Canada's prolonged drug approval process has become a significant concern for cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Ranking last among the G7 nations in terms of access to new medications, Canada faces criticism for its slow drug approval process, which takes a toll on those in need of timely treatment. Health Canada's approval timeline ranges from 6 to 12 months, followed by an additional 6 months to 4 years for provinces to finalize negotiations on pricing and coverage. The average cost for patients seeking new cancer medications reaches $33,000, posing challenges for those unable to afford such expenses.
Glenn Hussey, a cancer patient, highlights the struggle faced by many Canadians. After being forced to stop a promising cancer drug due to lack of provincial coverage, Hussey experienced frustration and disappointment. His doctors had attempted the standard treatments without success, leaving him to visit the hospital every few months for over a decade.
"It gets very frustrating for patients when they see everything that's there and they cannot yet get access to it," – Glenn Hussey
Dr. Sandy Sehdev, an oncologist, sheds light on the complexities of the situation. According to Dr. Sehdev, the availability of new cancer treatments in Canada can vary greatly depending on the drug and the rarity of the cancer it targets.
"We're all faced with a moral dilemma," – Dr. Sandy Sehdev
"It causes us great anguish when we have a drug we know will help them that we can't get for them." – Dr. Sandy Sehdev
Canada's historical slowness in approving new cancer treatments exacerbates the problem. A treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, recognized as a "global standard of care" in other countries, remains inaccessible to Canadian patients. This delay has led to dire consequences, with some patients dying while waiting for new drugs to clear the lengthy approval process.
For many like Hussey, accessing effective treatment remains a battle. Despite considering himself "one of the lucky ones," he acknowledges the difficulties others face in finding workable treatments.
In addition to the emotional and physical toll on patients, the financial burden is significant. The exorbitant costs associated with new medications further complicate access, creating disparities in treatment availability across different regions of Canada.
Dr. Sehdev emphasizes the importance of equitable access to medications across the country.
"We will always tell them they should never be frightened they're not getting the best care," – Dr. Sandy Sehdev
The need for systemic reform in Canada's drug approval process is evident. Stakeholders call for a more efficient approach that ensures timely access to life-saving treatments for all Canadians, regardless of their geographic location.
"We want a situation where all Canadians, no matter where they live, get access to the same drugs." – Dr. Sandy Sehdev
