Sustainability, accessibility, and optimal patient outcomes
In the upcoming NPC Podcast episode to be released tomorrow, Pamela Fralick talks about working with all levels of government and the evolution of the life sciences sector (900 words, 4 minutes)
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Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) for the past seven years, says the complexity of the pharmaceutical industry was initially eye-opening to her. She observes many public misconceptions about the industry, adding that it’s disappointing to see reputable people and organizations taking shots at “big pharma” without a balanced and nuanced approach. When she joined the IMC, “The pervasive and passionate feelings against the industry were shocking.”
Fralick mentioned that IMC is working to overcome the significant systemic challenges the Canadian healthcare ecosystem faces. She says it is important to note that there isn’t “a” healthcare system in Canada but multiple systems in the various provinces. “We’re always looking for that common ground across those systems, but at the same time, recognizing that there are some differences from one part of the country to the other.”
Fralick [pictured below] says IMC works with all governments—federal, provincial, and municipal—to enhance communication between industry and government. “It’s gotten so much better in the pandemic,” she said. “We’ve offered to work with governments on data issues which are of concern. We’ve produced a white paper on innovative funding models that could be helpful to sustainability. Governments talk a lot about appropriate use of medicines, which we see as a solution to sustainability in many cases.”
Fralick says that it is important that pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders collaborate to create partnerships to contend with future health crises and emergencies. She mentions the U.K.’s life sciences strategy, which is based on collaboration. “We want to support any of the efforts that are going into building health system resiliency,” she said.
She adds that it is essential to keep pushing for cohesive efforts in developing the life sciences sector: “All the provinces seem to commit to their federal strategy. So, we’re hoping that there’s consistency, some alignment, and we don’t end up with a patchwork quilt of approaches.”
Fralick says that by focusing on access, IMC balances the need for innovation in drug development and the concerns surrounding drug coverage and access to medicines for Canadians. The group does not discount the concerns around sustainability but believes access should be common ground for all stakeholders, whether these are governments, patient groups, or part of the industry.
“I believe that our members are committed to having reasonable negotiations with governments and the agencies that oversee this industry,” she says. “We think there are good examples and experiences to learn from other countries that we may not cut and paste into Canada, but they will help with the sustainability issue and focus on patient access.”
THIS WEEK 04/04/23
AstraZeneca announced Health Canada granted a Notice of Compliance for selumetinib (Koselugo) for Tx of neurofibromatosis type 1 in pediatric pts aged two years and older who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas.
The U.S. FDA approved the Pharming Group’s leniolisib (Joenja) for Tx of activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome in pts 12 years of age and older.
Aifred Health, a digital health company, announced receipt of a U.S. patent to protect the company’s AI technology, developed to guide Tx selection for diseases where multiple therapeutic options are approved but where an individual response to Tx options may vary.
The Health Depot, a clinical pharmacy, announced it is now a “Connected Partner” of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Through this partnership, The Health Depot will work with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s 26 frontline community support service providers.
LISTEN NOW
In season nine of the NPC Podcast, Eileen McMahon, Chair of Intellectual Property and Food and Drug Regulatory Practices at Torys LLP, talks about strategic budgeting, the value of intellectual property rights, and reflecting on your personal and professional journey. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This new 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 about the bold life’ bold life sci predictions during the popular Prognostication Korner segment of the NPC Podcast.
Eileen McMahon
Toronto
Torys LLP
Season 9, 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?
We are coming into a recession, and by all accounts, we have started to hit that recession. But we’ve also come through a time as a country, like many other countries, that has been incredibly challenging with Covid-19. Frankly, life sciences should be the darling of all people for coming up with multiple vaccines in such short order when people said it couldn’t be done.
I have a sense of optimism because, to me, there’s innovation, new gene therapies are on the horizon, and we have many orphan diseases where people say they have found something that can help move the dial. So I think we will continue to see those innovations that give me so much hope.
We also have an aging population, as we all know. What is that going to mean in terms of services? In terms of products? We’ve seen how effective telemedicine can be, and I can only imagine it will accelerate in more ways. I think we’re going to see more of that. And I think we will also see the continued challenge regarding Health Canada approvals compared to reimbursement.
Register now for the 2023 NPC Winter Webinar
The 2023 NPC Webinar will explore the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the life sciences industry. The webinar will bring together a panel of industry leaders to discuss the emerging applications of AI in areas such as drug discovery, clinical trials, personalized medicine, and healthcare delivery.
Speakers Dr. Jaggi Rao of the University of Alberta, Patrick Massad of PAAB, and Anastasia Lit of Techpharus, share their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of implementing AI technologies and how they transform how drugs are developed, tested, and delivered to patients.
The webinar will be held virtually starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, will be one hour long, and is free to attend.
NEXT WEEK
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