Communiqué
The PMPRB to Hold a Public Hearing
into the Price of Fasturtec
OTTAWA, May 25, 2004: The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board will hold a public hearing on August 23, 2004, in the matter of Sanofi-Synthelabo Canada Inc. (“Sanofi”) and the price of the medicine Fasturtec.
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether, under sections 83 and 85 of the Patent Act, Sanofi:
- is selling or has, while a patentee, sold the medicine known as Fasturtec in any market in Canada at a price that, in the Board's opinion, is or was excessive; and,
- if so, what order, if any, should be made.
Fasturtec has been sold under Health Canada´s Special Access Program since May 21, 2002. It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia in paediatric and adult cancer patients. It is administered intravenously.
Persons wishing to intervene in the proceeding are required to apply to the Board for leave to intervene on or before June 11, 2004. Such persons should contact the Secretary of the Board for further information on the procedure.
A pre-hearing conference will be held July 6, 2004, in the Board´s offices, 18th Floor, Hearing Room 2.
All requests for information should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board.
