Rx&D welcomes Senate Committee report on clinical trials in Canada

OTTAWA, Nov. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) welcomes the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology's report on clinical trials in Canada. Amongst its findings, the report highlights issues with Canada's approach to intellectual property protection, ethics review boards and with the time currently required to set up a clinical trial in Canada.

"We invest over $750 million every year in clinical trials, and recognize that clinical trials are an essential part of a modern healthcare system and knowledge-based economy. Last year, we co-hosted the first ever National Clinical Trials Summit and began to address the very issues to which the Committee report speaks," said Russell Williams, President of Rx&D. "By overcoming operational barriers and inefficiencies, Canada can again be in a great position to attract more clinical trials which is critically important to Canadian patients."

The report, titled Canada's Clinical Trial Infrastructure: A Prescription for Improved Access to New Medicines—the first phase of a four-part study on medical research and innovation—takes a critical look at Canada's competitive disadvantages, such as structure and oversight, as it pertains to keeping and growing clinical trials in Canada.

"Senator Kelvin Ogilvie is a true champion for research in Canada and has worked tirelessly to help create an environment to make Canada a premier country for conducting clinical trials. He understands the need to improve our infrastructure, to attract and retain the best talent and to support excellence in medical research," added Mr. Williams. "We welcome the Senate Committee's recommendations and are working collaboratively with our partners to build a more sustainable healthcare system to better leverage our scientific excellence and robust economy, and to strengthen Canada's position in the world."

The First Annual Clinical Trial Summit was co-hosted by the Rx&D, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations. For more information on the Clinical Trial Summit and to view the An Action Plan to Health Attract More Clinical Trials to Canada, please visit http://www.canadapharma.org/view.asp?x=345 .

About Rx&D

Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community invests more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

SOURCE: CANADA'S RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES (RX&D)