Winter 2025 (Volume 35, Number 4)

News from the Therapeutics Committee

By Alison Kydd, MD, PhD, FRCPC

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The CRA Therapeutics Committee has been busy over the past year. Some of the highlights include the following:

• Preparation of numerous reviews for Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA) for submission by the CRA

• Development of a Therapeutics Access review summary to provide the basis for advocacy for medication access in different jurisdictions

• Position statements on vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases, hydroxychloroquine monitoring guidance for optical coherence tomography, access to targeted agents for rheumatoid arthritis, and JAK inhibitors for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in collaboration with the Paediatric Committee

• Submission of feedback on a consultation call for advice on a national bulk purchasing strategy

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. Our committee is involved, enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. As always, I am impressed with our committee members’ timely responses and expert guidance. Our work would not be possible without Sarah Webster, a dedicated 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