Clinical studies in Quebec

Understanding the meaning of clinical studies

Some researchers and physicians dedicate their lives to clinical studies to safely and effectively treat diseases. Clinical studies are essential to develop and test new approaches and treatments for diseases. In addition, for safety purposes, each given drug are rigorously tested through clinical trials before being approved by Health Canada. Through these studies, different approaches are studied:

  • New medications

  • Studies on existing treatments

  • Innovative methods to counter or relieve symptoms

  • Prevention, detection or, screening studies

  • Different ways to diagnose diseases

Why do patients volunteer for clinical studies?

Clinical trial for untreatable disease

The last resort when the patient is faced with an untreatable disease

Clinical trial to improve treatment

To improve their current treatment

Progress of research

To contribute to the progress of research

Clinical studies and their main benefits

The main benefits of participating are:

Access to innovative care

Invaluable access to innovative care

New diagnostic tests

Benefit from new diagnostic tests

Medical follow-up

Benefit from medical follow-up

Progress of research

Contribute to the progress of research

Clinical studies in Canada

Any drug, therapy, medical device, or health product in Canada is carefully evaluated by clinical studies and a competent regulatory body.

Only if drugs or other health products pass the clinical trial and review process are they allowed to be sold on the market. This is not a simple review, but rather an assessment of :

Clinical trial safety and security

Safety and security

Clinical trial efficiency

Efficiency

Clinical trial quality

Quality

However, even if the outcome is favorable and the health product reaches the market, monitoring its effectiveness, safety, and quality is required at all times.

Quebec at the heart of clinical studies

Quebec has positioned itself as a true pioneer in clinical trials. Many elements maintain this status (1):

  • Some research centers and hospitals are among the best in the world

  • The universality of the Quebec system that links health care to research allows for a higher level of patient recruitment

  • Ethnically diverse backgrounds provides real diversity in the conduct of clinical studies in all therapeutic areas

  • The overall costs of clinical studies in Quebec are the lowest in Canada and all G7 countries

  • Experts are recognized for their discoveries and expertise in all fields at the international level

  • More than 20 centers of excellence and more than 30 incubartors

  • Global players of excellence

A justified repuation

The largest pharmaceutical companies launch more than 5,000 clinical trials annually in Canada. Note that 40% of these trials are done in Quebec (2).

Why is this so? Quebec stands out because of its medical and scientific expertise, infrastructure, and its irreproachable economic and regulatory environment for in-depth research.

In addition, Quebec is also a dynamic and innovative hub in Canada. This situation is perfect for the largest pharmaceutical companies searching for success and technology. Furthermore, Quebec is in the middle of the largest global markets (New York, Boston, and Toronto). It offers low operating costs and a more favorable and advantageous tax regime for any company or investor wishing to set up state-of-the-art research infrastructures.

To learn more, stay tuned to our upcoming blogs or contact us today:

(1) KPMG Competitive Alternatives 2016 / Financial Times fDiBenchmark, 2019

(1) Investissement Québec (investquebec.com)

(2) La Press, Industrie Pharmaceutique et innovation : Le Québec se démarque

Previous
Previous

Clinical trials: their myths and the different drug approval processes in Canada

Next
Next

Redefining Multiple Sclerosis (MS)