Invigorating the Biopharmaceutical Sector’s Contribution to Canada’s Health Research and Innovation Ecosystem
Background
The biopharmaceutical sector plays an important role in Canada’s health research and innovation ecosystem—partnering with academic research organizations, health systems and health charities to sponsor clinical trials essential to bringing innovative medicines to patients, support the commercialization of discoveries arising from Canada’s research centres, fund research chairs and scholarships to develop Canada’s scientific talent pool, and contribute to health system modernization.
Stakeholders have expressed concern that Canada’s approach to biopharmaceutical policy, regulation and adoption, including proposed amendments to Canada’s Patented Medicines Regulations, may erode the viability of the Canadian pharmaceutical market and weaken industry partnerships essential to the competitiveness, resilience and vitality of our health research and innovation ecosystem.
Research Canada, with the support of Shift Health, convened an Expert Advisory Panel to lead an independent study examining the role that industry plays in Canadian health research and innovation and the potential impact that decreased industry involvement may have on the ecosystem at large.
Expert Advisory Panel
Research Canada assembled an Expert Advisory Panel of leaders across Canada’s health research and innovation ecosystem—with representation from academic and research institutions, healthcare providers, not-for-profit organizations, and the investment community.
Professor of Medicine and Former Vice-Principal of Research and Innovation, McGill University
Research Canada Chair
Panel Chair
Director, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
Director, Canadian Center for Vaccinology
Executive President, CATALIS Québec
Program Head, Pharmacy Technician Program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic
President and CEO, adMare BioInnovations
Emerita Professor and Former Dean of Medicine, University of Toronto
Executive VP Science and Research, UHN
High-level Approach
For this study, we:
- Gathered perspectives from Advisory Panel members on the impact of the biopharmaceutical sector on Canada’s health research and innovation ecosystem through one-on-one interviews;
- Substantiated insights gathered through discussions with Advisory Panel members with evidence from the literature; and
- Developed and validated an overarching thesis, key messages and supporting evidence points through a series of four group discussions with the Advisory Panel.
Output
The following report presents a synthesis of the key themes emerging from the panel’s discussions, including supporting evidence of relevance uncovered through secondary research.
The aim of this report is to highlight critical considerations for ongoing discussions with stakeholders and decision-makers on approaches to optimizing industry’s contribution to the Canadian health research and innovation ecosystem for the benefit of the health and wealth of the people of Canada.
