Ontario allowing fast-track access to new cancer drugs

Ontario is speeding up the process to let cancer patients get access to breakthrough cancer drugs.

Under a newly launched program, the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program, Ontario has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to fast-track the access to specific drug treatments. 

“This bold initiative will connect patients to life-saving cancer treatments almost a full year sooner, reducing delays and improving access to cutting-edge cancer care for years to come,” said a news release from the Ontario Ministry of Health. 

“For thousands of Ontarians facing a cancer diagnosis, fast access to treatment is critical, which is why our government is transforming cancer care and speeding up access to new and life-changing treatment options,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“The launch of this historic program is another way we are continuing to lead not only the country, but the world, by putting Ontario patients first, opening the door for faster public access to innovative medicines,” Jones added.

On average, Canadian patients wait nearly two years to access new publicly funded medicines – a full year longer than patients in other developed countries, said the release. 

This three-year pilot program will expedite access to seven to ten high-priority cancer drugs every year that are approved by Health Canada through the Project Orbis pathway, an international initiative that fast-tracks regulatory approval for promising cancer therapies.

The usual process is that the introduction of new drugs can take several months to negotiate funding and pricing agreements.

The FAST program puts patients first by initiating public drug program funding while negotiations proceed, said the news release. This innovative approach ensures Ontario patients can receive timely access to the life-changing treatments they need. By removing unnecessary delays, Ontario is leading the way in rethinking how cancer care can be delivered, here in Ontario and across the world, said the release.

The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program is one of the most generous drug benefit programs in Canada, providing coverage for approximately 5,900 drug products and therapeutic treatments on the ODB Formulary for approximately 9 million Ontarians.

Drugs that are not listed in the ODB Formulary may be considered for coverage on a case-by-case basis through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP), which includes over 1,300 drugs, upon meeting specified criteria.

The FAST pilot project will be evaluated to identify opportunities to improve patient experience, assess its scope and ensure long-term sustainability.

Last year, Ontario invested $9.5 billion to support the Ontario Drug Benefit program, including approximately $2.75 billion for cancer drugs and supportive therapies in the community, said the news release.