Innovative Medicines Canada’s Response to Quebec’s 2025-26 Budget
Industry Association Applauds Commitment to the Stratégie Québécoise des sciences de la vie (2025-2028) and to Pharmaceuticals in Hospital Settings […]
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.
Get Involved
Join the conversation.
Become a catalyst for change by spreading the word about Access to Medicine in Canada – follow IMC on social media, share our infographics, and inspire others to join the conversation for a healthier future.
Download the infographics above and post on your social channels.
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
IMC Calls for Pharmacare Reform to Ensure Access to Innovative Medicines and Protect Personalized Care
Ottawa, March 21, 2025 – With the imminent announcement of a federal election, Canadians have an opportunity to reflect on the […]
Innovative Medicines Canada Welcomes Patrick Hupé as Vice President of Government and Stakeholder Relations
Ottawa, February 3, 2025 – Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is pleased to welcome Patrick Hupé, M.Sc., MBA, as Vice President […]
Access to Medicine
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.
Two years is too long – Understanding Canada’s Drug Access Pathway
Canadians wait two years for access to new medicines through our public drug plans. That’s a full year longer than patients in most other peer countries. Two years can feel like a lifetime for a patient waiting for access to life-saving medicines or treatments.
Value of Medicines in Canada
This study examines and quantifies the value of innovative treatments in Canada to patient lives, the healthcare system and to society. Case studies include: HPV vaccines, Melanoma treatments, treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hepatitis C.
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 […]
