Drug Assessment Working Group Systematic Review Report Efficacy and safety of adjuvanted herpes zoster subunit vaccine October 2018 Background Herpes zoster (HZ) or “shingles” infection occurs through the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the sensory ganglia. The outbreak typically presents as a unilateral vesiculopustular rash along a dermatome, with accompanying … [Read more...]
The Drug Assessment Working Group (DAWG) is committed to analyze scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies used in Canada. They systematically review and, when appropriate, critically appraise research relevant to new and existing drugs. Often the goal is to discover whether a new drug provides a therapeutic advantage over existing similar drug therapy for a clinical condition.
The Therapeutics Initiative has a dedicated team of researchers that is committed to the highest standards of research. In addition to reports on various new and existing drugs, the DAWG also contributes to the federal Common Drug Review (CDR), a national program set up to reduce duplication, and provide equal access to high level evidence and expert advice, thereby contributing to the quality and sustainability of Canadian public drug plans. The DAWG has contributed to many of the CDR reviews.
Below is a list of completed DAWG reports with links to the executive summaries.
A systematic review of the comparative effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of adult patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease
This systematic review was produced by the Drug Assessment Working Group of the Therapeutics Initiative at the request of the Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) of the British Columbia Ministry of Health as part of the Drug Effectiveness Review Project (DERP), a class review of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic GERD or PUD. Research … [Read more...]
Cochrane review: Probiotics for preventing urinary tract infections in adults and children
Check out our new Cochrane review: Probiotics for preventing urinary tract infections in adults and children. Conclusions: "No significant benefit was demonstrated for probiotics compared with placebo or no treatment, but a benefit cannot be ruled out as the data were few, and derived from small studies with poor methodological reporting. There was limited information on harm and mortality with … [Read more...]
A Systematic Review of Intravitreal Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
Journal Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2012 Authors Fortin, P., Mintzes, B., and Innes, M. A Link to article http://www.cadth.ca/en/products/rapid-response/publication/3360 … [Read more...]
Ganciclovir and valganciclovir for the preemptive treatment of CMV in adult patients who have undergone allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Introduction Pharmaceutical Services Division requested a systematic review of intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir for preemptive therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients. Drug Ganciclovir is indicated for treatment of CMV retinitis in immuno-compromised patient and prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients. It inhibits viral … [Read more...]
Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic hepatitis B
Introduction Pharmaceutical Services Division requested an updated systematic review of peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, previously reviewed by the Therapeutics Initiative in November 2006. Drug Peginterferon alfa-2a injection (Pegasys) is categorized as an anti-viral compound and as a biological response modifier. The recommended dose is 180μg once … [Read more...]
OROS methylphenidate (Concerta) for the treatment of children and adults with ADHD
Introduction Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) requested an update to the 2006 Therapeutics Initiative review of Concerta (OROS MPH) for the treatment of children and adults with ADHD. The 2006 report included a systematic review in children and adolescents with ADHD. The recent submission includes additional new information in children and adolescents and also an additional new indication, … [Read more...]
Clindamycin phosphate 2% vaginal cream (Clindesse) for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Introduction Pharmaceutical Services Division (PSD) requested a systematic review of Clindesse for the treatment of non-pregnant women ≥ 18 years of age with bacterial vaginosis. Drug Clindesse is a semi-solid white cream containing 2% clindamycin phosphate, which is a water-soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7 (S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the … [Read more...]
Clopidogrel for the treatment of adult patients following acute coronary syndrome
Introduction: this is an update of the November 2004 Therapeutics Initiative systematic review report. Research questions: “Are there any clinical advantages to the use of clopidogrel, in combination with ASA, for twelve months as compared to thirty days in medically treated patients following ACS (unstable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction)?” “Are there any incremental risks … [Read more...]
Rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Introduction: This report is an updated systematic review of rituximab done by CDR in November 2006 and also attempts to answer the 2 research questions stated below. Drug Rituximab is categorized as anti-neoplastic. It is indicated “in combination with methotrexate (MTX) to reduce signs and symptoms in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA who have had an inadequate response or … [Read more...]
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