On June 27, 2019, Health Canada published Drug and medical device highlights 2018: Helping you maintain and improve your health, an annual highlights report for 2018. The report provides information regarding Health Canada drug (human or veterinary use) and medical device approvals, as well as published safety issues in 2018. In summary, in 2018, Health Canada approved 78 new drugs for human use (40 involving new active substances), 135 new generic drugs, and 4 biosimilars.

Moreover, the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) and the Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate (BGTD) released their Drug Submission Performance Annual Reports for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year, which include information and statistics relating to drug submission review activity from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

The preceding is intended as a timely update on Canadian intellectual property and technology law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. To obtain such advice, please communicate with our offices directly.