Patented Medicine Prices Review Board
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Frequently Asked Questions

    

Table Of Contents

  1. What is the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB)?
  2. What are the role and mandate of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board?
  3. What is a patented medicine?
  4. What is a patent?
  5. What is the duration of a patent?
  6. What is a non-patented medicine?
  7. What is a generic drug?
  8. What is the difference between prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and non-prescription drugs?
  9. What type of medicine does the PMPRB regulate?
  10. Does the PMPRB regulate prices of generic drugs?
  11. Who ensures the safety of drugs in Canada?
  12. What controls exist to ensure that the prices Canadians pay for drugs are reasonable?
  13. What factors affect the cost of prescription medicines?
  14. How do drug prices in Canada compare to prices in other countries?
  15. What process does the brand name pharmaceutical industry (patentees) follow to ensure they comply with the PMPRB guidelines?
  16. How does the PMPRB review the pricing information for all patented medicines sold in Canada?
  17. Does the PMPRB have any kind of power or authority to reduce prices?
  18. What happens to the money paid to the Government of Canada?
  19. Can the PMPRB delay or block the sale of a drug in Canada?
  20. Does the PMPRB regulate research and development?
  21. The PMPRB also has a reporting role. What does that entail?

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Date Modified: 2011-09-30

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