API facility moves forward as Life Sciences Week approaches

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation has reached another milestone toward bringing the Critical Medicines Production Centre online, completing a factory acceptance test for a downflow booth used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The organization offered a peek at the progress that's been made. Nobel Prize–winning virologist Michael Houghton, API's chief scientific officer, stressed the value of the CMPC when sharing his vision for Canada's life sciences future in a Q&A tied to National Immunization Awareness Month. "When it's up and running, it will have the capability to manufacture essential medicines at scale, helping Canada respond to future public health emergencies, supply chain disruptions, and emerging healthcare needs," he said.

The progress runs in tandem with plans by Vimy Pharma to produce the first made-in-Canada generic version of drugs like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic with API. Vimy, founded by two former Novo Nordisk staff, shared it plans to go public on Aug. 6, proposing a reverse takeover of Harmony Acquisitions Corp. Health Canada is reviewing the company's submission for a generic semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. When available, it is projected to cost $75.50 per month compared to $228 for the brand-name version.

Life Sciences Week, running Sept. 21 to 25, is a good time to check in with API and the ecosystem in general. Its main Edmonton program is now available. A tour of the Life Sciences Campus within the Edmonton Research Park includes the site of the CMPC. Registration is open now.