Attention News/Health Editors

Expansion of ineffective Common Drug Review disputed by patients

TORONTO, April 16, 2007 -- In response to a recent Common Drug Review (CDR) announcement, the Best Medicines Coalition expressed dismay that the program is being expanded despite broad criticism regarding its effectiveness and ability to meet its original mandate. Furthermore, the Best Medicines Coalition questioned the timing of the April 12 announcement, given that the federal Standing Committee on Health is today beginning a study of the CDR, specifically seeking views on recent criticisms of the program.

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) announced approval from federal, provincial and territorial governments for the CDR to begin reviewing new indications for previously approved drugs, in addition to its original focus of new drugs. The CDR was established in 2002 to conduct reviews of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of drugs and make recommendations about reimbursement issues to participating publicly-funded drug plans.

“We are disappointed that the Common Drug Review has been given more power when in fact it has proven to be a largely ineffectual body. It has not been successful in meeting some of its main targets, including creating a level playing field for treatment in this country, conducting timely reviews and cutting bureaucratic duplication,” said Louise Binder, chair of the Best Medicines Coalition, a national group of organizations whose members represent 10 million Canadians living with or affected by chronic diseases.

The CADTH announcement came as patient groups and other stakeholders prepare to offer their insights to the Standing Committee on Health which commenced its review of the CDR today. Hearings on this topic are scheduled to continue for several weeks, with the expressed purpose of gathering views on the CDR’s effectiveness, including long-standing criticisms such as duplication, limited input and lack of timely access to drugs.

“The Standing Committee’s consideration of the Common Drug Review is important and necessary and it is clearly inappropriate that it be given additional authorization before there has been a full discussion regarding its ability to effectively meet the terms of its core mandate,” Binder added.

The Best Medicines Coalition (www.bestmedicines.ca) is scheduled to appear before the Standing Committee on Health on May 9, presenting its evaluation of the CDR, with specific treatment examples, from the perspective of Canadian patients. Formed in 2002, the Best Medicines Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals, representing those living with or affected by chronic disease or illness, who are concerned about drug review reform, treatment access, patient safety and general health policy development.