What’s Pharma’s role in sustaining Canadian healthcare?
Envisioning a new era of collaboration between governments and the life sciences industry (Issue #319, 1,100 words, 5.3 minutes)
Good morning, and welcome to the NPC Healthbiz Weekly e-newsletter from the National Pharmaceutical Congress and Chronicle Companies.
One of the critical factors in achieving sustainability in Canadian healthcare is the high-stakes dance of innovation and regulation between the pharmaceutical industry and government, according to a panel discussion at the 18th Annual National Pharmaceutical Congress. The days of rigid silos and arm's-length negotiations are gone—now both sides are recognizing their interdependence as the country deals with mounting healthcare costs and an aging population.
Andrew Casey, President and CEO of BIOTECanada, highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic catalyzed change, compelling governments to recognize the critical need to strengthen domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sectors. He pointed out that collaboration between the federal agency Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Department of Health and Human Services Canada marked a departure from previous isolated efforts. “The pandemic might have been the best thing that happened to this industry for several reasons,” Casey noted.
“Governments worldwide, including Canada, recognized the need to fix the lack of bio-manufacturing and life sciences capacity,” he said. Casey underscored the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem that integrates global pharmaceutical companies and Canadian innovators to help secure a sustainable healthcare future.
Angelina Brathwaite, Director in Life Sciences and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leader at Brunel Canada, noted that building a sustainable healthcare system requires more than just financial investment and government collaboration. She emphasized the crucial role of talent sustainability. “We all have to contribute to sustainable talent through mentorship, inclusion and development,” she said. “Diversity in teams strengthens innovation and resilience, and it’s vital for sustainable talent.”
Brathwaite also addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by a multi-generational workforce. She said that adapting to the diverse needs and diverse needs and preferences is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. This includes providing flexible learning opportunities for middle-aged employees, balancing career growth with family responsibilities, and embracing tech-based learning approaches that resonate with younger employees.
Peter Brenders highlighted the growing concerns surrounding the sustainability of Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system. The former General Manager at BeiGene, Brenders, referenced data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding the escalating costs in hospitals and doctor-related services, which, he argued, should be the primary focus for those worried about the system’s long-term viability. He emphasized the need to balance these costs with the benefits delivered by pharmaceutical and public health interventions while considering Canadians' increasing life expectancy.
THIS WEEK 02/25/25
Health Canada authorized Roche Canada’s inavolisib film-coated tablets (Itovebi) in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Biocon Biologics announced the U.S. FDA’s approval of ustekinumab-kfce (Yesintek) as a biosimilar to Stelara (ustekinumab) for the treatment of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Apotex entered into a strategic licensing agreement under which it will have the exclusive Canadian rights to Grünenthal’s Qutenza, a topical, non-systemic, non-opioid pain patch for the management of neuropathic pain.
The U.S. FDA approved Ono Pharmaceutical Co.’s vimseltinib (Romvimza), a kinase inhibitor, for adult patients with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumours for which surgical resection may cause worsening functional limitation or severe morbidity.
NOW LISTEN UP: HERE’S TOM SLOWE OF BREADCRUMB ANALYTICS
In season 13 of the NPC Podcast, Tom Slowe, CEO of Breadcrumb Analytics, gives insights into using AI to sort and sift through statistics, the importance of context with data, and why AI should only supplement human work. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. You can listen to the podcast here.
Aldona Armstrong,
Commercial Solutions Lead, Immunology
UCB
Season 12, Episode 02
Listen to this episode here
How are you using technology to improve patient support and patient outcomes?
I’m going to answer that question in three buckets.
First, UCB is a deeply scientific company. While we’re less focused on business, we prioritize scientific innovation. Beyond the molecules in our current pipeline, we have over 140 global academic partnerships, fund over 12 early-stage biotech companies, and support over 100 projects to drive meaningful impact.
Second, innovation extends beyond the pill. We are committed to improving access to healthcare and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Recently, we created a global role in Canada to lead a pilot project in Ontario aimed at streamlining patient access, reducing delays in diagnosis, and working with the government to improve triaging and specialist referrals. It's unacceptable that some patients wait five to seven years for a diagnosis.
Third, we leverage technology in day-to-day operations to connect with physicians and patients. We use email, webinars, and digital tools to enhance patient support programs. Canadians are among the most digitally savvy populations, and they expect seamless, convenient access to healthcare. They don’t want to wait on hold—they want interactive websites, texting options, and real-time support. We must continue learning from the consumer product industry to integrate these innovations into patient care ethically and compliantly.
INTRODUCING DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS and the DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS DEEP DIVE PODCAST
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