Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada is a national association of pharmaceutical companies that represents the interests of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Canada. Its membership includes biopharmaceutical companies, vaccine developers, and manufacturers of medical devices, and works with government agencies, insurance companies, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in the regulation and promotion of medicines.
IMC is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, and its board of directors is chaired by Pfizer Canada President Cole Pinnow.
History
In April 1914, representatives from ten Canadian pharmaceutical and personal hygiene companies founded the Canadian Association of Manufacturers of Medicinal and Toilet Products. The organization initially accepted individuals as members as opposed to companies themselves, with the original membership including leading figures from Frederick Stearns & Company, F.W. Horner, John Wyeth & Bros., Toronto Pharmacal, Parke, Davis & Co., Seely Manufacturing, Charles E. Frosst & Co., National Drug & Chemical Co., Lyman Bros. & Co., and Henry K. Wampole & Co.In 1915, the organization changed its name to the Canadian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, and by 1924 had established separate divisions for pharmaceuticals, perfumes and physician supplies. The name was changed again in 1965 to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada, and to Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies in 1999. Finally, in 2016, the name Innovative Medicines Canada was introduced.
In 2020, IMC contested price regulation reforms introduced by Government of Canada that would require increased financial reporting from pharmaceutical companies, while simultaneously reducing reporting requirements related to veterinary medicines, over-the-counter drugs and most generic medicines.
Cole Pinnow, President of Pfizer Canada, was announced as the new chair of IMC's Board of Directors in November 2021. In April 2022, IMC implemented a revised Code of Ethical Practices that included significant changes aimed to reduce the promotional nature of its educational programs.