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Bio-pharma

Canada’s Bio-pharma Sector

Healthy results for investors

From the identification of the gene that blocks HIV from multiplying, to research into novel alternatives to antibiotics, Canada is at the forefront of discovery – and the bio-pharma sector is leading the way. Human health represents over half of all life science companies in Canada, 70% of all revenues, and close to 90% of all R&D. Canada leads the G8 in growth of health research patents, and ranks fourth internationally. Industry leaders are carving out global niches in numerous growth areas, thanks to some of the best research hospitals, educational institutions and research centres in the world. Consider Canada’s 20-year patent protection, exceptional R&D tax advantages, large pool of post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers, and the potential for innovation is limited only by your imagination.

Look what Canada has to offer

  • A $19 billion domestic biopharmaceutical market with exports of $6.3 billion – 80% to the US
  • 5 Canadian cities are renowned for their number of life science related graduates
  • Canada has the highest rate of increase in the G7 in life sciences R&D workers, external patent applications and business expenditures on R&D, and the lowest life sciences labour costs
  • Most major pharmaceutical companies have manufacturing and R&D facilities in Canada– including small molecule and biologics facilities from pilot to commercial scale
  • One of the most attractive and consistent R&D tax incentive systems in the world

Canada’s Bio-pharma strengths

  • Discovery & characterization of therapeutic molecules
  • Genomics & proteomics platforms
  • Vaccines & immuno-therapeutics
  • Regenerative medicine & stem cell research
  • Drug formulation & delivery systems
  • Biologics & fine chemical synthesis
  • Clinical research

"On an annual basis our industry generates $12.0 Billion in economic activity and provides employment and training for over 100,000 people across Canada. The sector also supports more than 20,000 scientists, clinical investigators, other researchers and staff. Importantly, public and private sector partnerships are a cornerstone to maximizing our return-on-investment in health research, innovation and commercialization."

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

Where Canada excels

Research & Development

From breakthrough discovery to Phase 3 clinical trials, over $1.3 billion was spent on biopharma-related research in Canada in 2007, conducted by some 30,000 investigators in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, hospitals and clinical centres across the country. Canada’s research sector is known for applying advanced technologies and sophisticated methods, quickly recruiting patients, adhering strictly to Good Laboratory, Clinical and Manufacturing Practices and generating high-quality, robust data.

Manufacturing

Easy access and close proximity to US markets have motivated many major bio-pharma firms to set up manufacturing facilities in Canada. Some of the world’s largest drug manufacturers such as GSK and Sanofi-Aventis are drawn to Canada by its expertise in Good Manufacturing Practices and reputation as a high-quality, cost-competitive location for North American manufacturing.

Pharma Services

Canada is home to top-notch development, clinical research and manufacturing services employed by the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. Numerous world-class contract service companies provide first-rate support to multinational clients on a wide array of essential R&D activities, contributing to the growth of the bio-pharmaceuticals sector.

Bio-Pharma Centres of Excellence

Canada is committed to establishing the conditions conducive to innovation and commercialization. An array of federally-funded, world-class research institutes and centres of excellence nurture discovery and encourage industry to run with the results. Many of these centres focus specifically on human health research, such as:

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) advance research and facilitate commercialization of technologies, products and services. These centres operate in priority areas of Canada’s Science &Technology Strategy, including health.

Clusters of innovation

Toronto is home to one of the largest biopharmaceutical clusters and medical communities in North America. Its numerous research hospitals and specialized institutions, such as the Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research and the Medical and Related Sciences (MARS) project, receive over $400 million annually in research funds and have made Toronto the focal point for world-leading research in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. As a distribution hub with a network of medical suppliers, Toronto also has a highly advanced base of drug manufacturing. The city has attracted global bio-pharma giants such as Bayer, Eli Lilly, GSK and Sanofi Pasteur.

Montréal’s large bio-pharmaceutical cluster has capabilities ranging from fundamental research to the development and commercialization of innovative products. The cluster benefits from a wealth of expertise in clinical research and a core of dynamic entrepreneurs in bioinformatics and medical technologies. The city is home to manufacturers of both patented and generic products, employing roughly 15,000 people. Montréal also holds a leading reputation in R&D, boasting top level expertise in vaccine production and in the bio-manufacturing of therapeutic proteins. It hosts renowned international research centers such as McGill University and the Génome Québec Innovation Centre, as well as the Biotechnology Research Institute. Major firms including AstraZeneca, GSK, Merck Frosst, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis and Wyeth operate in Montréal.

Vancouver’s bio-pharmaceutical sector is anchored by two of the world’s first profitable bio-pharma companies: QLT and Angiotech. The local industry is made up of more than 90 companies employing 2,200 workers and generating annual revenues of approximately $779 million. The province’s BC Cancer Agency, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the University of British Columbia, all located in the city, house world leading research facilities.

Foreign-Owned Multinationals

Leading Canadian companies

For More Information

Bio-pharma Specialist

Christian Carswell
Senior Business Advisor Pharmaceuticals and Services
Telephone: 613-943-4385

Brad Millson
Investment Advisor