ARTICLE
30 August 2024

Manitoba Last Province To Introduce Biosimilars Initiative, While Ontario Adds Four Drugs To Its Biosimilar Policy

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Smart & Biggar

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Smart & Biggar uncovers and maximizes intellectual property and technology assets for our clients. Today’s fast-paced innovation economy demands a higher level of expertise and attention to detail when it comes to IP strategy and protection. With over 125 lawyers, patent agents and trademark agents collaborating across five Canadian offices, Smart & Biggar is trusted by the world’s leading innovators to find value in their IP rights. As market leaders in IP, Smart & Biggar’s team is on the pulse when it comes to the latest developments and the wider industry changes that impact our clients. To stay informed, visit smartbiggar.ca/insights, including access to our RxIP Update (smartbiggar.ca/insights/rx-ip-updates), a monthly digest of the latest decisions and law surrounding the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.
Manitoba has implemented a Biosimilars Initiative effective August 1, 2024. Manitoba is the last province in Canada to implement a biosimilar policy that requires patients receiving funding under the Manitoba Pharmacare...
Canada Ontario Manitoba Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences

Manitoba has implemented a Biosimilars Initiative effective August 1, 2024. Manitoba is the last province in Canada to implement a biosimilar policy that requires patients receiving funding under the Manitoba Pharmacare program for certain reference biologic drugs to transition to a biosimilar version, subject to case-by-case exceptions. The transition period ends January 31, 2025.

The Ontario government issued a Biosimilar Policy Update Bulletin on August 22, 2024, which added four drugs to its Biosimilar Policy: LUCENTIS (ranibizumab), STELARA (ustekinumab), LOVENOX (enoxaparin) and NEUPOGEN (filgrastim). This is in addition to the eight drugs that were previously transitioned. Treatment-naïve patients will be required to start on the biosimilar version, while treatment-experienced patients will be required to transition, subject to exceptions, to the biosimilar version by January 31, 2025.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Life Sciences Regulatory & Compliance Group.

The preceding is intended as a timely update on Canadian intellectual property and technology law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.

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