TORONTO – May 9, 2024 – The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is pleased to announce the addition of Novartis Canada as its newest member.
As an innovative medicines company focused on addressing significant areas of unmet medical need, Novartis Canada is well placed to help the CNIC in its efforts to ensure that novel cancer treatments are available for the benefit of Canadian patients.
Novartis is proud of its history, impact and investment within Canada. Over the years, Novartis has delivered several market milestones, such as launching CAR-T therapy for blood cancer and getting the approval of the first gene replacement therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, and their commitment continues as they strive to launch innovative treatments and platforms for serious and growing conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, breast and prostate cancer. Each year, Novartis Canada invests $30 million into R&D to explore and develop potential new treatments. Currently, there are about 170 clinical trials sponsored and supported across all the Company’s major therapeutic areas in Canada.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Mark Vineis, Country President of Novartis Canada. “It is through partnerships that innovation can be unleashed to its fullest potential: we are proud to join the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and work together to bring new hope to Canadians affected by cancer and their families.”
“In an era where global health challenges are greater than ever and medical science is advancing at an unprecedented rate, Canada has the opportunity to make a real difference for patients at home and around the world,” said James Scongack, Chair of the CNIC. “Through our world-class nuclear expertise and achievements, Canada can pave the way in cancer therapy, disease prevention, and medical device sterilization, all using medical isotopes. Championed by the work of members like Novartis, the CNIC hopes to further demonstrate this opportunity and unlock better resourcing and funding for the entire isotope sector.”
About Novartis
Novartis is a focused innovative medicines company with the mission to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Their medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.
In Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 600 people to serve the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system and invests over $30 million in R&D yearly in the country. For more information visit www.novartis.ca.
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 85 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
For more information, please contact:
Melody Greaves
Manager, Strategic Relations
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
melody.greaves@canadianisotopes.ca