Health News For Central East


Tuesday, October 07, 2025
Ontario. Ministry of Health - [Toronto - University Avenue] - [Public Health Care]
Ontario Connecting Patients to Life-Saving Cancer Drugs Faster

New program will help patients access cutting-edge cancer care up to a year sooner, saving lives and protecting Ontario’s health-care system

The Ontario government is leading the world in cancer care by launching the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program, making Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to fast-track access to breakthrough cancer drugs. This bold initiative will connect patients to life-saving cancer treatments almost a full year sooner, reducing delays and improving access to cutting-edge cancer care for years to come.

“For thousands of Ontarians facing a cancer diagnosis, fast access to treatment is critical, which is why our government is transforming cancer care and speeding up access to new and life-changing treatment options,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The launch of this historic program is another way we are continuing to lead not only the country, but the world, by putting Ontario patients first, opening the door for faster public access to innovative medicines.”

On average, Canadian patients wait nearly two years to access new publicly funded medicines – a full year longer than patients in other developed countries. This three-year pilot program will expedite access to seven to ten high-priority cancer drugs every year that are approved by Health Canada through the Project Orbis pathway, an international initiative that fast-tracks regulatory approval for promising cancer therapies.

While traditional models wait for lengthy pan-Canadian pricing negotiations and approvals prior to public funding, the FAST program puts patients first by initiating public drug program funding while negotiations proceed. This innovative approach ensures Ontario patients can receive timely access to the life-changing treatments they need. By removing unnecessary delays, Ontario is leading the way in rethinking how cancer care can be delivered, here in Ontario and across the world.

As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to expand access to critical services and innovative treatments ensuring more people receive the right care, including faster access to life-saving cancer therapies, where and when they need it, closer to home.    
         
Quick Facts:

  • The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program is one of the most generous drug benefit programs in Canada, providing coverage for approximately 5,900 drug products and therapeutic treatments on the ODB Formulary for approximately 9 million Ontarians. 
  • Drugs that are not listed in the ODB Formulary may be considered for coverage on a case-by-case basis through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP), which includes over 1,300 drugs, upon meeting specified criteria. 
  • The FAST pilot project will be evaluated to identify opportunities to improve patient experience, assess its scope and ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Last year, Ontario invested $9.5 billion to support the Ontario Drug Benefit program, including approximately $2.75 billion for cancer drugs and supportive therapies in the community.
  • In January 2025, Ontario and the Government of Canada signed a three-year agreement to improve care for people with rare diseases. Ontario is receiving $178 million through the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases to enhance early screening, diagnostics, and access to treatments—building on the province’s $489 million investment over the past year to fund 55 rare disease drugs through its public drug programs.
  • Over the next 10 years, Ontario’s investments will lead to nearly $60 billion in health infrastructure across the province, building 3,000 new beds in addition to over 3,500 critical care, acute and post-acute beds our government has added since 2020.    

Quotes:

"The Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments program marks an unprecedented milestone in Ontario’s commitment to unlocking new opportunities in the life sciences and accelerating the development of life-saving treatments. Ontario is proud to be the first jurisdiction in Canada to address these long-standing barriers to innovation, and we look forward to seeing this program drive further discovery, attract investment, and set a new benchmark for patient-centered care for our nation."

- The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"The FAST program exemplifies the power of translational medicine — moving discoveries from the research bench to the patient’s bedside with remarkable speed. At UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, we see every day how early access to breakthrough therapies transforms hope, survival, and quality of life. Early access to cancer drugs is fundamental to comprehensive care alongside prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We applaud the Government of Ontario for its bold leadership in removing barriers and accelerating innovation, raising the bar for equitable, evidence-based cancer care across Canada."

- Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO, University Health Network

"This is a welcome and much-needed initiative at a crucial time for people living with cancer. Faster access to new and potentially life-saving treatments can make an enormous difference. We are grateful for the Government’s commitment to speeding up the approval process, giving patients and their families the precious gift of time and hope."

