Overview
BIOTECanada works to create a business and regulatory climate in Canada that will bring the benefits of biotechnology to Canadians.
National Issues
BIOTECanada is working with Canadian decision-makers to build a biotechnology sector that benefits Canadians today and in the future. Leadership from Canadian governments at all levels is the key to the success of our knowledge intensive industry. Government policy commitments are required to:
- Maintain a science-based regulatory regime that will enable discovery, commercialization and market introduction of biotechnology products and processes.
- Ensure adequate IP protection for Canadian innovators
- Facilitate access to capital for emerging firms
Policy Hot Topics
The Bio-based economy: Next generation driver of Canada’s growth
To sustain our strong biotech sector and grow Canada's bio-economy, BIOTECanada called on the government to take steps to realise the full return on investment of public and privately-funded research by creating programs to support the use of the products resulting from commercialisation.
Read the BIOTECanada Submission to the 2011 Federal Budget Consultation.
Bio-economy Roundtable on Sustainable Capital Formation
Canada’s emerging,or "junior" biotechnology companies - those without a commercialised product on the market - make up 90% of the industry. These companies are developing innovative drugs, addressing food scarcity, and tackling growing environmental risks. However, over the last two years, they have reported growing difficulty in raising funds to continue these development efforts.In support of our national strategy, the Canadian Blueprint: Beyond Moose and Mountains, BIOTECanada held the Bio-economy Roundtable on Sustainable Capital Formation on June 16 in Toronto, Ontario. The event was held to identify the underlying capital formation problems affecting Canada’s junior biotechs and propose innovative alternatives to create sustainable capital for the sector.
The roundtable was comprised of a diverse group of industry experts with legal, financial, commercial, and government expertise, invited by BIOTECanada to identify, analyse, and propose innovative alternatives to create sustainable capital for Canada’s emerging biotechnology companies. The roundtable concluded with the presentation of four key recommendations in support of sustainable capital formation. Read our report and recommendations.
Strong Support for Intellectual Property needed in BioDiversity Protocol
BIOTECanada, CropLife, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and RxD jointly urged the Department of Foreign Affairs and Environment Canada to ensure strong intellectual property protection is maintained, as Canada takes part in negotiations on Biodiversity protocol. Read our letter.
BIOSIMILARS IN CANADA
Biosimilars, known in Canada as Subsequent Entry biologics (SEBs), present significant patient safety issues. BIOTECanada is working with our government to make sure SEBs are addressed through proper legislative means. Learn more about Subsequent Entry Biologics.
