Drug Formulary Modernization

Drug formulary modernization involves the enhancement and refinement of the management and utilization of drug formularies within healthcare systems or organizations. Our aim is to offer a comprehensive resource for healthcare experts, policymakers, researchers, and the general public. Through an assortment of research papers, reports, and drug class reviews, our objective is to provide you with the information necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of drug policy.

The ODPRN is not currently conducting drug class reviews at this time.

The ODPRN has completed a total of 12 drug class reviews since 2013. These reviews were based on an innovative framework that incorporated systematic reviews and network meta-analysis, economic modeling, real-world prescribing and adherence, qualitative analysis of patient and clinician perspectives, and an environmental scan of listing across Canada. Research findings were synthesized to make recommendations to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regarding public drug reimbursement policies.
Find out about our drug class review process.

Deliverables
All completed reviews contain the following:
  1. The final research plan: A detailed description of how each study was conducted within the drug class review
  2. All final research reports: Includes a consolidated report of all research findings and proposed reimbursement options
  3. Resources: Summaries and infographics to facilitate understanding of our drug class review findings
Self-monitoring of blood glucose for patients with diabetes on insulin therapy is considered an essential part of management. However, the clinical benefit of regular testing for most patients with type 2 diabetes not using insulin, has been questioned, with concerns that frequent testing could even lead to decreased quality of life. The ODPRN has conducted multiple studies on blood glucose test strips (BGTS) primarily focusing on the impact of BGTS quantity limits on utilization, costs and patient outcomes.
The ODPRN has conducted pivotal research on biologic medications, focusing on their utilization, safety, effectiveness, and cost within Ontario.
The ODPRN analyzes the utilization, safety, effectiveness, and economic impact of high-cost drugs in Ontario. This work informs policymakers on managing high-cost medications to ensure optimal patient outcomes and financial sustainability. ODPRN's evaluations of prescribing trends, cost-effectiveness, and the healthcare system's burden have shaped evidence-based drug policies and improved healthcare delivery in Ontario.
wdt_ID Title Publication Type Date Released Clinical Topic Additional Resources
wdt_ID Title Publication Type Date Released Clinical Topic Additional Resources
1 Self-monitoring of blood glucose: Patterns, costs and potential cost reduction associated with reduced testing Public Report 01 Dec 2009 Diabetes Research Minute
2 Self-monitoring of blood glucose: Impact of quantity limits in public drug formularies on provincial costs across Canada Journal Article 15 Dec 2016 Diabetes Research Minute
3 Blood glucose test strips: Options to reduce usage Journal Article 12 Jan 2010 Diabetes Letter to Editor
4 The impact of policies to reduce blood glucose test strip utilization and costs in Canada Journal Article 01 Jun 2015 Diabetes Research Minute
5 Association of a blood glucose test strip quantity-limit policy with patient outcomes: A population-based study Journal Article 07 Nov 2016 Diabetes Research Minute
6 Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels: Evaluating the impact of a policy of quantity limits on test-strip use and costs Journal Article 17 May 2016 Diabetes Research Minute
8 Update: Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels: Evaluating the impact of a policy of quantity limits on test-strip use and costs Journal Article 01 Jan 2017 Diabetes Journal Article
9 Blood glucose test strip quantity limits across Canada Public Report 05 May 2017 Diabetes
10 Low molecular weight heparin Drug Class Review 01 May 2016 Cardiovascular Health Research Summary
11 Treatment for overactive bladder Drug Class Review 01 Mar 2016 Overactive Bladder Research Summary
12 Drugs for the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Drug Class Review 01 Dec 2015 Mental Health Research Summary
13 Allergen immunotherapy Drug Class Review 01 Oct 2015 Other Research Summary
14 Treatment for chronic Hepatitis B Drug Class Review 01 Sep 2015 Hepatitis Research Summary
15 Cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's Disease Drug Class Review 01 Aug 2015 Dementia Research Summary
16 Antipsychotics in the elderly Drug Class Review 01 May 2015 Dementia, Mental Health Research Summary
17 ICS+LABA combination products for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Drug Class Review 01 Apr 2015 Respiratory System Research Summary
18 LAMAs products for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Drug Class Review 01 Apr 2015 Respiratory System Research Summary
19 Testosterone replacement therapy Drug Class Review 01 Dec 2014 Testosterone Research Summary
20 Triptans for the management of acute episodic migraine Drug Class Review 01 Mar 2014 Migraines Research Summary
21 Effect of listing strategies on utilization of antitumor necrosis factor biologics infliximab and etanercept: a cross-sectional analysis from Ontario, Canada Journal Article 27 Mar 2021 Biologics
22 Potential cost implications of mandatory non-medical switching policies for biologics for rheumatic conditions and inflammatory bowel disease in Canada Journal Article 09 Sep 2020 Biologics Research Minute
23 Current and prospective utilization of innovator biologics and biosimilars in Ontario Public Report 21 Jan 2020 Biologics Infographic
24 Regional variation in healthcare spending and mortality among senior high-cost healthcare users in Ontario, Canada: A retrospective matched cohort study Journal Article 01 Nov 2018 Other
25 Characteristics of high drug-cost beneficiaries across Canada: A cross-sectional pan-Canadian analysis Journal Article 28 Apr 2020 Other Research Minute
Please note that this report is NOT COMPLETE and is still in progress. Click below if you would like to continue.