The federal government’s Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos announced the appointment of intellectual property lawyer, Thomas J. Digby, to be the new chairperson of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB).
According to Health Canada, Digby has extensive educational background in biological sciences, is highly knowledgeable about patented medicines and has more than 25 years of experience working with the pharmaceutical sector.
The PMPRB reviews the prices companies charge for patented drug products in the Canadian market. It can work with patentees to achieve voluntary price reductions and can hold public meetings to determine if a price is excessive. It can also order price reductions. Although it regulates the list prices of patented medicines, it does not have jurisdiction over prices charged by wholesalers or pharmacies.
“The Government of Canada is committed to appointing highly qualified candidates to best serve the interest of Canadians and is committed to open, transparent and merit-based processes for selecting governor in council appointees,” the announcement from Health Canada states.
“I congratulate Mr. Digby on his appointment as the new chairperson,” adds Duclos. “His collective depth of knowledge and extensive experience in the field of generic and innovator medicines will be an asset to the board.”
