As dermatological treatments move up the ranking of conditions with the highest paid drug claims, they’ve become increasingly significant for private drug plan sponsors, according to Frances Lehun, a pharmacist with pharmaceutical expertise in high-cost drug management at Beneva. During a session at the 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum, she said this […]
A single drug can be approved for multiple conditions, but each new use requires its own clinical trials and regulatory approval, even if the drug is already approved for other indications, according to Suzanne Lepage, a private health plan strategist, during a session supported by Novo Nordisk at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Face to Face Drug […]
Pharmacy benefit managers in Canada have undergone a significant transformation over the years, said Akhil Pandit Pautra, senior manager of clinical services, health claims administration and fraud, waste and abuse at Express Scripts Canada, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. The role has evolved from the early […]
“Immunization is one of the best investments money can buy, according to the World Health Organization,” said Johnny Ma, president at Mapol Inc., during a session supported by GSK, Merck and Pfizer Canada during Benefits Canada’s 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. Canadian data shows vaccines can save $2.5 billion a year in […]
Although many medications may seem alike, in the management of chronic conditions, it’s crucial to have access to a broad selection of treatment options to achieve the most favourable outcomes for patients, since each medication can serve a distinct and important purpose for different individuals, according to Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, a faculty lecturer at McGill […]
For Jocelyn Laidlaw, a former anchor at CTV News, a sudden diagnosis of stage 3A metastatic colorectal cancer revealed not only the emotional toll of cancer but also the systemic gaps in Canadian health care and workplace benefits. Speaking during a session supported by AstraZeneca Canada at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan […]
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world, with an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 people living with the disease. Every day, 12 Canadians are diagnosed, most between ages 20 and 49, striking individuals during their most productive working and family-building years. “MS is the No. 1 cause of non-traumatic disability in those […]
Glioma, the most common malignant brain tumour in young adults under 50 is a devastating disease that often strikes people in their prime working years, said Samaneh Samami, senior medical science liaison at Servier, during Benefits Canada’s Drug Innovations Webinar: A spotlight on brain health. Diagnosis can turn a person’s life upside down, she noted, […]
Health Canada recently approved the first disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, which is a long-awaited milestone that carries significant implications for private drug plans, employers and working Canadians. “Leqembi’s approval is a turning point after two decades of no new treatment options,” said Dr. Sarah Mitchell, cognitive neurologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and director […]
While Health Canada’s approval of the first drug to specifically treat postpartum depression represents a clinical milestone in women’s mental health, one benefits expert says its impact on employer-sponsored drug plans is likely to be limited. Zuranolone, sold under the brand name Zurzuvae, is a 14-day oral treatment designed to provide rapid symptom relief for […]