DIA, a global non-profit organization of life sciences professionals, will facilitate in-depth discussions on Canada's precision regulation initiatives, maintaining a world-class clinical trial infrastructure, and collaborative international efforts during the Canada Annual Meeting on Nov. 14-15 in Gatineau, Quebec.

Health Canada is modernizing its regulatory frameworks to provide precise, adaptable responses to emerging healthcare challenges and to keep pace with innovations like advanced therapies, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalized medicine. However, establishing flexible yet rigorous regulatory policies can be nuanced and complex, so the department has reached partnerships with health agencies such as Brazil's ANVISA to share insights and expertise.

In addition, Canada is home to a competitive clinical trial environment that is highly regarded for its collaborative networks, like N2, and well-established public-private partnerships. Although it has prioritized inclusivity in clinical trials, especially by implementing and embracing decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), the industry still must overcome persistent data collection hurdles within underrepresented groups.

"Canada's biopharmaceutical sector has long been recognized for its vast expertise and global leadership, but it’s being challenged to responsibly incorporate technological advancements into existing processes," said Tamei Elliott, Associate Director, Scientific Programs of DIA Americas. "By coming together to discuss these challenges, we can work to develop solutions that get safe, effective treatments to patients faster than ever before."

The Canada Annual Meeting’s opening plenary session will feature an overview of recent amendments to the Food and Drugs Act from Alysha Croker, Health Canada's Director of the Centre for Policy, Pediatrics and International Collaboration (CPPIC) at the Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate (BRDD), and Patricia Dechman, Health Canada's Acting Associate Director of the Strategic Horizontal Policy Division. These amendments would allow the Minister of Health to provide targeted regulatory exemptions, use information from select authorities to satisfy specific regulatory requirements, and implement supplementary rules for therapeutic products to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Other sessions will cover topics across three specialized tracks: regulatory, clinical, and safety and pharmacovigilance. They include a plenary session on Health Canada's latest AI uses, access to emerging treatments for patients with rare diseases, and advancements in patient safety.

Industry representatives, government officials, regulators, academics, and patient advocates from Canada and beyond will network and share case studies and insights. Confirmed speakers include representatives from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Certara, GSK, IQVIA, Merck, Pfizer, and Roche, among others.

Click here to register or view the program for the conference, which will be held at the Hilton Lac-Leamy. Media members can request credentials by emailing diaglobal@gregoryfca.com.