Toronto, April 7, 2020 – The following is a statement from Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) and Biosimilars Canada on COVID-19 and the supply of generic and biosimilar medicines to Canadian hospitals:

“Member companies of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) and Biosimilars Canada are working with our partners in government and the pharmaceutical supply chain to mitigate shortages of medicines used in Canada’s hospitals due to increases in demand resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Manufacturers are in contact with Health Canada, provincial governments and our partners in the pharmaceutical supply chain to monitor changes to demand for specific medicines so that production levels can be adjusted or alternative sources secured, whether they are dispensed in Canadian hospitals or in community pharmacies.

Receiving accurate and nationally coordinated forecasts of hospitals’ supply needs is essential to meet the increasing demands posed by COVID-19, including on certain classes of drugs not related to COVID-19 but essential to Canadian patients.

Manufacturers continue to closely monitor the international situation in order to quickly detect potential issues within the supply chain and take the necessary steps to continue to provide a reliable and secure supply of medicines for Canadians.

Global cooperation is essential to maximize production levels for medicines in all countries and will require engagement and coordinated action by governments and industry.”