Health Canada permits temporary import of Chinese-authorized chemo injection drug amid critical shortage
Posted on: Jul 04, 2026 01:07 IST | Posted by: Cbc
A chemotherapy fixings that's in unawares render in Canada put up temporarily be imported and sold from a Chinese-authorized seed instead, Health Canada says.
There's a critical shortage of the injectable cancer drug Ifosfamide, Health Canada said in a notice to health professionals late last month.
The drug is used to treat soft tissue sarcoma, as well as pancreatic and cervical cancer in Canada. Though, some hospitals in Ontario and Quebec have said they are not currently using Ifosfamide to treat cancer patients.
"This Chinese-authorized product has the same active ingredient (ifosfamide), strength (1 g per vial), dosage form (powder for solution), route of administration (intravenous), and instructions for reconstitution and dilution as the Canadian-authorized product in shortage."
In March, the European Medicines Agency pointed to an ongoing shortage of Ifosfamide-containing medicines marketed by Baxter that is expected to continue into the first quarter of 2027.
Trial finds experimental pill for pancreatic cancer doubles survival time
When shortages hit, it's very rare that the drug supply actually hits zero, said Mina Tadrous, an associate professor at the University of Toronto who studies pharmaceutical policy with a focus on drug-supply shortages.
A large number of pharmaceutical ingredients are produced in China and some get exported to Canada, Tadrous said.
"What's unique here is that it's actually a product that was intended for sale in China."
Tadrous said Health Canada has a process to test the products and ensure that the drugs meet Canadian standards, including labelling, to ensure risk to patients is minimized.
Cancer remains top cause of death in Canada as new study shows multiple types rising
Health Canada advised health-care professionals of important differences, such as lower temperature storage instructions for Chinese-authorized Ifosfamide, compared with Canadian-authorized version.
The Canadian regulator also suggested hospitals put a sticker or extra label on the outer carton and vial labels to ensure the product is identified properly and used safely.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.