API and the University of Alberta Break Ground in Edmonton on Canada’s Largest Manufacturing Facility for Critical Medicines
June 20 2024 - 10:30AM
Construction is set to begin on a crucial pharmaceutical
manufacturing facility in the Edmonton Research Park that will
provide Canadians with access to a stable supply of high-demand,
critical drugs at the most difficult of times.
A result of a collaboration between Applied Pharmaceutical
Innovation (API) and the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing
Applied Virology Institute, the Critical Medicines Production
Centre (CMPC) is the cornerstone of the $200 million Canadian
Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI) — a strategy devised in the wake of
the COVID-19 pandemic to secure supply chain resilience and
solidify Alberta’s and Canada’s position as a pharmaceutical
leader.
Officially unveiled at today’s groundbreaking ceremony, the
83,000+ square-foot facility will be unique in Canada with its
ability to produce more than 70 million doses of a product a year
and a critical sprint capacity to fill the needs of Canada in under
100 days. Benefits include improved patient access to needed
medicines, enhanced hospital operations, and the addition of
much-needed capacity to produce and manufacture therapeutic drugs
here at home. One of the first products of the facility, Propofol,
is a critical hospital drug. Shortages of Propofol can lead to
surgery cancellations and delays.
With support from all orders of government, CCDI is a
significant contributor to Alberta’s burgeoning biomanufacturing
and life sciences sector, creating more than 350 jobs in Alberta
and notable additional employment in spin-off industries.
Investment includes $80.5 million in federal funding through
PrairiesCan, $17.6 million from the Government of Alberta, and City
of Edmonton approval of the lease required to build the CMPC in the
Edmonton Research Park.
Construction for the CMPC is set to be completed by 2026. See
renderings courtesy of START Architecture and CRB Consulting
Engineers, Inc. here.
For media inquiries, contact:
Tessa VriendDirector, Engagement & Brand,
API780-674-7199tessa.vriend@appliedpharma.ca |
Michael BrownMedia Strategist, University of
Alberta780-977-1411 michael.brown@ualberta.ca |
Quotes“The Critical Medicines Production Centre
will be a game changer for the Prairies and all of Canada in
producing critical, life-saving medicines. Our government is proud
to partner with all levels of government, industry, and academia as
we take this major step towards bringing new bio-manufacturing
capacity to the province, creating high-value jobs for Albertans,
and improving healthcare for everyone.” - The
Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan
“Alberta is a leader in life science research and technology
commercialization. Our investment in API will accelerate the
development of new, groundbreaking medical technologies and
strengthen Alberta's healthcare system.” -
Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation,
Government of Alberta
"This groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for our city
and region. Growing and diversifying Edmonton's economy is a
priority for City Council, so we're thrilled that API and the
University of Alberta are establishing the Critical Medicines
Production Centre right here in the Edmonton Research Park. This
project will result in strong jobs in R&D, and pharmaceutical
manufacturing for Edmontonians today and in the future, and will
help attract new talent to our burgeoning life sciences
industry." - Councillor Keren Tang, Ward
Karhiio, City of Edmonton
“The Critical Medicines Production Centre will enable Alberta to
produce a wide range of high-demand medicines. And it will do so
much more than that – it will accelerate health innovation in the
province, helping to further diversify Alberta’s economy, creating
new jobs and opportunities for investment, and reducing barriers to
commercialization and talent attraction.” -
Aminah Robinson Fayek, Vice-President (Research and Innovation),
University of Alberta
“The CMPC will catalyze the expansion of the life sciences
industry and fortify Canada's readiness against present and future
pandemics as well as other threats that impact the global medicine
supply chain. Additionally, it will drive the research and
development of medications targeting prevalent diseases lacking
preventive measures. Through these efforts, we aim to safeguard and
enhance lives globally.” - Sir Michael
Houghton, Director, Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute,
University of Alberta and Chief Scientific Officer, Applied
Pharmaceutical Innovation
“Alberta can and should be a leader in discovering and
manufacturing the critical medicines that will save and improve
lives. The CMPC and the broader CCDI are tremendous steps forward
towards building this role. This initiative will create potentially
thousands of jobs in the life sciences sector, delivering
substantial benefits to Canada's life sciences ecosystem by
attracting investment, fostering job creation, and retaining
intellectual property and talent within the country. More
importantly, it will provide access to life saving treatments when
we need them most.” - Andrew Maclsaac, Chief
Executive Officer, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a643e63-d43c-417d-94f7-b2d23f209949