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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.

In order to further incentivise early-stage research and clinical trials 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 Canada offers for clinical research. 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.

Looking at the benefits mentioned above, it’s no surprise that Canada attracts 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, 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.

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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), Data Management and Medical Writing.