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Nova Scotia Becomes Sixth Jurisdiction To Implement Biosimilar Switching

Policy Welcomed By Trade And Advocacy Groups

 
• By Chloe Kent

Citizens enrolled on Nova Scotia’s Pharmacare programs have 12 months to switch to biosimilar versions of certain biologic drugs, including some insulins and medications used to treat Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Nova Scotia flag
Seven biosimilars have been included in the initial policy • Source: Alamy

Nova Scotia has become the sixth Canadian jurisdiction and fifth province to implement a biosimilar switching policy in its public health program, a move which is expected to save the local government an estimated CAD13m ($10.2m) annually.

The Nova Scotia announcement follows the implementation of similar policies in British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick and Quebec. A fifth jurisdiction – the Northwest Territories – announced a biosimilar switching policy in December 2021

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