Canadian Drug Approvals Lag Behind U.S. and Europe Timelines
The Fraser Institute has released a report revealing significant delays in drug approvals in Canada compared to the United States and Europe. Canadians are experiencing longer wait times for new medications, with various factors contributing to this situation.
Key Findings on Canadian Drug Approvals
According to the report, 194 medications received approval in both Canada and the United States between 2020 and 2025. However, there is a notable disparity in approval timelines.
- Average Approval Time: Drugs in the U.S. were approved, on average, 90 weeks earlier than in Canada.
- European Approvals: During the same period, 174 drugs were approved in Europe, with average approval times occurring 65 weeks sooner than in Canada.
Reasons for Delays in Canadian Drug Approvals
The report highlights several factors contributing to these delays:
- Manufacturers often submit new drugs to Health Canada later than to other regulatory bodies.
- The smaller market size in Canada discourages companies from launching new drugs.
- Weaker intellectual property protections can impact manufacturers’ decisions.
- Canada’s federal pricing policies are seen as strict and uninviting.
This lag in drug approvals suggests a complex interplay of market dynamics that may ultimately affect patient access to new medications in Canada.
