Canadian life sciences on life support? We must stem the innovation brain drain

BY DR. MAURA CAMPBELL AND CATE MURRAY
SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Our health research and commercialization systems are in trouble – they need our attention now. We have a world-leading legacy in the life sciences. Canadians invented insulin, the pacemaker and the first Ebola vaccine. We discovered the genes that cause ALS and cystic fibrosis. Canadians are also pioneers in the field of regenerative medicine through the discovery of stem cells and how to use them to treat disease and illness.

Yet, despite our country’s ability to make groundbreaking discoveries, something happens along the way that is keeping us from realizing the full value of our research efforts. Many Canadian innovations never make it out of the lab. If they do, they end up south of the border.

As a result of poor commercialization of intellectual property, we lose not only direct economic and health benefits but indirect benefits too – specifically, attracting and retaining a skilled talent base with the passion, know-how and commitment to produce made-in-Canada health products that will ensure our country’s health security and prosperity.

Maura Campbell is the president and CEO of the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization.
Cate Murray is the president and CEO of the Stem Cell Network.