Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
National

Fear Mounting That Changes To Drug Pricing In Canada Could Stifle Innovation

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Aug, 2019 08:38 PM

    OTTAWA - Canadian patients and groups that advocate on their behalf are sounding the alarm about the federal government's recent changes to the way it regulates the cost of patented medicines.

     

    Toronto lawyer and longtime Liberal supporter Chris MacLeod, who lives with cystic fibrosis, says it pains him to speak out against the government but he fears lives could be on the line as a result of the changes.

     

    Health Canada recently finalized long-awaited amendments, which include providing the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board with the market price of medicines rather than an inflated list price.

     

    The department says the board can then consider whether the drug price actually reflects the value it has for patients.

     

    MacLeod, however, fears the regulations will ultimately drive the list prices down to the point where drug companies will not seek to bring new, game-changing medicines to Canada.

     

    The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders shares MacLeod's concern, adding that while everyone wants to have access to medications at affordable prices, it risks making new therapies less available.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    B.C. Adds $1.46 Million To Offset Costs For Athletes At 2020 Indigenous Games

    B.C. Adds $1.46 Million To Offset Costs For Athletes At 2020 Indigenous Games
    VICTORIA — Premier John Horgan shot some hoops in the basketball court at the Songhees Wellness Centre shortly after talking about the power of sports to improve lives and build nations.    

    B.C. Adds $1.46 Million To Offset Costs For Athletes At 2020 Indigenous Games

    Toronto Defends How Sick Baby Was Helped At Raptors Parade, Infant Later Died

    Toronto Defends How Sick Baby Was Helped At Raptors Parade, Infant Later Died
    TORONTO — The City of Toronto is defending how police and paramedics dealt with a sick baby in the massive crowd that turned out for the Raptors NBA championship victory parade earlier this month.

    Toronto Defends How Sick Baby Was Helped At Raptors Parade, Infant Later Died

    Canada Has 'Broad International Coalition' Of Support On China File: Freeland

    Freeland, who spoke to reporters alongside her cabinet colleague Finance Minister Bill Morneau, said China has been hearing about the detention of two Canadians from a range of countries, adding that efforts continue here at the summit.

    Canada Has 'Broad International Coalition' Of Support On China File: Freeland

    Supreme Court To Rule On Use Of Sexual History In Edmonton Assault Trial

    Supreme Court To Rule On Use Of Sexual History In Edmonton Assault Trial
    OTTAWA — A Supreme Court decision due this morning could clarify the law on how much of the history between a complainant and a person accused in a sexual-assault case can be brought into court.    

    Supreme Court To Rule On Use Of Sexual History In Edmonton Assault Trial

    Canada Puts Its Faith In Trump In High-stakes Meeting Between U.S., China

    Canada is pinning hopes for freedom for two Canadians detained in China since December on a meeting Donald Trump is to have with China's Xi Jinping tomorrow.

    Canada Puts Its Faith In Trump In High-stakes Meeting Between U.S., China

    Supreme Court Tells Judges To Take Care, Be Clear On Use Of 'Rape-shield' Law

    Supreme Court Tells Judges To Take Care, Be Clear On Use Of 'Rape-shield' Law
    OTTAWA — Canada's top court has issued a stern warning about allowing evidence of past sexual history in sex-assault trials, telling judges to be strict with jurors on how such details can be used.

    Supreme Court Tells Judges To Take Care, Be Clear On Use Of 'Rape-shield' Law