Ontario becomes first province to publicly fund encorafenib for BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer
Ontario has become the first province in Canada to publicly fund encorafenib (Braftovi) for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer, through a program designed to fast-track access to priority cancer treatments.
What is the FAST program?
Ontario’s Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments (FAST) program creates a faster path from regulatory approval to public drug coverage for cancer therapies. Encorafenib is the first Pfizer therapy to receive priority access through this program, following a positive reimbursement recommendation from the Canadian Drug Agency.
The average wait time for oncology drugs to reach public funding in Canada is approximately 18.9 months – a significant burden for patients with advanced cancer. The FAST program aims to close that gap.
What does this mean for patients?
- Ontario patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer can now access publicly funded encorafenib without waiting for standard reimbursement timelines.
- Encorafenib must be used in combination with cetuximab (and chemotherapy, depending on the indication) and requires confirmation of the BRAF V600E mutation through validated testing.
- Patients in other provinces are not yet covered – advocates are calling on remaining provinces and territories to launch similar fast-track programs.
“As a colorectal cancer survivor myself, I know the diagnosis can be devastating, and for patients with a BRAF V600E mutation, the prognosis can be particularly challenging. Accelerated access in Ontario represents a victory for precision medicine.”
— Barry Stein, President, Colorectal Cancer Canada
***
May 26, 2026
