Study suggests federal drug pricing regulations could harm patients with rare diseases

A report from the Fraser Institute contends the federal government's plan to regulate drug costs could be harmful to individuals with rare or ultra-rare disorders. It is pointed out that 23 orphan drugs available in either the U.S. or the EU aren't reimbursed in Canada. As well, there's no specific policy for medications for rare disorders, which the institute claims stifles the introduction of these drugs into Canada. The study adds that while other jurisdictions offer tax incentives to pharmaceutical companies to ensure patients with rare diseases have access to the latest treatment, Ottawa's plan to have the PMPRB set maximum drug prices will have the opposite effect in Canada.