Winter 2024 (Volume 34, Number 4)

Update from the CRA Therapeutics Committee

By Alison Kydd, MD, PhD, FRCPC

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The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Therapeutics Committee has been busy over the past year. We have many new members and have been working on new position statements and initiatives for the CRA. Some of the highlights over the past year include the following:

• Ongoing work on several different drug shortage issues along with the External Relations Committee
• Implementation of a review process for Canada’s Drug Agency clinician input applications for submission by the CRA with the completion of several CADTH reviews by Canada’s Drug Agency
• Development of a Therapeutics Access review summary to provide the basis for advocacy for medication access in different jurisdictions
• Position statement on phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for the treatment of severe Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Position statement on biologic access
• Updated position statement on the safety of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of rheumatic diseases

Monitoring drug shortages and advocating for CRA members and their patients are always our top priorities. We will continue to respond to emerging issues on behalf of our members through position statements.

This work is only possible through the dedication of our volunteer committee members, who are all very busy with their numerous other roles. I would particularly like to thank my new Vice-Chair, Dr. Cathy Flanagan, who will bring her expertise in therapeutics to our committee. We have had several new members join our committee who are highly committed and efficient. I am always impressed with our committee members’ timely responses and expert guidance. Finally, our work would not be possible without Sarah Webster, a CRA staff member, who is critical to our ongoing functioning.

Alison Kydd, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Chair, CRA Therapeutics Committee
Clinical Associate Professor, Rheumatology
University of British Columbia
Nanaimo, British Columbia