IMC congratulates Ontario government on one-year anniversary of FAST program

Ottawa, October 7, 2026 - Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) congratulates the Ontario government on the one-year anniversary of its Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program, which is helping Ontario patients access high-priority cancer treatments up to a year sooner.

Since launching on October 7, 2025, 10 life-saving cancer treatments have been fast-tracked through the program - treatments that, under the old timelines, patients might still be waiting for.

IMC is proud to have played an active role in the development of the FAST program, which exemplifies how government-industry collaboration and partnership can drive meaningful change in the healthcare system.

By moving at the speed patients need, Ontario has set a new national standard for patient-centred healthcare and modernizing access to innovation. FAST offers a compelling model for other provinces and territories looking to adopt faster pathways to innovative medicines.

Ontario's leadership comes at a critical time. Canada ranks last among the G7, and 19th out of 20 OECD countries, in timely access to new and innovative medicines. Recent global drug policy shifts, triggered by the introduction of most-favoured nation (MFN) pricing in the U.S., threaten to widen this gap even further.

IMC welcomes the opportunity to meet with the Ontario government to learn more about its experience with FAST to date, and stands ready to support similar efforts across the country.

About Innovative Medicines Canada

Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) is the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry, representing over 40 member companies. It advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians. IMC's members contribute $25 billion to the economy, support nearly 150,000 high-value jobs, and invest $3.5 billion in research and development. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all IMC members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

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