Government of Canada Takes Action to Protect Canadian Families

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Montreal (October 31, 2011) – The Government of Canada today announced funding for the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES). This national research network will ensure that prescription drugs, verified by a vigorous process at HealthCanada, are safe and effective for Canadian families.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring that prescription drugs are safe for Canadians,” said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, who made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “This network is another way we’re making sure Canadians and their health care providers have the information they need to make informed decisions.”

In creating the network, the Government of Canada is taking a leadership role to ensure all levels of government are working together to protect citizens. CNODES will bring together more than 60 researchers from centres across Canada to conduct independent research to confirm that drugs being prescribed to the public are effective and safe.

“Thanks to this Canada-wide all-star team, CNODES will be able to rapidly uncover otherwise undetectable risks and benefits of medications and thus help to safeguard the health of millions of Canadians who use them,” explained Dr. Suissa, who will lead the network out of the Montreal Jewish General Hospital. Dr. Suissa is also Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Professor of Medicine at McGill University.

Researchers in the network will use healthcare databases maintained by provincial and territorial governments toevaluate the risks and benefits of drugs on the market in Canada. By studying data from across the country on adverse drug reactions, prescribing patterns and other factors, researchers will provide a national picture of the effect of drugs on the health of Canadians. The information generated will be distributed to physicians, patients and health care decision makers. CNODES is being funded through the Government’s Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network.