About
Innovative Medicines Canada represents Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. We help our members discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines and vaccines.
Our member companies, which range from early-stage startups to established organizations, are revolutionizing healthcare through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines.
Our industry supports 110,000 high-quality, well-paying jobs in Canada and invests $3.2 billion in R&D every year. Collectively, our activities contribute $18.4 billion per year to Canada’s knowledge-based economy.
Guided by a strict Code of Ethical Practices, we work with governments, insurance companies, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to advance the field of pharmaceutical research and development and enhance the wellbeing of Canadians. We are committed to being valued partners in Canada’s healthcare system.
We achieve our goals by forming alliances, supporting policies, improving Canada’s regulatory environment, widening access to innovative medicines and ensuring the effective protection of intellectual property.
We believe in ensuring that Canadians have access to the innovative treatments they need. Our activities are a fundamental part of safeguarding our healthcare system for future generations.
Mission and vision
Mission
Innovative Medicines Canada partners to champion policies that drive the discovery, development and delivery of transformative medicines and vaccines to all Canadians to live longer and healthier lives.
Guiding principles
- We demonstrate leadership by adhering to strict policies of diversity and inclusion.
- We promote trust, collaboration and partnership, and are respectful in all our working relationships.
- We proactively deliver solutions that address Canadian health system challenges.
- We are nimble and will manage change in ways that align with the three pillars of our Strategic Plan.
- We act in accordance with an established Board/CEO code of conduct that aligns with the strategic priorities of our industry.
Vision
Transform Canadians’ lives through timely access to world-class innovative medicines and vaccines.
Our values
At the heart of our mission and vision is a commitment to people and progress. Our values define how we collaborate, lead, and act to ensure our work delivers real impact for patients and the Canadian healthcare system.
People First
We value, empower and celebrate our people.
One Team
We work together to create a trusting and inclusive environment.
Collective Impact
We act with agility to achieve outcomes that improve the lives of Canadians.
Our history
1914-1915: The Canadian Association of Manufacturers of Medicinal and Toilet Products1915-1965: The Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association1965-1999: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada1999-2014: Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies2014: 100th anniversary2016-present: Innovative Medicines Canada
The association was founded on April 23, 1914 by representatives of 10 pharmaceutical and toilet products companies to ensure their “mutual benefit and enhancement”. In the early years, membership consisted of individuals rather than companies.
Our 10 founding members were:
- A. Smith, Frederick Stearns & Co.
- W. Horner, F.W. Horner Ltd.
- D. Daniel, Toronto Pharmacal Co.
- L. Lyman, John Wyeth & Bros. Co.
- M. Grant, Parke, Davis Co.
- V. Warmoll, Seely Manufacturing Co.
- C. E. Frosst, Charles E. Frosst & Co.
- W. Bole, National Drug & Chemical Co.
- H. McDonald, Lyman Bros. & Co.
- E. Danner, Henry K. Wampole & Co.
In 1915, the association changed its name to the Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. Our goals included producing pharmaceuticals and biologics, conducting research, and marketing products ethically, meaning products were promoted to medical professionals rather than directly to the public.
By 1924, the association had three distinct divisions: pharmaceuticals, perfumes and physician supplies.
In the early and mid-1950s, the association was overseen by a Board of Directors and a General Manager. A full-time operation was established in Toronto in 1956, and by 1958, membership included major pharmaceutical companies.
In 1965, the association changed its name to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada (PMAC).
On May 1, 1999, PMAC became Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). The new name reflected the industry’s commitment to research-driven innovation and its mission to help Canada’s healthcare system treat, manage, prevent, and cure disease.
On June 5, 2003, Rx&D and the Quebec Board of Continuing Medical Education (CEMCQ) launched a joint Code of Ethics for organizations involved in continuing medical education.
On January 6, 2005,Rx&D and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) announced support for an international clinical trial registry, launched in March 2006.
On December 6, 2005, New Guiding Principles, developed in consultation with the major medical and pharmacy organizations, strengthened the Code of Conduct and took effect in January 2006.
In 2008, Rx&D celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Code of Conduct, and updated the name to the Code of Ethical Practices.
On January 1, 2009, Rx&D launched the Guidelines for Transparency in Stakeholder Funding.
On November 11, 2011, Rx&D and MEDEC applauded APEC’s endorsement of the Kuala Lumpur Principles for Medical Device Sector Codes of Ethics and the Mexico City Principles for Voluntary Codes of Business Ethics in the Biopharmaceutical Sector.
On November 17, 2014, Rx&D marked its 100th anniversary by launching the Canadian Innovation Timeline, developed with Let’s Talk Science to highlight Canada’s contributions to pharmaceutical and life science research.
On the same day, Rx&D and MEDEC welcomed APEC Leaders’ endorsement of the Nanjing Declaration to Promote Ethical Business Environments in the Medical Device and Biopharmaceutical Sectors (2014-2020).
On January 4, 2016, following extensive consultations with partners in the life sciences community, the association adopted the name Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC). The new name better reflects the organization’s values, mission, and role within Canada’s healthcare ecosystem.
On June 10, 2016, IMC joined Best Medicines Coalition, Health Charities Coalition of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association in endorsing the Canadian Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaboration, a shared commitment to ethical and responsible relationships between patients, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical sector.
Global Collaboration & Compassion
IMC members work closely with governments, humanitarian organizations, local communities, and other partners to improve health outcomes globally, including:
- 11 million+ treatments donated to more than 110 countries through Health Partners International of Canada
- Active participants in global COVID-19 response efforts, including vaccine development and distribution
- Ongoing support for the WHO’s global vaccination goals
Find out how partnerships make a difference to health and well-being where help is needed most.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
We are committed to long-term change in how medicines are researched, developed, and accessed—so that every Canadian is represented and served.
