The delay in access to 14 new medicines is having an enormous economic impact, a new study reports
Delayed access to 14 new cancer medicines in Canada’s public drug plans wastes up to $823 million in potential health gains annually, according to a new study.
The study, authored by Dr. Nigel Rawson and published in Canadian Health Policy, found that more than 25,000 patients were potentially negatively impacted by delayed access to the drugs.
The drugs are designed to treat solid metastasized tumors.
Based on improved survival rates demonstrated for the drugs in clinical trials, Rawson found that the lower estimate of the delay’s cost was more than $183 million. The upper estimate was more than $823 million.
“Most of the survival gains in the treatment of cancer are attributable to improved drug treatments,” Roawson said. “However, new drugs are only of value to patients if they can access them in a timely manner. The economic cost of the lost potential health gains from the delay is enormous. This analysis has demonstrated the need for more timely reimbursement of effective oncology treatments in Canada.”
Related Links:
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The study, authored by Dr. Nigel Rawson and published in Canadian Health Policy, found that more than 25,000 patients were potentially negatively impacted by delayed access to the drugs.
The drugs are designed to treat solid metastasized tumors.
Based on improved survival rates demonstrated for the drugs in clinical trials, Rawson found that the lower estimate of the delay’s cost was more than $183 million. The upper estimate was more than $823 million.
“Most of the survival gains in the treatment of cancer are attributable to improved drug treatments,” Roawson said. “However, new drugs are only of value to patients if they can access them in a timely manner. The economic cost of the lost potential health gains from the delay is enormous. This analysis has demonstrated the need for more timely reimbursement of effective oncology treatments in Canada.”
Related Links:
Medical errors among leading cause of death
Study: Women have an advantage in surviving most cancers
