These parliamentary studies, though seemingly low-profile, hold significant implications for access to medicines. The first study, conducted by the Standing Committee on Science and Research, explores ways to advance the commercialization of innovations from Canadian universities, effectively transferring publicly funded research to the private sector. This approach, while framing R&D as an economic driver, raises concerns as private interests often maintain control over research access and pricing, potentially impacting public health. The second study, by the Standing Committee on Health, focuses on Canada's pharmaceutical sovereignty, a critical issue highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada's limited domestic production capacity and reliance on other countries for medicines and ingredients underscore the need for greater investment in biomanufacturing. However, the pandemic also fueled public investment in private sector capacity-building, raising questions about the effectiveness of this approach. The committees must recognize the divergence between public and private interests, especially in health-critical areas. Public investment should prioritize public benefits, yet Canada has largely failed to take such steps. The University of British Columbia's innovations, such as the monoclonal antibody treatment and lipid nanoparticle technology, exemplify this. While these innovations received public funding for further development, the ultimate benefits accrued to private interests. Canada's reliance on private industry for product commercialization disadvantages medicines with significant public health impact, as seen with WHO-recognized Essential Medicines not sold in Canada due to insufficient profitability. The government must shift from subsidizing the industry to addressing domestic gaps, prioritizing health needs over industry desires. The Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Montreal, despite receiving substantial funding, has been idle, illustrating the failure of the current approach. Canada should focus on meeting domestic and global needs for essential products, ensuring affordable access to medicines for its citizens.