Our DEI Framework focuses on:
- Talent: Increasing representation and building inclusive workplace cultures
- Health Equity: Addressing disparities and improving clinical trial diversity
- Education & Training: Supporting cultural competency and awareness
- Partnerships: Working with others to create systemic change
IMC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Principles Framework
Talent
Grow the industry talent pool and create employment pathways to increase workforce diversity.
Invest in talent of the future for those most impacted by inequities.
Enable and foster an internal culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.
Health equity
Use industry platform to identify and advance ways to reduce health inequities and healthcare disparities.
Acknowledge our patient diversity, build trust, and address issues to ensure our clinical trials reflect Canada’s diverse population.
Advocate for positive and long-term systemic change to better meet the needs of all patients as developers of innovative medicines and vaccines.
Education and training
Support professional development to employees that addresses unconscious bias, develops cultural competencies and supports an inclusive workplace.
Contribute to diversity and inclusion education to positively impact society and our communities.
Partnerships
Partner with organizations and government to advance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives with the goals of educating and creating systemic change.
Featured Resources
IMC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and Commitment Statement
Board
Innovative Medicines Canada has an effective and engaged Board of Directors that enables our member companies to work toward common objectives.
Gaby Bourbara
AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
Chair
James Guy
Sanofi Canada
Vice-Chair
Michael Laranjo
Otsuka Canada Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Treasurer
Javed Alam
EMD Serono, A Division of EMD Inc.
Director
Jill Archibald
LEO Pharma Inc.
Director
Ed Dybka
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Canada, Inc.
Director
Jody Engel
Amicus Therapeutics Canada Inc.
Director
Ugur Gunaydin
Amgen Canada Inc.
Director
David Jones
Merck Canada Inc.
Director
Mathilde Merlet
Eli Lilly Canada Inc.
Director
Brigitte Nolet
Hoffmann-La Roche Limited
Director
Rodrigo Reis
UCB Canada Inc.
Director
Carol Stiff
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Director
An Van Gerven
Pfizer Canada ULC
Director
The IMC Team
Behind IMC is a passionate, multidisciplinary team committed to improving Canadian healthcare. From policy and legal affairs to communications and HR, we’re guided by a shared purpose: making a measurable difference in the lives of Canadians.
President’s Office
Finance
Strategy, Systems Transformation & Research
Human Resources
Communications
Government Affairs, and Strategic Alliances
Joe Farago
Interim Lead, Government & Stakeholder Relations
Executive Director, Market Access
Market Access and Policy
Legal, Regulatory & Compliance
Brendan Lounsbery
General Counsel & Vice President, Legal, Regulatory & Compliance
Jenny Buckley
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Research Transformation
* Parental Leave
Member companies
Our 45 member companies are leaders in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation. Together, they:
- Invest $3.2 billion annually in research and development
- Contribute $18.4 billion annually to Canada’s economy
- Collaborate ethically with governments, private payers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders
Academic & Research Partnerships
Canada’s pharmaceutical innovators partner with world-class institutions to push medical research forward.
Our collaborations with universities, hospitals, and research centres help:
- Accelerate drug discovery
- Share research breakthroughs
- Support global health initiatives
Sharing our findings is also crucial to our success. Our members share their research with institutions such as the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the NEOMED Institute, MaRS Innovation and The Centre for Drug Research and Development. These and other partnerships have resulted in new treatments for Canadians and others around the world.
Proud member of:
Ethics
Learn about how Innovative Medicines Canada and its members set a high standard for ethical, transparent and open practices.
Careers
Want to make a difference in Canada’s healthcare system? We do too.
As the voice of Canada’s research-based pharmaceutical industry, Innovative Medicines Canada is searching for individuals who are passionate about helping Canadians live longer and healthier lives. Our organization believes in ensuring Canadians have access to the treatments they need, when they need them.
Why join our team?
At Innovative Medicines Canada, we take pride in fostering a positive work environment and an energizing culture where we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the power of bringing together people with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Working together, we help transform the lives of Canadians by providing timely access to world-class medicines and vaccines.
Innovative Medicines Canada prioritizes nurturing our team’s well-being, as well as their personal and professional growth. We offer a competitive compensation package, includingflexible health benefits, generous vacation time, an impressive pension plan, a fitness allowance, and much more, coupled with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Open positions
This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to make a real impact on the lives of Canadians.
As the voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry, Innovative Medicines Canada is shaping the future of healthcare – advocating for better access to life-saving treatments and advancing innovation in the life sciences sector.
Join a team that values collaboration, passion, and purpose. Here, your work helps break down barriers, influence policy, and improve patient outcomes, ensuring Canadians have timely and equitable access to the treatments they need, when they need them.
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
The Finance Controller reports to the Vice-President, Finance and will be responsible for all financial accounting and reporting activities, cash management, tax compliance, and financial systems management.
Candidates are asked to send their CVs to cvs@imc-mnc.ca.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, POLICY
This role drives the development and execution of market access policy that advances the value of innovation, strengthens patient access, and supports investment across Canada’s life sciences sector.
Candidates are asked to send their CVs to cvs@imc-mnc.ca.
Industry-related positions
Members and industry partners are encouraged to leverage our relationship with BioTalent Canada and the PetriDishTM job board to support their recruitment efforts.
BioTalent Canada is the non-profit HR partner for Canada’s pharmaceutical industry, focused on building partnerships and skills to ensure access to job-ready people.
As a Platinum Partner of BioTalent Canada, Innovative Medicines Canada members receive discounted job postings on The PetriDishTM job board and access to additional corporate discounts. The PetriDishTM is Canada’s only national, bilingual biotech job board, designed specifically for bio-economy employers, including pharmaceuticals, ensuring job postings reach the right audience.
