OTTAWA, January 7, 2005: The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board will hold a public hearing on May 11, 2005, in the matter of Janssen-Ortho Inc. and the price of the medicine Evra. A pre-hearing conference will be held on February 24, 2005.

The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether, under sections 83 and 85 of the Patent Act, Janssen-Ortho Inc.

• is selling or has sold the medicine known as Evra 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.

Evra is a transdermal contraceptive patch indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use hormonal contraceptives.

Persons wishing to intervene in the proceeding are required to apply to the Board for leave to intervene on or before January 25, 2005. Such persons should contact the Secretary of the Board for further information on the procedure.

You can access the Notice of Hearing and Board Staff´s Statement of Allegations here.

All requests for information should be addressed to the Secretary of the Board.

Toll-free number: 1-877-861-2350
Direct line: (613) 954-8299
Fax: (613) 952-7626
E-mail: sdupont@pmprb-cepmb.gc.ca