Correspondence
Discrepancies in Drug Approvals: A Global Dilemma We read with great interest the article by Ezeife et al that was published recently in Cancer.1 The delay in drug approvals at an international level is challenging for both the patient and physician. Regulatory agencies are responsible for deciding drug approval based on the balance between safety and efficacy data.2,3 Different regulatory agencies govern this process around the world, with potentially different criteria underpinning the decision, yet all with the goal of improving access to effective therapies. The approval of a drug in one country does not necessarily ensure approval globally, resulting in variability in drug access and care.1,4 The article by Ezeife et al identified a median 3-month difference in the time required for drug approval by Health Canada (HC) compared with the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) (9 months vs 12 months; P
Discrepancies in Drug Approvals: A Global Dilemma We read with great interest the article by Ezeife et al that was published recently in Cancer.1 The delay in drug approvals at an international level is challenging for both the patient and physician. Regulatory agencies are responsible for deciding drug approval based on the balance between safety and efficacy data.2,3 Different regulatory agencies govern this process around the world, with potentially different criteria underpinning the decision, yet all with the goal of improving access to effective therapies. The approval of a drug in one country does not necessarily ensure approval globally, resulting in variability in drug access and care.1,4 The article by Ezeife et al identified a median 3-month difference in the time required for drug approval by Health Canada (HC) compared with the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) (9 months vs 12 months; P
