Canadian Biosimilars Forum congratulates the Government of Ontario on strengthening the health system by expanding access to biosimilars.
The Canadian Biosimilars Forum is pleased to support a new policy from the Government of Ontario that will generate Millions in savings from the increased use of biosimilar medicines across the province.
Through this policy, Ontario drug plan patients currently taking reference biologic medications will be transitioned to a biosimilar version of their same medication. Since biosimilars deliver the same efficacy, safety and quality at a significantly lower price, the Government of Ontario will secure important system savings which can then be reinvested in accelerated access to innovative new medicines.
“Pfizer supports the Ministry of Health’s efforts to expand access to cost-effective biosimilar treatments for Ontario residents.” - Frederic Lavoie, Inflammation and Immunology Business Lead at Pfizer Canada and Chair of the Canadian Biosimilars Forum.
Ontario’s decision means that over 90% of Canadians will now live in provinces committed to expanded access to biosimilars
Ontario is the eighth province to announce an evidence-based biosimilars switching policy, following the same path first pioneered by British Columbia and Alberta in 2019 and then adopted by almost every other Canadian province. When Ontario’s policy comes into effect on March 31st, 2023, the province will become the latest jurisdiction to roll out a policy designed to improve system sustainability without compromising patient care.
“Organon Canada applauds the Government of Ontario for adopting a Biosimilar Transition Policy which will contribute to the sustainability of the province’s healthcare system,” said Michael Casia, President and Managing Director, Organon Canada. “Biosimilar transition policies have been successfully adopted in many jurisdictions in Canada and provides more treatment options and alternatives to more expensive biologics.”
Spending on biologics has tripled in Canada in the last 10 years, and now accounts for over one-third of total pharmaceutical spending. Bold policies – like the one announced by Ontario today – will help the province better manage pharmaceutical costs while providing more patients with more access to the medicines they need.
"The Canadian Biosimilars Forum congratulates the Government of Ontario on today's decision. We believe in the clinical value biosimilars can bring to patients and in the financial benefit that comes when savings are reinvested in provincial healthcare systems to ensure continuity of patient support and funding for new innovations,” said Karine Matteau, a board member of the Forum and Vice-President, Customer Engagement at Sandoz Canada.
Health Canada clearly states that patients can expect no differences in efficacy and safety following a routine switch to a biosimilar
Every biosimilar must demonstrate its similarity to another biologic medicine that is already available in the Canadian marketplace and no longer protected by a patent. As Health Canada says: “Our rigorous standards for authorization mean that you can have the same confidence in the quality, efficacy and safety of a biosimilar as in any other biologic drug.” Furthermore, Health Canada clearly states that “no differences are expected in efficacy and safety following a change in routine use between a biosimilar and its reference biologic drug in an authorized indication.”
About the Forum
The Forum is an alliance of four companies who have come together to maximize the positive impact of biosimilars on patients, on clinicians and on the sustainability of Ontario’s health system. The Forum today encompasses Organon Canada, Pfizer Canada, Sandoz Canada, and Teva Canada, who together represent the breadth of the Canadian biosimilars industry.
Additional Resources
From the Government of Ontario: