OTTAWA, Aug. 16, 2011 /CNW/ - Rx&D President Russell Williams made the following statement to
complement the announcement made earlier today by Hoffmann-La Roche
Limited (Roche Canada) of an investment of over $190 million to
establish a major global pharmaceutical development site in
Mississauga, Ontario. This project is supported by a $7.79 million
investment from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
allowing for the creation of 200 new highly-skilled jobs and the
strengthening of local economies in this province.
"Today's joint announcement reflects a shared commitment by Canada's
research-based pharmaceutical industry and the Government of Ontario to
build long-term economic benefits and international leadership in life
sciences and pharmaceuticals in Ontario.
"The chance to improve patient health and quality of life through
research and innovation is what motivates all those active in the life
science community. In Ontario, this is reflected in lasting strategic
partnerships that include not only government and industry, but also
universities, health care professionals and the research-based
pharmaceutical community.
"This major investment from Roche Canada will attract some of the best
and brightest researchers from around the world and will firmly
establish Roche Canada as a global hub and research leader for life
sciences and pharmaceuticals. It will also provide opportunities for
collaboration with local researchers in established institutions,
clinical research organizations and clinical trial networks.
"This pharmaceutical development site, one of six in the world, will
allow researchers to manage operations for all stages of global
clinical trial research. The impacts on the research community and
patients will be far reaching and will showcase Ontario as a place to
do quality clinical research.
"Over the next five years, leadership positions in global trial and data
management will be assumed by the new Roche Canada pharmaceutical
development site. The Canadian facility will provide global leadership
and coordination for research and development that will take place
through its substantial affiliate R&D network in more than 60
countries.
"It is by working together that we can consolidate the position of
Ontario and Canada as potential world leaders in the provision of
health care solutions to people across the country and throughout the
world. However, further improvements to Canada's intellectual property
and access regimes would greatly facilitate the attraction of
additional life sciences investments in Canada by the innovative
pharmaceutical sector that will benefit Canadian patients and the
economy. "
About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical
companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the
discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community
represents 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 more information: visit: www.canadapharma.org
About Roche Canada
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in
research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals
and diagnostics. Roche is the world's largest biotech company with
truly differentiated medicines in oncology, virology, inflammation,
metabolism and CNS. Roche is also the world leader in in-vitro
diagnostics, tissue-based cancer diagnostics and is a pioneer in
diabetes management. Roche's personalized healthcare strategy aims at
providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible
improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients.
In 2010, Roche had over 80,000 employees worldwide and invested over 9
billion Swiss francs in R&D. Genentech, United States, is a wholly
owned member of the Roche Group. Roche has a majority stake in Chugai
Pharmaceutical, Japan.
Roche Canada was founded in 1931. The company employs approximately 900
people across the country, with its pharmaceuticals head office located
in Mississauga, Ontario and diagnostics division based in Laval,
Quebec. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities,
investing in charitable organizations and partnering with healthcare
institutions across the country.
For more information, visit www.rochecanada.com.
