Yes. We are taking steps to help Canadians with rare diseases, as well as to support their physicians. It is an area that affects a small number of people when compared with the general population. Some of these diseases affect only a few Canadians, but all together, thousands are suffering with a disease and need effective treatments.
We recognize there is a unique circumstance of rare disease that requires a new framework for the authorization of treatment that makes the most of informed scientific judgment and enhanced international collaboration. The new framework we've announced will provide greater predictability for drug companies to develop and market orphan drugs in Canada and will also help patients with rare diseases to participate in their own health care and gain access to needed treatments.
A key focus of this new approach will be on sharing information internationally when developing and regulating particular drugs. This will also help pool the scarce resources for maximum benefit. Once authorized, the drugs will continue to be closely monitored for effectiveness and safety while in use.
The proposed framework is in its final design stage and will go through public consultation. Comments and feedback are being gathered during the consultation and will be incorporated into the overall version of the proposal.