Health Canada Approves Temporary Chinese Cancer Drug Imports to Ease Critical Chemotherapy Shortage

Health Canada Approves Temporary Chinese Cancer Drug Imports to Ease Critical Chemotherapy Shortage

Health Canada has authorized the temporary import and sale of a Chinese-approved version of the chemotherapy drug Ifosfamide to help address a critical shortage affecting cancer treatment across the country.

The regulator said the exceptional measure marks the first time Canada has allowed the import of a drug authorized for use in China to tackle a domestic medicine shortage.

The imported product contains the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and intravenous administration as the Canadian-approved version, making it a suitable alternative.

Ifosfamide is used to treat several cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma, pancreatic cancer and cervical cancer.

The shortage is expected to continue into 2027, following earlier warnings from European regulators about supply disruptions involving the drug.

While some hospitals in Ontario and Quebec are not currently using Ifosfamide, BC Cancer said its mitigation measures have ensured patients continue receiving prescribed treatments.

Health Canada said the Chinese-authorized product has undergone assessment to meet Canadian safety standards but advised healthcare providers to pay close attention to differences in storage requirements and labelling.

Hospitals have also been encouraged to add extra labels to cartons and vials to ensure the medicine is correctly identified and administered safely.