Skip to Main content

12.91°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jan 13, 2022 11:13 PM - The Canadian Press

Health Canada 7 to 10 days from decision on Pfizer antiviral drug

Share On

health-canada-7-to-10-days-from-decision-on-pfizer-antiviral-drug

Health Canada's chief medical adviser says a decision on Pfizer's antiviral treatment for COVID-19 is expected in seven to 10 days. (Photo - The Canadian Press)

Health Canada's chief medical adviser says a decision on Pfizer's antiviral treatment for COVID-19 is expected in seven to 10 days.

But Supriya Sharma says the department reached out to Pfizer asking for shipments of the drug before approval, using regulations that allow medications approved elsewhere to be used in Canada when there is an urgent health need.

Sharma says the company said no because it didn't have any supply to send.

Canada has a contract to buy one million doses of Paxlovid but Pfizer spokeswoman Christina Antoniou says information on shipments to Canada won't be provided until Health Canada approves the drug.

The United States and the United Kingdom approved the antiviral in December and several Canadian doctors want Canada to immediately give the drug the go ahead here as the surging Omicron variant strains hospitals yet again.

Sharma says Pfizer's initial submission to Canada for approval on Dec. 1 was incomplete and more data was still coming in within the last week but she expects a decision will be made as early as next week.

Latest news

four-arrested-after-alleged-200-000-casino-fraud-scheme-in-vancouver

Four arrested after alleged $200,000 casino fraud scheme in Vancouver

Four people have been arrested in Vancouver following an investigation into an alleged casino cheating scheme that police say defrauded a local casino of more than $200,000. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia said the arrests were made May 5, one day after investigators were alerted to suspected cheating activity at a Vancouver casino. The investigation began after the Independent Gambling Control Office identified irregularities during casino play, according to a police statement. Police said two men and two women were arrested and later released pending charge a

pm-mark-carney-calls-for-renewed-canada-u-s-partnership-during-new-york-speech

CanadaMay 28, 2026

PM Mark Carney calls for renewed Canada–U.S. partnership during New York speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney called on the United States to build a renewed and stronger partnership with Canada during a speech in New York, saying both countries need deeper cooperation in key sectors amid growing global competition. Carney said Canada is now more resilient and confident than in previous years and positioned the country as a reliable partner for the United States, particularly in the energy sector. He said Canada is capable of helping meet American energy needs while supporting stability in North American supply chains. Addressing the issue of Chinese electric vehicles enterin

CanadaMay 28, 2026

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel health measures for visitors arriving from high-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over the spread of Ebola. In a joint statement, the three host countries said protecting the health and safety of residents and international visitors during the North American tournament remains a top priority. The measures follow a recent World Health Organization declaration warning that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread to neighbouring countries. According to the Worl

Conservative MP introduces bill to repeal B.C. oil tanker ban

Conservative MP David MacKenzie, who represents Calgary Signal Hill, has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons seeking to repeal the federal oil tanker ban along British Columbia’s northern coast. Bill C-264 is currently at second reading. The federal restriction, which came into force in 2019, prohibits oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and certain petroleum products from loading or unloading along much of B.C.’s northern coastline. The legislation was introduced as part of federal marine and environmental protection measures. Speaking in the House

ucp-backs-alberta-remaining-in-canada-after-public-split-over-separation-stance

AlbertaMay 28, 2026

UCP backs Alberta remaining in Canada after public split over separation stance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the United Conservative Party supports Alberta remaining in Canada following conflicting public statements from party leadership ahead of a proposed fall referendum on separation. The clarification came after UCP president Rob Smith said earlier this week the party would not take a position on Alberta separation before the vote. Danielle Smith has repeatedly stated she supports Alberta staying within Confederation. In a new statement issued Wednesday, the party said it supports Alberta remaining in Canada and “has always supported that position.” The dis

Related News

PM Mark Carney calls for renewed Canada–U.S. partnership during New York speech

PM Mark Carney calls for renewed Canada–U.S. partnership during New York speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney called on the United States to build a renewed and stronger partnership with Canada during a speech in New York, saying both countries need deeper cooperation in key sectors amid growing global competition. Carney said Canada is now more resilient and confident than in previous years and positioned the country as a reliable partner for the United States, particularly in the energy sector. He said Canada is capable of helping meet American energy needs while supporting stability in North American supply chains. Addressing the issue of Chinese electric vehicles enterin

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

U.S., Canada and Mexico announce joint Ebola travel measures ahead of FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated travel health measures for visitors arriving from high-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over the spread of Ebola. In a joint statement, the three host countries said protecting the health and safety of residents and international visitors during the North American tournament remains a top priority. The measures follow a recent World Health Organization declaration warning that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spread to neighbouring countries. According to the Worl

Daytime knife-point robbery at Surrey jewelry store under investigation

Daytime knife-point robbery at Surrey jewelry store under investigation

Surrey Police Service is investigating a daytime robbery at a jewelry store located in the Payal Business Centre in Surrey. Police say the suspect fled after stealing jewelry during the incident, which took place in the middle of the day. According to SPS media relations officer Staff Sgt. Ali Gales, officers were called to the area near 128 Street and 81 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a robbery at the business. Police said the suspect allegedly stole several pieces of jewelry from the store before fleeing the scene. Reports indicate jewelry being worn by the

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital