Spotlight on Québec
Montréal and life sciences: Solution architects
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o build a solid, high-performing and competitive life sciences industry, Montréal InVivo, the life sciences and health technologies cluster of the Montréal metropolitan area, is joining forces with leaders in the sector to face the challenges of the market and propose innovative and effective solutions. Spinoffs are generated through a solid support network, growing industry reach and scope and original initiatives, which benefit the Montréal, Québec and Canadian economy.
Creating wealth and economic growth Montréal is a strategic location in North America to grow a life sciences business. The presence of new world-class teaching hospital infrastructure, unique and recognized expertise of its researchers and clinicians, the proven performance of its technological platforms and the sector’s interdisciplinary collaboration create an economic lever of choice. In addition, the economy’s stability, booming new technologies and potential business collaborations give it a significant comparative advantage. Montréal is also one of the rare cities in the world in which it is possible to move forward with all steps in the development of a new treatment. Furthermore, competitive costs, concentration of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing and contract research companies, access to a population of patients and the high level of medical expertise, make the region a leading market for clinical studies.
A place for the labour force and intellectual vitality With close to 45,000 jobs, Montréal ranks sixth among the largest metropolitan areas for the concentration of life sciences jobs. The city contains the largest number of university teaching and research institutions in Québec. With eight higher education institutions offering life sciences programs, two of the four faculties of medicine in Québec, three university hospitals and many research centres, it also boasts a significant pool of future talented professionals, which places
Photo: ©iStock.com / © Tony Tremblay
Montréal among the North American leaders for its intellectual vitality. Focusing on these strengths, the Bio Succès Mentoring Network, implemented and administered by Montréal InVivo, fosters interaction between members of the next generation and wellestablished entrepreneurs. With these 21 active mentoring pairs, it is an example of initiatives that contribute concretely to the sector’s success.
On its way to becoming the global benchmark in early clinical trial expertise In 2015, extensive mobilization of the community resulted in a business proposal to make Montréal a global hub of effective and efficient expertise in the achievement of early clinical trials and of clinical proofs of concept. The objective is to double in five years the number of patients participating in these trials. Accordingly, Montréalers will potentially be able to be among the first in
the world to access treatments that could not otherwise be provided elsewhere. Capitalizing on the major investments made in public infrastructure, this initiative, piloted by Montréal InVivo, will furthermore optimize the effectiveness of the research activities undertaken. It will also stimulate attraction of foreign capital, in addition to creating 500 new jobs. Spinoffs are already expected to benefit more than 50 per cent of companies in Montréal’s life sciences cluster. For more information about the early stage clinical trial initiative and the life sciences sector of the Montréal metropolitan area, visit: Montréal-invivo.com To see this story online visit http://biotechnologyfocus. ca/montreal-and-life-sciencessolution-architects/
Biotechnology Focus / August/September 2015
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