Four relevant systematic reviews, one randomized controlled trial, and one non-randomized study were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP-NAL) as compared to methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). No relevant economic evaluations were identified.No clear patterns emerged regarding the comparative effectiveness of BUP-NAL and methadone. It remains uncertain whether the findings of the reviewed literature are generalizable to the Canadian population as many of the included studies were conducted outside of Canada.Six reports representing four guidelines were identified regarding the use of BUP-NAL or methadone for the treatment of OUD. Four guidelines provide strong recommendations for the use of BUP-NAL as treatment initiation or maintenance. Two guidelines are specific to pregnant people and offer conflicting recommendations.The limitations of the included studies, such as lack of blinding to treatment or few studies from Canadian settings, should be considered when interpreting the results.
This report aims to:
The high cost of biologic drugs in Canada has created a demand for biosimilars as a cost-saving alternative for Canadian public health care payers. Several biosimilar products are now commercially available for a variety of conditions; yet, it is suggested that the uptake of biosimilars in Canada remains suboptimal.
Immuno-oncology (IO) drugs (also called immune checkpoint inhibitors or immunotherapy drugs) have transformed the field of cancer. These drugs have elicited unprecedented therapeutic responses, allowing significant regression and sometimes resolution of several cancer types. Dosing of IO therapies investigated in clinical trials is inconsistent across studies. Decision-makers are looking for evidence that would help improve the consistency of dosing schedules across tumour types.
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by a loss of bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is highly prevalent, affecting an estimated 1.5 million Canadians over 40 years of age. Fractures associated with osteoporosis commonly occur in vertebral sites, but also occur in non-vertebral sites. They are associated with significant costs, diminished quality of life, and mortality, as well as an increased risk of future fractures.