BIOTECanada welcomes the launch of the National Research Council of Canada’s Biomedical Countermeasures Initiative, introduced as part of the federal government’s Defence Industrial Strategy. It is an important step in strengthening Canada’s domestic capacity to develop and manufacture diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, and help move biomedical innovation into real-world solutions in response to biological threats.
Many promising diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics stall before clinical testing because of limited funding, infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. This initiative helps bridge this gap by supporting early-to-mid-stage collaborative research through to clinical proof of concept.
This commitment by the federal government sends a strong signal that biotechnology is a strategic sector for Canada. Across our membership and the broader ecosystem, Canadian biotech companies bring the science, talent, partnerships, and manufacturing strength needed to help build domestic capacity and strengthen Canadian innovation. We’re proud to see the strength of Canada’s biotech sector recognized in this way and look forward to the role our members can play in supporting Canada’s readiness for the future. For more information on the Biomedical Countermeasures Initiative, visit: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-collaboration/programs/biomedical-countermeasures-initiative