Pharmaceutical Industry Calls on G7 to Prioritize Innovation as Strategic Pillar for Health, Growth and Security
Geneva and Ottawa, June 12 – Ahead of the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit, the global pharmaceutical industry, represented by the […]
Access to Medicine
Timely access to new medicines saves lives, improves health outcomes, helps reduce healthcare costs, contributes to economic productivity, and makes Canada a more attractive destination for future investment and innovation.
The Problem
Two years is too long.
Canadian patients wait two years for access to approved new medicines through public drug plans. Patients in most peer countries get access to approved new medicines over one year sooner than Canadians.
The Impact
Canadians, our health systems & our economy pay the price.
Delays in patient access to medicines lead to:
- Fewer life sciences investments, clinical trials, and drug launches;
- Increased strain on health systems and health human resources; and
- A missed opportunity to increase quality of life and improve health outcomes for Canadians.
The Opportunity
Faster access for all.
There are two immediate actions provincial and territorial governments can take to get Canadians much faster access to new medicines.
- Eliminate the 5-month delay between CDA and pCPA.
- Commit to listing new medicines on public drug plans within 30 days of a completed pCPA negotiation.
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Why Access Matters
Cervical cancer affects approximately 1,400 women in Canada annually
Why Access Matters
Approximately 9,000 Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma annually
Why Access Matters
Approximately 460,000 Canadians live with RA
Why Access Matters
Hepatitis C affects approximately 11,000 Canadians each year
HPV
Melanoma
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Stay Informed
Latest news and resources.
Keep your finger on the pulse of Access to Medicine developments in Canada – explore our curated selection of the latest news and resources.
NEWS
Open Letter
Dear G7 Governments, On behalf of the innovative pharmaceutical industry we represent, we would like to convey ahead of the […]
IMC Responds to the Speech from the Throne
Ottawa, May 27, 2025 – Today, His Majesty King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne, outlining the federal […]
Access to Medicine
Canadian Drug Access Pathway
The process for Canadians to access new medicines is extremely complex and involves several different federal, provincial, and territorial agencies. It takes two years following approval (736 days) for Canadian patients to get access to a drug in the public plan, whereas those in the private plan get access to a drug in less than one year (226 days).
Increasing Access to Innovative Medicines
Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget
The Canadian Research and Development Pharmaceutical Sector, 2021
This study examines the contribution of the Canadian research and development (R&D) pharmaceutical sector on the Canadian economy in 2021. […]
Clinical Trials Research Note
In many areas of high unmet patient need, early access to new medicines through clinical trials are the only option for Canadian patients. There are over 3,000 ongoing clinical trials in Canada which provide significant value to patients. Early access to innovative treatments improves health outcomes, increases quality of life, and gives hope to patients and their loved ones. Clinical trials also provide value to our healthcare system, research ecosystem, and economy.
Cost Drivers Report 2023
Annual cost growth in Canada’s private drug benefit market is driven by increased utilization and chronic disease drugs, with an increase in claimants post‑pandemic.
Read the full report.
Newsroom
Breaking down and analyzing current events in the healthcare industry for our members, policy influencers and the Canadian public.
About
Our member companies, which range from early-stage startups to established organizations, are revolutionizing healthcare through the discovery and development of new […]
