Forum Update: Supporting Community-Led Discussion
The forum was created as a space for shared learning and peer support, and as the community grows, we want to lean more fully into that purpose.
Going forward, PAAB will be taking a more listening-first role in forum discussions. Rather than responding immediately to every question, we’ll be encouraging members to engage with one another, share experiences, and help build collective understanding. PAAB will continue to monitor conversations and will step in to:
- Correct any misunderstandings
- Provide guidance when questions remain unanswered after a few days
- Support discussions where official clarification is needed
Our goal is to foster a collaborative, trusted community where knowledge is shared and strengthened by everyone’s contributions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
Formulary message - exemption confirmation
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Our client has asked for confirmation as to whether a statement of “Another indication for Product X is now on formulary in province X" (not linked in any way to additional product messages and/or any mention of therapeutic area) meets the conditions of exemption for formulary announcement messages.
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Our client has asked for confirmation as to whether a statement of “Another indication for Product X is now on formulary in province X" (not linked in any way to additional product messages and/or any mention of therapeutic area) meets the conditions of exemption for formulary announcement messages.
The message “Another indication for Product X” is an unclear claim of product merit and an embellishment which extends beyond Section 1.5Dii of the PAAB Code “(“Materials Not Subject to Preclearance”). It accords significance to the formulary body listing the product for multiple indications. Formulary bodies have requested that coverage not be promoted in a manner that suggests endorsements for the product. As such, this message is not exempt and is not acceptable.
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The message “Another indication for Product X” is an unclear claim of product merit and an embellishment which extends beyond Section 1.5Dii of the PAAB Code “(“Materials Not Subject to Preclearance”). It accords significance to the formulary body listing the product for multiple indications. Formulary bodies have requested that coverage not be promoted in a manner that suggests endorsements for the product. As such, this message is not exempt and is not acceptable.
@jennifer-carroll It is a fact that provincial formularies will often expand the funding criteria for listed products during a product's lifecycle. Can you suggest language that can be used to communicate this fact in a way that does not, in your words, amount to an "unclear claim of product merit and an embellishment". Note that AskPAAB Question 71 indicates that companies may inform of a changes in formulary status.
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@jennifer-carroll It is a fact that provincial formularies will often expand the funding criteria for listed products during a product's lifecycle. Can you suggest language that can be used to communicate this fact in a way that does not, in your words, amount to an "unclear claim of product merit and an embellishment". Note that AskPAAB Question 71 indicates that companies may inform of a changes in formulary status.
In general, companies can provide communication regarding formulary changes as an informational “Update”/”Change”. PAAB can provide review for the overall message/context.
E.g., “The formulary status for Drug XYZ has been updated” followed by the updated criteria.
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In general, companies can provide communication regarding formulary changes as an informational “Update”/”Change”. PAAB can provide review for the overall message/context.
E.g., “The formulary status for Drug XYZ has been updated” followed by the updated criteria.
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@jennifer-carroll Thanks! So, just to be clear, would the message "The formulary status for Drug XYZ has been updated" (not linked to product/therapeutic area messages) by exempt from PAAB review under s.1.5?
“The formulary status for Drug XYA has been updated” may potentially be exempt depending on the context in which it is presented. Our PAAB opinion service is available for exempt opinions.
