MONTREAL
,
Oct. 8
/CNW Telbec/ - In the midst of challenging economic times, the announcement of the
Quebec
government's biopharmaceutical strategy is good news for basic pharmaceutical research and patient access to innovative medicines, said
Dawn Graham
, President of Merck Frosst
Canada
today in response to the release of the
Quebec
Pharmaceutical Strategy.
"We are very pleased to learn that Minister Clément Gignac and the Government of
Quebec
have developed a new strategy that not only encourages biopharmaceutical research and partnerships between industry, government and research leaders in the biopharmaceutical sector in
Quebec
, but also places a large emphasis on patient access to innovative medicines," said
Dawn Graham
, President of Merck Frosst.
Merck Frosst is encouraged to see that the
Quebec
Biopharmaceutical strategy includes:
- The creation of an exchange forum led by public and private industry
leaders all aiming at improving the innovation and commercialization
system.
- Greater interaction between the Ministry of Health and Social Services
and industry leaders regarding drug policy.
- Increased support for projects seeking to improve existing
biopharmaceutical technology that may significantly improve the
commercialization process.
- A campaign to inform and encourage young people to pursue careers in
the sciences as well as the development of transitional programs to
place qualified immigrants.
- Commitment to support the federal process for patent protection and
improved data protection for biopharmaceuticals in Canada.
- Financial commitment to develop a provincial interrelation initiative
comprised of leaders from the public and private biopharmaceutical
sector focusing on moving key research projects towards successful
commercialization.
The
Quebec
Biopharmaceutical Strategy stays true to the spirit of "La Politique du médicament" by seeking to improve market access, optimal use, cost management, and the maintenance of a dynamic industry, all of which contribute to the government's goals of providing a world-class health system and leading economy.
As a leader in basic pharmaceutical research in
Quebec
, Merck Frosst recognizes that a strong government strategy is critical for innovation and increased competition. Merck Frosst congratulates the government on developing a framework that will ensure a vibrant future for the
Quebec
biopharmaceutical sector and provides a strong link between health and industry goals to promote innovation and patient access.
About Merck Frosst
Canada
Ltd.
At Merck Frosst, patients come first. Merck Frosst
Canada
Ltd. is a research-driven pharmaceutical company discovering, developing and marketing a broad range of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve human health. The Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research, one of the largest biomedical research facilities in
Canada
, has the mandate to discover new therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases. Merck Frosst is one of the top 20 R&D investors in
Canada
, with an investment of
$110 million
in 2007.
Based in Montréal,
Quebec
, Merck Frosst employs more than 950 people including nearly 200 of the world's leading scientific personnel. More information about Merck Frosst is available at http://www.merckfrosst.com.
For further information: For further information: Vincent Lamoureux, Director, Communications, Merck Frosst Canada, (514) 428-3456
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