Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance in Canada: A Practical Guide
Introduction Canada offers pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a structured regulatory environment, but entering and maintaining a product’s presence in the market requires careful planning. Companies must understand Health Canada’s submission requirements, maintain accurate product information, and monitor safety throughout a product’s lifecycle. Regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance (PV) work closely together. Regulatory teams manage applications, authorizations, and post-approval changes, while PV teams collect and assess safety information and meet applicable reporting obligations. Coordinating these functions helps organizations maintain compliance and protect patients. 1. Understanding Canada’s Regulatory Framework Health Canada regulates therapeutic products under applicable federal legislation, including the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations. Requirements vary according to product type, intended use, and regulatory pathway. For pharmaceutical produc...