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Canadian Clinical Research Organizations: Clinical Trials And Medical Research

Canada has over the last 30 years been a country very proactive at encouraging innovation, science and Research & Development through various incentives, tax deductions and grants. As a result of this approach, the Canadian government has enabled the creation of numerous life science innovations via private companies, hospitals, universities and institutions. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry or LC-MS-MS technology is one example of innovation and incubation that was borne from Canada’s science incubator program.

BioPharma as a Multi-Centre Early Stage CRO

Canada’s positive life science market has also enabled Early Phase Canadian Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) like BioPharma Services Inc. to thrive and grow since its inception in 2006. From a single Phase 1 company in 2006, the company has grown to become a significant multi-centre Early Stage CRO with clinic facilities in Canada and the US, providing science and bioanalytical services to clients around the world.

Today, BioPharma is able to attract global pharma and biotech companies to Canada in order to conduct critical studies like CNS, Antisense, Addiction and Oncology. These global clients are now being exposed to the incubator environment created by the Canadian government, and they too can reap the rewards of Canadian Innovation and Technology.

Further Incentivize to the Canadian Clinical Research Organizations

In order to further incentivize early-stage research and early phase clinical research in Canada, the government’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, each year, provides over $4 billion in investment tax credits to over 18,000 businesses. In fact, certain expenditures performed outside of Canada are also considered in the program. Businesses involved in research or in advancing technology to improve or develop devices, materials, products or processes may be eligible under the program.

But tax credits are not the only incentive for Canadian clinical research organizations.. It was a Canada-based epidemiologist who played a crucial role in the development of the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), which has been adopted by over 500 health care journals worldwide. Canada is home to over 40 research hospitals, 15 research universities and 17 faculties of medicine, naturally making it a world leader in terms of expertise among most developed nations.

Time is another major consideration for clinical trials. In 2002, Canadian authorities reduced regulatory roadblocks and review times for clinical trial applications. Currently, applications are generally cleared within 30 days, sooner than most countries in the world. In the US, the IND process can delay the start of Early Phase I programs, while in Europe, it can take up to 60 days or more to obtain such an approval. Canada’s CTA process does not require an IND or IMPD for clinical trial approval. In fact, data from Phase I studies conducted in Canada has and can be submitted to support a client’s IND submission to the US FDA.

Canada as a Leader In Biomedical Research

Looking at the benefits mentioned above, it’s no surprise that Canadian clinical research organizations attract about 4 per cent of the world’s clinical trials and is a leader with a strong reputation in biomedical research.

Despite all efforts made, many critics say that the programs and incentives in place have not yet given birth to a unicorn in the sector. However, with the cooperation of the government and research sponsors, Canadian clinical research organizations do have a lot of potential to expand and make Canada one of the most sought after research locations in the world. While other markets continue to seek the same investments, Canada is continuously developing on its quality standards, research and regulations.

Greater collaboration among international drug developers and Canadian contract research organizations will undoubtedly lead to the faster development of life-changing medications which have the ability to transform millions of lives.

About BioPharma Services Inc.

BioPharma Services Inc. is a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in the conduct of Phase I/IIa and Bioequivalence clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies worldwide. BioPharma has clinical facilities both in the USA and Canada with a total capacity of 300 beds with access to healthy volunteers and special populations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, BioPharma’s comprehensive services also include Bioanalysis at our GLP Certified Laboratory, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics and Safety Data Analysis (CDISC), Clinical Trial Data Management and Medical Writing.

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    Are food and accommodation provided over the course of the trial?

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    Details of the duration of a study can be found on the Volunteer Hub.

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    Wondering what to pack before your site visit? Visit our Packing List page to learn more.

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    You will receive compensation as outlined during the Informed Consent process. Typically, you will receive compensation once all study visits have been completed. If, for any reason, you do not complete all study visits, your compensation will be on a pro-rated basis (i.e. for the time that you have participated in the trial)

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    Privacy

    We respect and value the privacy of our volunteers. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy here.