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All for fair drug prices and access to medicines

Access to medicines for cystic fibrosis

FEBRUARY 12, 2020

A life-changing drug that can help 90% of people living with cystic fibrosis is stuck in a complicated web of Canadian bureaucracy. Trikafta has been approved for sale in the United States, but has not been submitted to Health Canada for market approval.

The Patented Medicines Price Review Board (PMPRB) is a Canadian federal, independent, semi-judicial agency that ensures that the prices of patented medicines sold in Canada are not excessive. The federal government has adopted regulations that could lead to price reductions on some drugs between 70%-90%. No business owner wants to bring a product to market only to have its price slashed by the government. This is what drug manufacturers are facing, and this is what is holding Trikafta hostage.

The PMPRB regulatory changes and associated guidelines will make it even more difficult to get lifesaving and life-sustaining medicines to the people who need them now.

CF Canada is requesting that the PMPRB halt the implementation of the pricing changes until their impact on drugs like Trikafta can be properly assessed and changes made to ensure that drugs such as this one are quickly made available to Canadians.  

What you can do:  Send this letter to PMPRB.Consultations.CEPMB@pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca. The guidelines consultation deadline is February 14, so act today! Here are some key messages to help you.