Pharmaceuticals
A pharmaceutical
growth hub
Ranked sixth in the world for market share, Canada is a powerhouse for pharmaceutical investment.
Global players AstraZeneca, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and Sanofi continue to invest and reinvest in Canada, strengthening the pharma industry and attracting top talent.
Investors benefit from a highly educated workforce of 220,000 life sciences professionals and low clinical trial and product testing costs.
Explore the many reasons global pharma companies with bold ambitions expand in Canada.
Canadian leadership in pharmaceuticals
World-class research and clinical infrastructure
Investors are drawn by Canada’s research and clinical infrastructure, which includes 15,000 researchers, 40 research hospitals and 17 medical schools. Collaboration between industry, top-tier universities and leading research institutions supports scientific breakthroughs, product testing and commercialization.
Canada's regulatory environment offers clear, science-based guidelines and collaborative pre-submission consultations with Health Canada. This transparency reduces regulatory uncertainty and enables faster, more predictable pathways from clinical development to market authorization.
Support for pharmaceutical R&D
In Canada, you’ll find a supportive environment that fuels pharmaceutical investments with R&D funding and expertise:
Health research funding: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research invests over $1 billion each year in promising projects. Access funds to conduct research, develop health solutions and commercialize products.
Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre: This National Research Council team designs, develops, tests and produces innovative biologics with industry and healthcare partners. Get access to expertise, pre-clinical R&D, lab support and a clinical trial material facility.
Public-private partnerships to fuel investments
Canada’s strong government-industry collaboration drives pharmaceutical innovation at every stage – from development to testing and commercialization. This reduces investor risk and maximizes returns.
The federal government has invested more than $2.5 billion in 43 biomanufacturing, vaccine and therapeutics projects. This funding de-risks early-stage investments and enables faster commercialization – creating a more resilient, responsive ecosystem to support your investment.
Canada investment highlight
Roche invests in the future of pharma in Canada
Roche Canada announced plans to expand its Global Informatics Hub in Mississauga, Ontario in 2024. Drawing on expertise in AI, machine learning, computational biology and data analytics, the centre will drive medical breakthroughs with Canadian talent.
“These highly skilled, technical jobs are part of the future of healthcare and medical research, and we are pleased to see that Ontario’s life science sector will be at the forefront. Together with our partners, this is one step towards our continued investment and commitment to the life sciences sector in Ontario, our local economy and in healthcare for all Canadians and patients around the world.”
Why choose Canada
Robust industry regulations and IP protections
World-renowned universities and research institutions
Lowest overall tax rate on new investment in the G7
Explore Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector
Let’s work together
At Invest in Canada, we are dedicated to your company’s success. Our team is your trusted guide to investing in Canada. We get to know your business, offer insights and information and connect you with the right people and places to support your decision.