#Canada #Duchesnay #Blainville #Women's Health #PeriPharm

Gaps in Women's Health Product Accessibility in Canada

A recent collaborative study between Duchesnay, part of the Duchesnay Pharmaceutical Group (DPG), and PeriPharm has unveiled troubling disparities regarding access to innovative women’s health solutions across Canada. This research, recognized as pivotal, showcases not only the necessity for progress but also the systemic barriers that impede timely access to essential healthcare innovations for women.

Study Highlights

Between January 2003 and December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 45 products specifically targeting women’s health. Strikingly, only 24 of these treatments—equating to 53%—were granted approval by Health Canada by mid-2024. Furthermore, merely 13 of these approved products are covered under public health insurance.

Dany Hallé, the Vice President of Commercial Affairs at DPG, emphasized the urgent need for equitable evaluation and prioritization of women's health products. He stated, "These findings illustrate the inequities in how women's health is assessed and valued." Duchesnay aims to advocate for an improved ecosystem surrounding women's health in Canada, stressing that women deserve timely access to innovative healthcare solutions.

Delays and Inequities

A critical factor identified in the study is the prolonged approval and reimbursement timeline faced by women’s health therapies. Reports indicate that getting public coverage for these medications can be delayed by as much as a year longer than the general process for other pharmaceuticals, with some cases exceeding a three-year wait. This delay is attributed to the current Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework, which may not fully recognize the unique benefits of innovative women's health drugs, thus impeding their market access.

Catherine Beauchemin, Ph.D., a partner at PeriPharm, described the study as a vital initial step towards resolving these access issues. "Understanding the specific needs and preferences of women is crucial for enhancing health outcomes in Canada," she stated following the findings.

Future Prospects

The research is expected to lay a foundation for an influential position paper that will be co-authored by leading experts. This document aims to address the various challenges women encounter in obtaining innovative medications throughout Canada, with hopes of publication by the end of the year.

As noted within the research, the disparity is stark when comparing women-specific medications to the broader landscape: data from 2016 to 2020 show that 67% of new active substances approved by the FDA and/or European Medicines Agency (EMA) were submitted for approval in Canada, highlighting a lag in women's health initiatives.

About PeriPharm and Duchesnay

Founded in 2003, PeriPharm specializes in pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research, advocating for optimal access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions. They are driven by a mission to ensure that the best therapies reach those who need them.

Duchesnay also carries a long-standing commitment to women’s health, focusing on creating safe pharmacotherapy solutions, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Their recent expansion into a broader range of women’s health products demonstrates their dedication to empowering women at every stage of life.

DPG has also received accolades for its innovative practices, including the prestigious Life Sciences Innovation Award from ADRIQ in 2024. This recognition not only affirms their dedication to pharmaceutical innovation but also highlights the workplace culture centered on wellness and growth among their employees.

Conclusion

The findings from this study underscore a pressing need for systemic change within Canada’s health authorities to facilitate accessible solutions in women’s health. As Duchesnay and PeriPharm continue their groundbreaking work, the hope is that these advocacy efforts will bring about the necessary changes for equitable healthcare access in the future.