On December 5, Neighbourhood Pharmacies responded to the PMPRB’s open consultation on the latest draft of the patented medicines regulatory Guidelines. Our own Impact Analysis (Oct 2022) estimates the pharmacy sector stands to lose up to $113 annually as a result of the most recent iteration of the Guidelines. We are deeply concerned with the significant burden and uncertainty that will be placed on the sector navigate these operational and financial impacts, and more importantly, the severe impact on patient access to medications and care. We have called for the PMPRB to both pause and re-evaluate the Guideline development and consultation process to ensure all downstream impacts on stakeholders are considered and provides sufficient time for meaningful dialogue and implementation. We have further recommended PMPRB formally assess the impact of the guidelines on stakeholders in the care pathway including manufacturers, pharmacy distributors, pharmacies and Canadians themselves. Read our submission below for more information.
