enable healthcare providers to effectively identify and assist eligible patients in accessing this important therapy. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact Takeda’s Patient Support Program (OnePath) at 1-844-691-7284 or Alpha-1 Canada at 1-888-669-4583 ext. 101.

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada are jointly calling upon all eligible individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their health this fall and winter. This includes receiving their annual influenza (commonly known as the flu) vaccine and ensuring they are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, we encourage individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about the benefits of both the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine that are available in Canada. As well, we recommend everyone embrace simple daily practices to mitigate the transmission of respiratory viral illnesses during this upcoming season. Read more here.

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF) have produced a joint statement on the tight links between climate and health, to be sent to governments attending COP28 on 30 Nov–12 Dec. It has also been signed and endorsed by more than 60 other medical, public health and scientific societies, patient representative organizations and experts.

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) has developed a position statement on Climate Change and the Choice of Inhalers for Patients with Respiratory Disease. As the national inter-professional society on respiratory diseases, and in recognition of our role in addressing the lung health impacts of climate change, the CTS believes that it is important for our organization to provide a summary of its position in this fast-evolving area. Read more.

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) is pleased to announce the online publication of the CTS Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This Guideline has now been published in the Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and co-published in the CHEST Journal. Read more.

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada urge all eligible individuals to receive their annual influenza (i.e., the flu) vaccine and to get up to date with their SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., COVID-19) vaccine, in addition to taking simple daily actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viral illnesses this winter season. Read more.

Key Recommendations

In conjunction with World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2022, CTS is pleased to announce the online publication of the 8th edition of the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards. This revised edition was produced in collaboration with the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada) and is available in an online supplement of the CTS journal. Highlights from the revised Standards are available here along with a list of all of the Contributors to the production of this new edition.

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) have released a joint statement in response to the November 12th statement from Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, acknowledging COVID-19 transmission through aerosols.

This Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) document aims to provide guidance and relevant information for respiratory health care professionals on COVID-19 vaccination in Canada.

Key Recommendations