Saskatchewan is participating in the Common Drug Review (CDR). The CDR provides participating federal, provincial and territorial drug benefit plans with a systematic review of the available clinical evidence, a critique of manufacturer-submitted pharmacoeconomic studies and a formulary listing recommendation made by the Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee (CEDAC) (See link below).

Note: The drug review process described below is in transition and will be changing to reflect the CDR process.

When a drug is introduced to the Canadian market, the manufacturer submits a request to the Drug Plan so that it can be considered for possible coverage. The request must be supported by scientific reports and manufacturing documents to show that the product meets accepted standards of quality, effectiveness and safety.

The Drug Quality Assessment Committee (DQAC) carries out an initial evaluation of the submission, with emphasis on clinical documents, such as reports of scientific studies comparing the new product with existing therapeutic alternatives. In the case of new brands of currently listed products, the DQAC ensures that the products meet accepted standards for interchangability.

The DQAC reports its findings to the Saskatchewan Formulary Committee (SFC).

Using this information, along with additional details of anticipated cost and impact on patterns of practice, the SFC makes a recommendation to the Minister of Health. These recommendations reflect the "Policy for Inclusion of Products in the Saskatchewan Formulary" (see pages xii - xiv of the Formulary 57th Edition).

The membership on the two Committees reflects their unique but complementary mandates. The DQAC is composed of clinical specialists in internal medicine and/or pharmacology, clinical pharmacists and pharmacologists. The SFC is made up of representatives of the associations or institutions related to the regulation, education, delivery and payment of drug therapy in Saskatchewan.