- Dr. Keith Stewart, Director, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Vice-President Cancer and Laboratory Medicine, University Health Network

"With the launch of the FAST program, Ontario becomes the first province to accelerate patient access to select high-priority cancer medicines for those with the greatest unmet medical need. This initiative highlights Ontario’s leadership and aligns with best practices seen in other countries around the world. Faster access to life-changing treatments leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with cancer and their families."

- Gaby Bourbara , President, AstraZeneca Canada

"For people facing a breast cancer diagnosis, every day is crucial. The Ontario government’s FAST program marks a significant step forward by reducing wait times for access to breakthrough treatments that can change and save lives. By prioritizing timely access, Ontario is setting a strong example for how cancer care can be delivered across the entire country. Breast Cancer Canada applauds Ontario for their bold steps to fast-track innovative cancer treatments and driving the systemic change we need. We will continue to advocate for a health system that prioritizes patients and ensures everyone can benefit from advancements as quickly as possible."

- Kimberly Carson, CEO, Breast Cancer Canada

"Sanofi commends the introduction of the Government of Ontario’s FAST program, which represents a critical step forward in accelerating access to breakthrough therapies for people living with cancer. We look forward to supporting the expansion of this initiative to additional therapeutic areas and its replication across Canada, for the benefit of more patients."

- James Guy , General Manager, Specialty Care and Country Lead, Sanofi Canada

"The Ontario government's FAST program is an important first step in ensuring that patients receive timely access to potentially life-saving cancer treatments. Initiatives like this are crucial in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and patient care and we commend Ontario’s leadership in prioritizing the needs of cancer patients. At GSK, we are committed to working to accelerate access to innovative medicines and believe that collaborative initiatives and further expansion are essential to improve outcomes for more patients."

- Sridhar Venkatesh, President and General Manager, GSK Canada

"We applaud Ontario’s leadership in launching the FAST program, a bold initiative that will accelerate access to life-saving cancer treatments for patients across the province. The launch of this pathway represents a truly innovative step forward in patient care that sets a new benchmark for access to cancer treatments and improving outcomes for people who need it most. Congratulations on this significant achievement!"

- Alaine Grand , Vice President, Market Access and Strategic Customers, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Canada

"The FAST program shows what’s possible when government and industry work together towards a shared goal: getting life-saving cancer medicines to people sooner. By removing unnecessary delays, Ontario is setting a new Canadian standard proving that better access for patients and economic growth can advance together."

- David Jones, President and Managing Director, Merck Canada

"Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) congratulates the Government of Ontario on the launch of the Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program – a bold step toward faster access to life-saving treatments. By reducing wait times for high-priority therapies by up to a full year, starting with cancer treatments, the government is setting a new national benchmark for patient-centred care. This program demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to improving health outcomes while strengthening Ontario’s position as a global hub for life sciences innovation. We’re proud to have contributed to its development and look forward to working together to expand its scope, as well as supporting similar efforts across the country."

- Dr. Bettina Hamelin, President, Innovative Medicines Canada

"Novo Nordisk Canada applauds the Ontario government’s commitment to fast-tracking access to life-saving medicines. This innovative approach will directly support patient care while setting a powerful precedent to improve health outcomes across Canada."

- Vince Lamanna, President, Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

"At Novartis, we push the boundaries of science every day to bring transformative therapies to patients faster. The FAST program is an important and necessary step forward that does just that: it accelerates access to cancer therapies and puts patients at the heart of the system. We’re proud to support Ontario’s leadership in reimagining cancer care and remain deeply committed to working with government and health partners to ensure breakthrough therapies reach patients sooner, where and when they need them."

- Erin Keith. Vice President of Oncology, Novartis Canada

"AbbVie congratulates Ontario on the launch of its FAST pathway for coverage of new cancer medicines. The FAST pilot is a meaningful policy advancement that will help speed life-saving medicines to Ontario cancer patients. We thank Ontario for its leadership and look forward to further collaboration with the government as it works to accelerate access to new medicines for devastating diseases."

- Arima Ventin, Head, Market Access and Government Affairs, AbbVie    
         
Additional Resources:

         
Media Contacts:

Ema Popovic
Minister Jones’ Office
ema.popovic@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.moh@ontario.ca

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