Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping. A new life sciences research, development, and commercialization hub will be constructed in Edmonton, March 15, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Medicine

Funding secured to build medicine production facility in Edmonton

Mar 17, 2023 | 2:07 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Albertans could soon be taking more domestically-manufactured medicines.

The Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI) is led by Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API), in partnership with the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute.

API CEO Andrew MacIsaac said they have been able to secure $106.1 million in funding from the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, and Li Ka Shing Applied Virology to build a factory in Edmonton.

He adds that the CCDI can now move ahead with construction on a new 40,000-square-foot facility that is capable of producing 70 million doses annually.

“This integration of research, commercialization and manufacturing means API can support innovators and companies through the entire drug development process, particularly during clinical trials,” said MacIssac.

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“There is significant opportunity in the life sciences sector to grow and diversify our economy, create rewarding jobs and strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness for drug manufacturing.”

According to a news release from the provincial government, the CCDI will help to build Alberta’s “life sciences talent pipeline” with a new research and development program to train scientists and technicians across the country.

The initiative is expected to support the growth of at least 60 early-stage life sciences and bio-manufacturing companies and create 350 jobs.

Funding for the CCDI will also be used to upgrade the existing API facility in Edmonton to help more early-stage companies commercialize their products.

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping believes that innovation in the health care sector is crucial as the province attempts to meet the health care needs of Albertans now and in the future.

“Having more domestic supply of crucial medicine will be a tremendous benefit as we manage health challenges that may lie ahead,” said Copping. “I want to thank everyone involved with this project for supporting our health care system.”

Federal Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Dan Vandal said Canadian firms will be provided with the resources and support they need to grow, while also increasing Canada’s competitiveness in global markets.

“This launch of the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative will help enable Canadian innovators to strengthen our local supply chain for critical medicines while supporting the expansion of early-stage companies and creating good jobs workers can rely on,” said Vandal.

Construction timelines for the new facility were not provided.

The Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association claims that only 12 per cent of generic medicines sold in Canada are produced domestically.