Purpose and Benefits

Benefits of Scientific Advice for Pharmaceutical Companies

For pharmaceutical companies, the benefit of receiving Scientific Advice is reduced uncertainty in the drug development process. Through the Scientific Advice Program, pharmaceutical companies can receive guidance on what we consider to be complete and relevant evidence for a future formulary review of their product by the Common Drug Review (CDR) or the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR). Formulary reviews are used by the Canadian Drug Expert Committee and pCODR Expert Review Committee to make recommendations on the reimbursement of drugs to Canadian publicly funded drug plans (except Quebec). Although recommendations are made by us, final decisions on reimbursement rest with individual jurisdictions.

Pharmaceutical companies also have the opportunity to consider our Scientific Advice in the context of global information and advice. Understanding consistencies and inconsistencies in requirements across health technology assessment agencies internationally may enhance global drug development strategies.

Benefits of Scientific Advice for us, Canadian Decision-Makers, and Patients

For us, the Scientific Advice Program provides an opportunity to influence the evidence generated, potentially leading to more complete and relevant evidence on which to base our recommendations. Stronger recommendations benefit Canadian decision-makers who use the recommendations to create policies related to drug reimbursement, and Canadian patients who are impacted by the policies put in place.

The Scientific Advice Program also provides an opportunity for us to gain early knowledge of new methodologies and approaches on the horizon. This knowledge can be used to better prepare our review teams for the challenges of future drug assessments.