An error of diagnosis? The pros and cons of harmonizing Canadian and American procedures for approving new medications (in French only)

Author

Jacques Saint-Amant

Organization

Option consommateurs

Published

2006

Summary

The procedure for approving prescription drugs provides an interesting case from the standpoint of developing a “smart” regulatory mechanism in Canada. In 2004, by the way, this topic was the focus of special attention by the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation (EACSR) set up by the Government of Canada. While the drug approval process is already a special case owing to the extent and complexity of the issues involved, the analysis will be even more significant since numerous studies have already documented deficiencies in both the Canadian and American systems. Besides, there exist sufficient similarities and differences between these two modes to make comparison worthwhile. Finally, integrating the two markets would make it possible to consider realistically the type of scenario that would be preferable here. The aim is to save lives: everyone agrees on that. The controversy is over the means. Do we need to act more quickly or more prudently? Do we have to control everything, or can we rely on others? Basically, is the current regulatory framework for the approval of prescription drugs adequate to the task for which it was created? Many believe that it is not, but for widely divergent reasons: their diagnoses, and consequently, the treatment they recommend, vary considerably.

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French only

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database