BIOTECanada recognizes the announcement from the federal Minister of Health on the government’s decision to move forward with select regulatory changes governing the prices of medicines in Canada. The original broader package of proposed regulatory changes would have created barriers to access to new medicines for Canadians and would have negatively impacted the Canadian biotech ecosystem more broadly. As the Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos indicated in his statement, the pandemic has increased awareness of the importance of innovation and investment into the sector in the context of establishing a sustainable healthcare system.
BIOTECanada members are at the forefront of the development of the next generation of health care solutions including biologic based medicines and therapies for rare diseases, mRNA based products, including vaccines, cell therapies and many new dynamic technologies holding great promise for the future of healthcare solutions. As has been evident throughout the pandemic, with government and industry working collaboratively, solutions to improving and modernizing the Canadian healthcare system can ensure Canadian patients receive the best care options available. In this context, the industry welcomes the opportunity to build on the constructive relationship it has established with the government in support of the advancement of the national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, and the biomanufacturing and life sciences strategy.
BIOTECanada is the national industry association and voice with over 240 members of the biotechnology ecosystem located nationwide, reflecting the diverse nature of Canada’s health, industrial and agricultural biotechnology sectors. With unprecedented global issues including the climate crisis, food sustainability and human health needs, the biotechnology industry can play a pivotal role in solving challenges while delivering significant economic benefits, including investment and employment.
For more information
Nadine.lunt@biotech.ca
613-793-6338