Canada’s Intellectual Property Firm

Stakeholder consultation on naming of biologic drugs, including biosimilars

Authored byUrszula Wojtyra

On January 18, 2018, Health Canada and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) opened its consultation on different approaches to the naming of biologic drugs, including biosimilars (see our Update on Biosimilars). The objective of the consultation is to gain insight into stakeholder views on the practical impacts of different approaches to the naming of biologic drugs and biosimilars throughout the medication-use process, including prescribing, dispensing, and adverse drug reaction reporting. Stakeholder views on the aforementioned topics will inform Health Canada's ultimate policy decision on the naming convention for biologic drugs.