How much does vabysmo cost in Canada? A Comprehensive Guide to Prices and Coverage

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Canada's Drug Agency, the annual cost for Vabysmo treatment for a single patient can range from $9,450 to $13,500 in the first year, depending on the number of injections required. This article explores the factors influencing how much does vabysmo cost in canada, detailing insurance coverage, financial assistance, and provincial availability.

Quick Summary

Detailed review of Vabysmo costs in Canada, including the price per injection and annual expenses. Covers public and private insurance coverage, eligibility criteria, and financial support programs to help manage treatment expenses.

Key Points

High Annual Cost: The cost of Vabysmo in Canada without insurance is very high, ranging from $9,450 to $13,500 in the first year, and is dependent on the number of injections.
Insurance is Crucial: Due to the high cost, securing coverage through either provincial public drug plans or private insurance is essential for most patients.
Expanding Public Coverage: Many provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, have recently added Vabysmo to their publicly funded drug lists for approved indications.
Coverage Varies by Province: The specific criteria and scope of public drug plan coverage for Vabysmo differ depending on the province and the patient's medical condition.
Financial Assistance Available: Manufacturer support programs and independent charitable foundations can help patients navigate financial barriers and manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Lower Subsequent Year Costs: Annual treatment costs generally decrease after the first year as injection frequency is often reduced.

The Cost of Vabysmo: Breaking Down the Price

The total cost of Vabysmo (faricimab) in Canada varies based on factors like the patient's condition, injection frequency, and insurance coverage. The manufacturer's submitted price for a single-use vial is $1,350.00 CAD.

Per-Vial and Annual Costs

Annual costs for Vabysmo can differ significantly. For the first year of treatment, which may involve 7 to 10 injections, estimates range from approximately $9,450 to $13,500 CAD. Another reported range for the first year is $8,100 to $18,900 CAD, depending on 6 to 14 injections.

In subsequent years, with potentially fewer injections (4 to 7 per year), the estimated annual cost drops to between $5,400 and $9,450 CAD. Other data suggests subsequent annual costs could range from $4,050 to $17,550 CAD based on 3 to 13 injections.

These costs cover the medication only and exclude additional medical fees from ophthalmologists or facilities.

Insurance and Coverage in Canada

In Canada, drug coverage is primarily managed at the provincial level. While public plans are increasingly covering Vabysmo, eligibility varies by province. For instance, Vabysmo is publicly funded in Ontario and Quebec for conditions including wet AMD, DME, and RVO. Alberta also lists Vabysmo on its drug benefit list for DME and AMD. Public coverage typically requires an ophthalmologist's diagnosis and meeting clinical criteria. Most Canadians with private insurance also have Vabysmo coverage, though out-of-pocket costs depend on the specific plan.

Comparison of Vabysmo to Other Anti-VEGF Treatments

Vabysmo is often compared to other anti-VEGF treatments for retinal conditions. The annual costs below are based on Canadian data, and coverage decisions consider cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes.


Feature	Vabysmo (Faricimab)	Eylea (Aflibercept)	Avastin (Bevacizumab)
Mechanism	Dual inhibition of Ang-2 and VEGF-A	Inhibition of VEGF-A	Inhibition of VEGF-A (off-label use)
Year 1 Annual Cost (CAD)	~$9,450 to $13,500	~$9,926 to $14,180 (BC)	~$138 to $173 (BC)
Subsequent Years Annual Cost (CAD)	~$5,400 to $9,450	~$5,672 to $9,926 (BC)	~$121 to $156 (BC)
Injection Frequency	Less frequent injections possible (up to 16 weeks)	Every 8-16 weeks	Every 6-8 weeks (off-label)
Public Funding	Expanding across provinces	Widely available	Reimbursement in some jurisdictions

Note: Avastin is used off-label for these eye conditions, and its cost is significantly lower due to its status as a cancer drug packaged for wider use, with multiple doses often derived from a single vial. Cost ranges depend on the number of injections, which varies by patient.

Financial Assistance Options

Several financial assistance options are available for patients struggling with Vabysmo costs, particularly those without sufficient insurance. Roche Canada, the manufacturer, offers support programs to help patients and healthcare providers navigate reimbursement. Independent charitable organizations in Canada may also provide co-pay assistance for patients with relevant conditions like macular disease. Patients should consult with their ophthalmologist's office or contact Roche Canada directly to explore available options. While based in the US, the Genentech Patient Foundation is part of the broader Roche group and provides an example of the type of manufacturer support that can exist.

Conclusion: Navigating the Costs of Vabysmo

Accessing Vabysmo in Canada requires navigating significant costs, making insurance coverage essential. Public drug plan coverage is expanding across provinces, but eligibility varies. Patients should consult their ophthalmologist and insurer to understand costs and explore financial assistance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coverage for Vabysmo through Canadian public health insurance depends on your province. Many provinces, including Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, have added Vabysmo to their public drug lists for specific conditions like wet AMD, DME, and RVO. You must meet specific clinical criteria to be eligible.

The manufacturer's submitted price for a single-use vial of faricimab (Vabysmo) in Canada is $1,350.00 CAD. This cost is before any insurance coverage or dispensing fees are applied.

You can seek financial assistance through the manufacturer, Roche Canada, which offers access solutions for patients. Additionally, independent charitable foundations sometimes offer co-pay assistance for patients with relevant medical conditions. Consult with your doctor's office or ophthalmologist, as they may have information on specific Canadian programs.

Based on Canadian data, the annual costs for Vabysmo and Eylea are comparable, although the exact amount depends on the required number of injections. For example, some provincial data shows Eylea's annual costs are similar to Vabysmo's, with both being significantly more expensive than the off-label alternative, Avastin.

The out-of-pocket cost for Vabysmo with private insurance will depend on your specific plan's coverage, including deductibles, co-payments, and any annual maximums. With most private plans offering coverage, your ophthalmologist's office or pharmacy can work with your insurer to determine your final cost.

Vabysmo is authorized and increasingly covered in Canada for the treatment of neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

The cost is typically higher in the first year because the treatment regimen often requires more frequent injections initially. In subsequent years, the dosing interval for many patients can be extended, which reduces the total number of annual injections and, therefore, the yearly cost.