Quebec opioid lawsuit: Implications for the pharma industry
What the province's class action suit means for Canadian life sciences companies (1,650 words, 6 minutes)
A recent development in Quebec marks a significant moment for the Canadian pharmaceutical industry. Last week, a provincial Superior Court judge approved a class-action lawsuit initially launched in British Columbia against 16 pharma companies doing business in Canada. This suit accuses the companies of underplaying the addictive risks of opioids while aggressively marketing them, contributing significantly to the opioid crisis.
Key Points:
Increased Litigation Risks: This suit underscores a growing trend where provinces actively seek to recover healthcare costs associated with unfavourable health outcomes.
Regulatory Reforms and Stricter Penalties: There is a clear signal that regulatory bodies, including Health Canada, may impose stricter penalties and enforce more rigorous regulations on the marketing of opioid medications.
Enhanced Transparency Demands: The industry faces calls for greater transparency in the marketing and distribution of opioids. This includes more precise communication regarding the risks of addiction and abuse. The legal challenges and settlements, such as the $150 million settlement with Purdue Pharma Canada, illustrate the financial and reputational risks of failing to provide transparent information.
Adapting to an Evolving Regulatory Landscape: As the regulatory environment evolves, pharmaceutical companies must adapt their marketing strategies to align with new standards and expectations.
Ethical Marketing and Public Safety: The ongoing lawsuits and public scrutiny are a potent reminder of prioritizing ethics and public safety in marketing pharmaceutical products, particularly opioids.
Conclusion
For employees and managers in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry, the Quebec opioid lawsuit may be a pivotal event that could reshape many aspects of how certain medication classes are marketed and regulated. As the industry navigates through these challenges, prioritizing ethical considerations and aligning with regulatory expectations will maintain trust and credibility in the healthcare sector.
THIS WEEK 04/23/24
The U.S. FDA approved Lumicell’s New Drug Application for its pegulicianine (Lumisight) optical imaging agent and its Premarket Approval application for Lumicell Direct Visualization System, referred to as LumiSystem. LumiSystem allows surgeons to scan the breast cavity post-lumpectomy to detect and resect residual cancer.
Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA approved their ustekinumab-aekn injection (Selarsdi) as a biosimilar to Stelara, for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and for active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients six years and older.
Nora Pharma received Health Canada approval to commercialize a pegylated form of filgrastim (Niopeg) in Canada. Niopeg is a biosimilar of Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) and is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies.
Health Canada approved Merck’s pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
LISTEN UP
In season 12 of the NPC Podcast, Aldona Armstrong, Commercial Solutions Lead, Immunology at UCB, gives insights into patient advocacy initiatives, working with key opinion leaders, and ways to implement specialty marketing approaches. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Jennifer Wellman
Senior Marketing Manager
Emergent BioSolutions
Toronto
Season 11, episode 06
Listen to this episode here
What bold predictions will you make about the life sciences industry during the coming 12 to 24 months?
Here is a bold prediction: Could we finally see the death of fax? It’s hung on for so long! I think AI will be used a lot more often, especially looking at how quickly ChatGPT caught on. It hasn’t even been a year since that was launched.
Life Sciences Ontario: 2024 Annual Awards
Join LSO for a night of celebration of the #lifesciences sector and individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions — Bill Mantel of Centre for the Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM); Dr. Benjamin Rovinski of Lumira Ventures; Dr. Christine Allen of Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto; Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger of Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders; and Satellos Biosciences Inc.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
Venue: Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place - 25 British Columbia RoadMay 15o
May 15ception - 5:30 p.m. / Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Grab your tickets now here.
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Thank you for another outstanding NPC. I have saved the date for next year. The Hall of Fame celebration is a wonderful testimonial that is earned and not won. I worked with Phil Diamond and knew him quite well. His humanitarian award means a great deal to me and our community. This year's recipient was, as always, an outstanding selection. Thank you.