Health Canada's Special Access Programs

Through the Special Access Programs (SAPs), health, dental and veterinary practitioners access non‑marketed drugs and medical devices that are not yet authorized for sale in Canada. The programs are for other treatments that have failed, are unsuitable or are unavailable.

Services and information

Overview

Information on how to request drugs, devices and veterinary drugs for public or military health emergencies.

Request a drug

How to apply for access to a non‑marketed drug for patients with serious conditions when other treatments are not an option.

Request access to a medical device

How to apply for access to a non‑marketed medical device needed for diagnosis, treatment or prevention.

Request a veterinary drug

How to apply for emergency access to non‑marketed veterinary drugs for animals in urgent situations.

Request a drug for a public or military health emergency

How to access drugs needed for a public health or military emergency.

Information for patients

How the program works, what to expect and what patients should know before a request is made.

Special access drugs: Most often requested

List of drugs most commonly requested through SAP.

Page details

From:

2026-04-08