Access to drugs for rare diseases (DRD) in Canada: a comprehensive review of the provincial DRD-specific programs.

ABSTRACT: Access to drugs for rare diseases (DRDs) in Canada depends largely on the province of living and the specific disease. The federal government and each of the ten provincial governments have their own drug review processes to determine DRD coverage, resulting in a fragmented system. This fragmentation leads to disparities in coverage, delays in treatment access, and exacerbates the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases (RDs) seeking lifesaving treatments. Canada lags behind many developed countries in adopting a national strategy for DRDs. In 2019, the Canadian government announced a plan to develop such a strategy to improve access, affordability, and consistency. A plan was launched in March 2023, though details were sparse. Although a pilot strategy involving two DRDs began in

SUBMITTER: Awada N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12038190 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature