Ontario's life sciences sector includes top ranked research centres, innovative start-ups and global manufacturing operations by multinational leaders.
Sector strengths include leading-edge research in key fields:
- stem cells
- gene therapy
- transplantation
- oncology
- neurology
Ontario is also recognized internationally for specialized expertise in:
- diagnostic imaging and related information technologies
- molecular in vitro diagnostics (IVD)
- telemedicine
- remote health
- contract manufacturing
- specialty formula / packaging
- clinical support for niche trials
Life Sciences in Ontario: a snapshot
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- 16,500+ employees
- 125+ companies
- revenues of almost $10 billion
- R&D expenditures of $1.3 billion
Advanced Medical Technologies
- 20,000+ employees
- ~700 companies
- revenues of ~$4 billion
Contract Services (Research/Manufacturing/Clinical Trials)
- 5,000+ employees
- 75+ companies
- revenues of $100 million
A world-leading centre for bio-science research
With 25 research and teaching hospitals employing 10,000 scientists, clinical investigators and other researchers, Ontario is one of the largest biomedical research centres in North America.
Ontario's universities and teaching hospitals spend almost $2 billion annually on health research - roughly 30 per cent of all the health research done across Canada by governments, industry, academics and the non-profit sectors.
Ontario has a long history of making breakthroughs that have saved lives worldwide:
- Sir Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best discover insulin (1922)
- John Hopps develops the world's first external artificial pacemaker (1949)
- Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till discover stem cells (1963)
- Joel Cooper carries out the first successful single lung transplant (1983)
Today, a number of emerging issues are the target of high intensity research, including the neurological impacts of aging. Recent investments include $15 million to create the cutting-edge Ontario Brain Institute and $10 million to establish Baycrest's Centre for Brain Fitness.
Find the latest news
In the fast-paced world of life sciences, every day seems to bring new discoveries. For the latest biomedical investment news from Ontario, visit our Media Room.
