Overview

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) is the national association representing over 20,000 men and women who work for more than 50 research-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada. Approximately 10,000 medical researchers are employed as a result of our member companies' investment in R&D. Of this total, about 4,000 work within Rx&D member companies and an estimated 6,000 work at universities, hospitals and research institutions. Member companies share a single primary objective: to discover new medicines that improve the quality of health care available for every Canadian.

Comprised of companies of all sizes, Rx&D member companies are part of the global pharmaceutical industry whose members are responsible for developing in excess of 90% of the medicines available today.

Our Mission

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies improve the quality of life of all Canadians and enhance our health care system by fostering the discovery, development and availability of new medicines and vaccines.

Our Objectives

• To conduct and promote health research in Canada;
• To strive for full access to innovative medicines for all Canadians;
• To inform Canadians about the contribution of the research-based pharmaceutical companies in improving their quality of life;
• To communicate the role of Canada's research-based pharmaceutical companies in the advancement of an effective, integrated and accessible health care system;
• To work cooperatively with our partners in Canada's health care system;
• To promote a competitive intellectual property protection and regulatory framework that encourages the discovery and development of new medicines in Canada;
• To communicate high standards of safety and quality of medicines; and,
• To educate health professionals and consumers in the optimal use of medications.

A Capsule History

• Founded on April 23rd, 1914 by representatives of ten pharmaceutical and toilet products companies. Name: Canadian Association of Manufacturers of Medicinal and Toilet Products.
   
• Rationale for establishing Association: "the mutual benefit and advancement of those interested in the manufacture of medicinal and toilet products."
   
• In initial years, membership in Association was made up of individuals, rather than companies.
   
• In 1915, name was changed to Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.
   
• Goals of Association in the ‘20s: to produce pharmaceutical and biologics, to carry on research, and to market products in an ethical manner. (The term "ethical" refers to the marketing of products to the medical profession, rather than directly to the public.)
   
• By 1924, the Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association was made up of three distinct divisions – pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and physicians supplies.
   
• During the early and mid ‘50s, the activities of the Association were managed by a Board of Directors and a General Manager. In 1956 a full time operation, with offices in Toronto was established. By 1958, Association consisted of membership of major pharmaceutical companies.
   
• In 1965 Association again changed its name to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada (PMAC).
   
• In 1969, by virtue of Bill C-102, compulsory licenses to import patented pharmaceuticals into Canada came into effect. (Compulsory licenses to manufacture patented pharmaceuticals had been available since 1923.)
   
• In 1983, the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, the Honourable André Ouellet, announced a review of Section 41 of the Patent Act.
   
• In 1984, the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, the Honourable Judy Erola, announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the pharmaceutical industry.
   
• In December 1987, the pharmaceutical clause of Bill C-22 (Amendments to the Patent Act) came into effect. By that time, the membership in the Association stood at 71 companies.
   
• In 1993, Bill C-91, further amendments to the Patent Act came into effect.
   
• On May 1, 1999, PMAC became Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). The name reflects the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry in Canada over the past decade, and mirrors the mission of its member companies to continually improve the ability to treat, manage, prevent, and cure the illnesses which affect the lives of all Canadians.
     
• June 14, 2001 - Bill S-17, an Act to Amend the Patent Act receives Royal Assent. The Act brought Canada into compliance with the Word Trade Organization ruling in 2000 that Canada was not complying with certain aspects of the Trade Related-aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) Agreement.
   
• June 5, 2003 – The Quebec Board of Continuing Medical Education, (CEMCQ) and Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies, (Rx&D) launch a joint code of ethics for medical organizations responsible for continuing medical education activities and the pharmaceutical community.
   
• May 14, 2004 – An Act to amend the Patent Act and the Food and Drugs Act – The Jean Chrétien Pledge to Africa, receives Royal Assent. The Act, subsequently renamed Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime, establishes the legal framework for this humanitarian legislation.
   
• January 6, 2005 – Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D), together with the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), announces its support for the creation of an international registry of clinical trials. The portal is launched in March 2006.
   
• October 4, 2005 – A PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada study finds that the research-based pharmaceutical community in Canada employs more than 20,000 people. In addition, 77, 000 indirect jobs are created as the result of activities of Rx&D member companies for a total of nearly 100,000 jobs.
   
• December 6, 2005 – New Guiding Principles further strengthen and improve Rx&D’s Code of Conduct. Improvements to the Code were made in consultation with the Canadian Medical Association, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Ontario and Quebec pharmacists associations, the Pharmaceutical Advertising and Advisory Board, and provincial nursing chapters, to name a few. The new Guiding Principles are in effect since January 2006.
   
• June 14, 2006 - The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) adopts a new, updated version of its Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practice. This Code sets out standards for the ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals and for member companies’ interactions with them
   
• October 18, 2006 - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) supports the federal government for approving an eight years data protection. By this action, the federal government meets Canada's obligations under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
   
• February 1, 2007 – The Quebec Government recognizes our industry’s commitment to better health and implemented a new drug policy which recognizes the value of innovative medicines in improving health outcomes and strengthening the health-care system and the economy.