What does the Common Drug Review assess?

The Common Drug Review (CDR) primarily focuses on evaluating whether new medications should be considered for listing under public drug benefit programs in Canada at the federal or provincial level. This assessment not only looks at the clinical effectiveness of the drug but also considers its overall value in comparison to existing treatment options. The goal is to make informed decisions regarding which new drugs should receive funding and support within the public healthcare system, ensuring that patients have access to medications that provide meaningful health benefits relative to their costs.

Evaluating cost-effectiveness, assessing safety of natural health products, or considering market accessibility for new drugs may be components of a broader review process, but they do not capture the primary purpose of the CDR, which is specifically focused on determining the eligibility of new medications for public drug benefit programs.