Rx&D and the 2010-2013 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy: A Shared
Vision, A Common Direction

OTTAWA, June 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Russell Williams, President of Rx&D, and Claude Perron, Chair of Rx&D's Quebec Committee and Vice President and General Manager of Shire Canada Inc., issued the following statement today in response to the 2010-2013 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS) presented by Clément Gignac, Quebec's Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

"In releasing the QRIS, the government once again unequivocally confirms its intent to continue supporting innovation in Quebec. This is welcome news for our member companies, whose very activities are driven by innovation. Funding for life sciences technology startups, along with measures to support the commercialization of innovation and research partnerships, are promising initiatives for Quebec. We are therefore very pleased to welcome the QRIS, as it gives Quebec an additional tool with which to uphold the '15 year rule' - a provision unique to the province - that recognizes the risks inherent in innovation, and the Quebec Drug Policy and Biopharmaceutical Strategy, key elements that are essential for the success of Quebec's integrated approach," said Mr. Williams.

"We must keep in mind that if Quebec wants to remain a world leader amid fierce international competition, it must continually re-examine and improve the conditions that enable us to attract substantial research investments for pharmaceutical innovation. There is a direct correlation between our ability to attract business and the efforts we make in this regard. A good example of this can be found in the 2007 Drug Policy, which identified four pillars: access to new medicines, optimum usage of medicines, fair and reasonable pricing, and the maintenance of a thriving research-based pharmaceutical industry in Quebec. One indicator of the industry's dynamism is the fact that while Quebec has less than 25% of Canada's total population, it has attracted 45% of the country's R&D investment.

"There is no doubt that the research-based pharmaceutical industry makes a significant contribution to Quebecers' health and economic prosperity. With 28 international pharmaceutical companies, Quebec is home to Canada's highest concentration of pharmaceutical company head offices, as well as manufacturing or research operations of 12 of the 15 largest international pharmaceutical groups," Mr. Williams added.

"We share the desire that the government has expressed in the QRIS to expand Quebec's productivity and competitiveness through innovation, which must always be made accessible to Quebecers. Our industry is already making significant contributions in this regard, establishing numerous partnerships with Quebec universities and research centers and making R&D investments that have averaged $450 million per year for the past ten years," said Mr. Perron.

"Quebec can continue to count on the research-based pharmaceutical industry's commitment to innovation as well as the various tools and partnerships that have been put in place to further success. We share both its vision and its direction, which are essential for the future for Quebec," concluded Mr. Williams.

About Rx&D

Rx&D is an association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of all Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents over 15,000 men and women working for 50 member companies and 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.

For further information: François Lessard, Communications, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]