The Drug Assessment Working Group (DAWG) is committed to analyze scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies used in Canada. The DAWG systematically reviews and, when appropriate, critically appraises 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 CADTH drug reimbursement review process, 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.
Below is a selection of completed DAWG reports.
Background information of the condition Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer: Cancer is a major risk factor for VTE with the 12-month cumulative incidence of recurr
This is the summary of a systematic review assessing the comparative safety and efficacy of Seasonale (ethinyl estradiol 30 μg, levonorgestrel 150 μg, extended 91-day cycle), in
This is the summary of an update of the February 2005 Therapeutics Initiative systematic review of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Drug Imiquimo
This is a summary of a systematic review of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet) ointment in the treatment of adult patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Drug Dovobet (cal
Background Information of the Condition Bipolar disorder Type I is characterized by at least one manic episode, with or without major depression. Patients are often symptomatically
Background Information of the Condition Chronic bronchitis is a subset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease defined by a productive cough for at least 3 months in duration in e
Background Information of the Condition Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from infection, particularly among elderly and hospitalized patients.1 Diagnosis is based on history
Background Information of the Condition Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from infection, particularly among elderly and hospitalized patients. 1 Diagnosis is based on histor
Background Information of the Condition Chronic bronchitis is a subset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease defined by a productive cough for at least 3 months in duration in e
Belorussian translation (courtesy of Nadejda Dobkina): http://onlinepharmacycheck.com/~doc/mesalamine-active-be Background information of the condition: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is