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 life sciences regulatory law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.