Ontario Fast-Tracking New Cancer Drugs
## Ontario’s FAST Program for Cancer Drugs
The Ontario goverment’s FAST (Faster Access to Specialized Therapies) program began providing access to select cancer drugs for patients in October 2025. this program aims to accelerate access to innovative cancer therapies.
### Project Orbis and Drug Selection
Drugs included in the FAST program are chosen through Project Orbis, an international collaboration designed to expedite the regulatory review of promising cancer treatments. The Ministry of Health states this initiative allows ontario to leverage international expertise in identifying and approving effective cancer therapies.
### Access to Tagrisso (Osimertinib)
Tagrisso (osimertinib), a drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, was approved in Canada by Health Canada in 2016. However, until the FAST program, access in Ontario was limited to a case-by-case basis through the Exceptional Access Program. As of 2023, the cost through the Exceptional Access program was $322.13 per 80 mg dose. The FAST program now provides broader coverage for eligible patients.
### Exceptional Access Program
The Exceptional Access Program remains available for drugs not included in the FAST program. This program provides funding on a case-by-case basis for patients who require medications not covered by the ontario Drug Benefit plan.
### Program Expansion
The Ontario government announced its intention to fast-track approvals for additional cancer drugs in the coming months following the launch of the FAST program. As of January 22, 2026, there have been no further announcements regarding specific drugs added to the FAST program beyond the initial list released in October 2025.