News

Advisory Panel to Develop a Framework for a Pan-Canadian Prescription Drug List

July 27, 2021

An Advisory Panel has been convened by CADTH to provide Health Canada with a recommended framework for developing a potential pan-Canadian prescription drug list, or formulary.

The Advisory Panel is composed of 2 co-chairs and 12 members. Members were recruited from across Canada and represent diversity across gender, culture, and race. The Advisory Panel brings together a range of expertise and experience, including health care providers (nursing, pharmacy, and medicine), persons with lived and living experience, and individuals with backgrounds in ethics and health policy. Member biographies and conflict of interest declarations are available on the CADTH website.

The mandate of the Advisory Panel is to:

  • recommend principles and a framework for developing a pan-Canadian prescription drug list
  • recommend an initial list of commonly prescribed drugs and a transparent way to add to that list 
  • consult with key stakeholders and health system partners, including federal, provincial, and territorial governments; patients and clinicians; industry; and others. 

The Advisory Panel’s recommendations will be completed by the end of April 2022. A final report will be submitted to Health Canada to be shared with provincial and territorial governments, and made available publicly. During the process, there will be opportunities for stakeholders to contribute input and feedback on the Advisory Panel’s work.

CADTH is providing oversight and facilitating the work of the Advisory Panel.

CADTH was chosen to establish and support the Advisory Panel because of its experience in convening pan-Canadian expert panels. CADTH was also chosen because of its expertise in the management of pharmaceuticals, and because of its strong relationships with federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions and other health care stakeholders, including patient groups, clinicians, and industry.

To receive notifications about input and feedback opportunities, subscribe to CADTH E-Alerts
For more information about the Advisory Panel, its members, and project timelines, visit www.cadth.ca/AdvisoryPanel.