What is the New Drug Funding Program (NDFP)?
The New Drug Funding Program (NDFP) is one of four publicly funded drug programs under the Ontario Public Drug Programs (OPDP). Administered by Cancer Care Ontario, the NDFP funds new, and often very expensive, cancer drugs. The program was created in 1995 to ensure that Ontario patients have equal access to high-quality IV cancer drugs. Historically, each hospital paid for its own IV cancer drugs, which led to unequal access at different hospitals across the province. Decisions were not always based on evidence about medical benefit and value for money. Now, drugs funded within the NDFP are supported by evidence from clinical guidelines, which ensure they are delivered according to the best standards of care. The NDFP covers about 75% of the overall cost of all IV cancer drugs in Ontario. Hospitals cover the remaining 25%, on older IV cancer drugs that were approved before the NDFP was established.
