Is Our Health System Ready for Where Science is Taking Us

After decades of research and innovation, cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are unlocking new ways to revolutionize medicine. Distinct from traditional pharmaceutical treatments, CGTs represent highly precise and innovative approaches that target the underlying causes of genetic and acquired diseases with the aim of treating, preventing and potentially curing disease. Over the past few years, we’ve seen the positive impact that CGTs such as CAR T-cell therapy – a blood cancer treatment that modifies T cells to target and eliminate cancer cells – have had on Canadians. With thousands of CGTs in development to treat diseases from cancers to rare disorders to type 1 diabetes and chronic heart failure, the novelty and highly technical nature of these therapies create new opportunities for improved health outcomes for Canadians, but successful integration will require a new playbook from those who assess, deliver and receive care. From regulation to health technology assessments, reimbursement and education, we must ensure that our health systems are prepared to integrate these new innovations so that Canadians have access to potentially life changing treatments. This Longwoods Leadership Discussion is funded by The Cell and Gene Therapy Round Table, a group of Canadian pharmaceutical companies interested in policies related to cell and gene therapies. Featuring: Dr. Bob Bell, Former Deputy Minister of Health, Ontario, Dean Duffin, Patient Advocate and Kids Cancer Care Board Member, Dr. Ronan Foley, Clinical Hematologist, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Dr. Elise Héon, Staff Director, Ocular Genetics Program Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children and Moderator: Avis Favaro, Health Journalist