ODPRN Quarterly Newsletter | September 2024
Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
Provides timely, high quality, drug policy relevant research impacting societal outcomes & improving healthcare systems
In this Issue:
Recently Released | Upcoming Research | Resources | Student Training | ODPRN in the News | Other News
This study evaluated whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in benzodiazepine dispensing among children and young adults. Results showed that following the public health emergency in April 2020, benzodiazepine dispensing dropped significantly, with a 23.6 per 100,000 decrease, and continued to decline slightly each month. Overall dispensing rates were consistently lower than expected, affecting 256,270 people, 63% of whom were female, with a median age of 20.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario implemented emergency public health measures in March 2020, while the federal government introduced temporary income benefits to support those who lost earnings. This study found that COVID-19-related interventions led to an initial rise in Ontarians qualifying for public drug insurance, followed by gradual declines, likely due to temporary income supports.
Drug shortages in the U.S. and Canada
To address a growing concern in healthcare, this project investigates the impact of drug shortages in the U.S. and Canada through a collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh. This paper has been accepted for publication and will be released at the end of October.
Trends in injectable buprenorphine prescribing in Canada: A descriptive analysis in five Canadian provinces
Extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine (BUP-ER; brand name: Sublocade?) is a newer form of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) that may enhance quality of life and treatment satisfaction, as it requires fewer pharmacy visits, with administration only once a month. This study investigates the trends and rates of BUP-ER uptake across 5 Canadian provinces. This paper has been accepted for publication.
International comparison of generic drug markets
In an effort to understand global trends in pharmaceutical accessibility, this study examines the competitiveness of generic drug markets across 13 high-income countries. This paper has been accepted and will be published in early October.
Healthcare utilization patterns before substance-related toxicity deaths in Ontario
Substance-related toxicities are a major public health issue in Canada, with a rapid escalation of deaths observed over the past decade. This is the third report in a series analyzing data on accidental substance-related toxicity deaths in Ontario, involving alcohol, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and/or opioids. It builds on the previous reports, with a specific emphasis on patterns of health service utilization, healthcare needs and comorbidities among people who died of any substance-related toxicity in Ontario. This report is currently being finalized for public release in the coming months.
Exploring disparities: A regional analysis of harm reduction supply distribution and opioid-related deaths across Ontario’s Public Health Units
Harm reduction supplies provided through Ontario’s Public Health Units (PHU) can help mitigate harms related to substance use among people who use drugs.?This study is assessing the geographic variation in opioid-related deaths and the distribution of harm reduction supplies among 34 PHUs?in Ontario, Canada. This study has been submitted for peer-review publication.
Trends, characteristics, and circumstances surrounding stimulant toxicity deaths in Ontario, Canada from 2018 to 2021
Across Canada, rates of drug-toxicity deaths related to non-opioid substances including stimulants continue to rise. This study outlines trends in accidental stimulant toxicity deaths and examines the demographics of the deceased and the circumstances of their deaths.?This study has been submitted for peer-review publication.?
Pathways of care following opioid toxicity among people with opioid use disorder: A multilevel cohort study
Although the care that people with opioid use disorder receive during hospitalizations for opioid toxicities present opportunities for support, initiation of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) following toxicities is low. This study aimed to determine the person, hospital and geographic-level factors associated with OAT initiation following hospital discharge for an opioid toxicity. The manuscript based on these findings has been submitted for peer-reviewed publication.?
Global trends in analgesic opioid use in pregnancy
Pain is common during pregnancy yet there are few contemporary studies of opioid utilization in pregnancy. This study aimed to describe and compare prescription analgesic opioid use during pregnancy across four regions: Oceania, North America, Northern Europe and East Asia. This manuscript?has been submitted for peer-reviewed publication.?
Safer Opioid Supply
Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) initiatives aim to provide a safer alternative for individuals with opioid use disorder, thereby reducing the risks associated with illicit opioid use. In this context, the ODPRN is currently finalizing manuscripts that seek to deepen our understanding of clinical outcomes among SOS recipients and identify predictors of discontinuation.
The following dashboards have been updated on the Ontario Opioid Indicator Tool:
Opioids for Pain?– Updated with monthly data from Jan-Mar 2024
Opioid Agonist Therapy?– Updated with monthly data from Jan-Mar 2024
Opioid-Related Harms?– Updated with annual data for 2023 and monthly data from Sept-Dec 2023
EMS Opioid Response?– Q1 2024 data
Harm Reduction?– The following indicators have been updated:
领英推荐
All data is available for download.
The drug shortages initiative is an expert-informed, researcher led project aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of drug shortages in Canada. In the final stage of this project, we are seeking feedback on the methods, phases, and the developed at-risk medicines list and framework.
NOTE: The deadline to submit feedback is September 30, 2024
The ODPRN is now accepting applications for our 2025?Drug Policy Research Student Training Program! Trainees involved in this one-year collaborative program will work towards obtaining a drug policy training research certificate through the ODPRN. Trainees will have access to online training and networking opportunities with scientific academic researchers and government representatives.
Learn more about the program and apply here. Applications are due October 29, 2024
ODPRN founder Muhammad Mamdani, Mina Tadrous (ODPRN Director of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Policy), and Doug Coyle (ODPRN Scientific Advisor)?have been recognized with the CDA’s 2024 Recognition Awards. These awards celebrate individuals advancing the science of health technology assessment (HTA), nurturing future leaders, and enhancing Canada’s reputation for excellence in the field.
September 4, 2024 | Canada Newswire |?News Article
Doug Ford wants Canada to approve drugs faster. Is that possible? University of Toronto Prof. Mina Tadrous, who researches pharmaceutical policies and drug effectiveness, said Canada does lag behind when comparisons are made to the American market from when they first get drugs.
July 15, 2024 | The Toronto Star |?News Article
Tara Gomes, principal investigator at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, says these initiatives save lives. “If we take away harm reduction as one of the options available to people, ultimately all I can see happen is we’re going to see more people losing their lives. And that terrifies me.”
July 24, 2024 | Reuters |?News Article
According to coroner’s data posted on The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network website, in the first three months of this year, there were 25 confirmed and probable drug-related deaths in Windsor-Essex
July 12, 2024 | CBC News |?News Article?|?Associated Research
The Canadian Press | September 10, 2024
CBC News | August 27, 2024
City News | August 22, 2024
CBC News | August 20, 2024
CBC News | August 13, 2024
The APT Scientific Meeting is for clinical trialists, clinical investigators, statisticians, trial methodologists, health economists, trainees, policymakers, patient advocates, and anyone interested in using, designing, and implementing platform trials.
Event registration deadline has been extended to October 1, 2024