Initial Development

Setting the foundations for change, in 2006 the Department communicated its intent to adopt a "lifecycle approach" for the regulation of drugs.

A lifecycle approach means that products would be rigorously and appropriately assessed for quality, benefits, harms and uncertainties both before and after they enter the general market.

Lifecycle Approach Model

Health Canada initiated the Progressive Licensing Project to develop a drug regulatory system for the future that incorporates the lifecycle model. The Project was an initiative of the Blueprint for Renewal, a long-term policy framework that has helped inform the development and implementation of a plan to improve the drug regulatory system. This initial work forms the basis for how Health Canada will be approaching the regulation of health products and food.

For more information, the following provides the background and thinking for developing a new framework for drug licensing:

• History of drug regulation in Canada
• Trends and drivers
• Discussion papers
• Fact sheets
• Progressive Licensing Model
• Glossary of relevant terms