Manitoba Drug Formulary Review Process

Prior to a new drug being listed on the Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary it must first be approved by Health Canada for sale in Canada and is then subject to a standard review process through the national Common Drug Review (CDR) and the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee (MDSTC).

National Common Drug Review

Manitoba participates in the national Common Drug Review (CDR).  For new drugs (chemical entities) and new combination drug products, the CDR is a national process that provides participating federal, provincial and territorial drug plans with a systematic review of the best available clinical evidence, a critique of manufacturer-submitted pharmacoeconomic studies and a formulary listing recommendation made by the Canadian Expert Drug Advisory Committee (CEDAC).

For more information about the CDR and CEDAC, visit www.cadth.ca

Submissions for new chemical entities, new combination products and drugs with new indications should first be filed with the CDR Directorate.

Information on the CDR requirements and procedures is posted at: www.cadth.ca.

Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee

The Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee is independent of government.  It includes three physicians and three pharmacists.  Committee members provide recommendations on drug interchangeability and on the therapeutic and economic value of drug benefits.  Committee members are appointed by the Minister of Health with recommendations by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Doctors Manitoba, the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association, and the University of Manitoba.

Before a drug is considered for Pharmacare coverage, the manufacturer must send a drug submission to the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee (MDSTC).  This committee takes into consideration the recommendations of the CDR along with reviews of the scientific literature, comparable drug therapies, anticipated drug costs, and therapeutic benefits before making a recommendation regarding benefit listing.

Utilization Management Agreements

For all drugs under consideration for listing on the Manitoba Formulary the manufacturer must sign a utilization management agreement (UMA). The UMA provides a statement of the benefit of the product as compared to currently listed products, as well as cost impact projections, assurances of appropriate promotion and provision for health outcomes research. 

View the Utilization Management Agreement Guide here

Based on the MDSTC’s recommendations, Manitoba Health’s review and the signing of a UMA, the Minister of Health through signing the Specified Drug Regulation and the Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary gives the final approval for benefits under the Pharmacare drug benefit program.  

Manitoba Formulary

The Pharmacare drug benefits list is divided into three parts.  Part 1 includes drug products that are eligible for Pharmacare benefits under all prescribed circumstances.  Part 2 includes drug products that are eligible for Pharmacare benefits only when prescribed for the terms and conditions indicated in the Formulary. 

View the Manitoba Formulary Lookup here

When a drug is not listed in Part 1 or Part 2, a request for Exception Drug Status coverage may be considered under Part 3 for each individual's specific circumstance.  The doctor must make an application to the Exception Drug Status office.  Individuals are notified in writing of the decision.