July 28, 2021 [OTTAWA] – Today’s announcement by the Federal Government on biomanufacturing demonstrates its understanding of the imperative of developing domestic biomanufacturing capacity and the important role it can play in underpinning long term sustained economic growth. As the world begins to emerge from the severe human and economic impacts of the global pandemic, Canada now has an important opportunity to build from its existing strengths and establish its role in determining the next generation of solutions for healthcare and pandemic emergencies.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of the Canadian life sciences sector’s ability to urgently develop therapeutics and vaccines for a global health crisis. Canadian biotechnology companies such as AbCellera Biologics, Acuitas Therapeutics, IMV, VBI Vaccines, Precision Nanosystems, Medicago, VIDO-InterVac, brought forward key technologies, research and products which have placed Canada at the forefront of international efforts dedicated to combatting COVID 19,” commented Andrew Casey, President and CEO BIOTECanada. “With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada has clearly recognized the opportunity to build on this experience and expertise to establish the biotechnology industry as central to solving for future health crises and the economic recovery which lies ahead. The approach announced today will encourage companies of all sizes including academic research, early-stage companies and multinational commercial biotech and pharma companies to build capacity in Canada. In the long-run this will also augment Canada’s competitiveness in attracting investment and talent.”
The opportunity for Canada is to ensure the industry’s ability to produce at required scale, the
lifesaving vaccines and medicines needed in times of public health emergencies. The life sciences industry in Canada looks forward to partnering with the Government of Canada to leverage the biotech ecosystem’s existing strengths to enhance Canada’s position globally and drive the post-pandemic economic recovery. Recognizing the goal of the government to grow critical biologic-based technologies, therapies and supply chains, the industry and partners are ready to leverage the full life sciences ecosystem in order to build on the strategic investments made to date while ensuring a secure, long-term state of readiness designed to respond to future public health emergencies and needs.
For more information
Nadine Lunt
Nadine.lunt@biotech.ca
613-793-6338