On June 24, the PMPRB released its long awaited consultation paper “PMPRB Guidelines Modernization – Discussion Paper, June 2016”.  The paper, the initial phase of a three-part Guideline modernization process, asserts that PMPRB’s current framework is outdated and seeks feedback on a wide range of issues that will inform changes to the PMPRB’s Excessive Price Guidelines.  Although the paper suggests that the PMPRB “has no preconceptions about the specific changes that may result from this process” it is evident from the report’s background analysis that the PMPRB has already concluded that Canadian drug prices are too high and that the current Guidelines are inadequate. The deadline for responses to the PMPRB discussion paper is October 24, 2016.

PDCI Market Access Inc., Canada’s leading pricing and reimbursement consultancy, will be holding information sessions for industry in August / September 2016 in Toronto and possibly Montreal and/or Ottawa.  The sessions will provide background, timelines, insight into the potential Guideline changes contemplated and outline the potential impact and implications of the potential changes to prices of patented medicines in Canada.

Specific dates, venues and registration information will be posted shortly through Target Pharma and on the PDCI website (www.pdci.ca).

Manufacturers and industry associations that would prefer a customized, in-house session should contact Neil Palmer (Neil.Palmer@pdci.ca) or Kaitlyn Proulx (Kaitlyn.Proulx@pdci.ca) for more information.