https://www.apotex.com/global/about-us/press-center/2020/04/21/canada-s-apotex-donates-two-million-dosages-of-hydroxychloroquine-to-the-public-health-agency-of-canada
Canada’s Apotex Donates Two Million Dosages of Hydroxychloroquine to the Public Health Agency of Canada
Supply will Support Clinical Trials and be Part of the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile
Toronto, Ontario, April 21, 2020 – As researchers around the globe and across the country accelerate their efforts to study the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19, Apotex, Canada’s largest pharmaceutical company and the only manufacturer of hydroxychloroquine in the country, announced a donation today of two million dosages of the medication to the federal government.
The company shifted priorities several weeks ago to scale up production and repurpose its plants to manufacture even more hydroxychloroquine, while ensuring Canadians currently being treated with the drug for approved indications have continued access.
“Our goal from the outset has been to protect the supply of this product for patients currently using it for approved indications,” said Jeff Watson President & CEO, Apotex. “At the same time, we recognize the importance of building a clinical profile of this medicine to determine its efficacy in treating COVID-19, and we are fortunate to be able to meet both needs.”
The donated medication will be set aside for current and future COVID-19 related clinical trials that are approved by Health Canada’s Office of Clinical Trials at the Therapeutic Products Directorate. Researchers are encouraged to contact Apotex if they require supply of hydroxychloroquine at hcqdonations@apotex.com. Some of the donation will also be allocated to the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile (NESS) and provide emergency surge capacity to the provinces and territories in the event of a significant shortage.
Prior to the donation announced today, Apotex also donated product and placebo to support eight clinical trials taking place across Canada.
“Our ability to rapidly increase production underscores the importance of having a domestic manufacturing capability,” said Mr. Watson. “The current pandemic has highlighted this fact as the complexity and demand of the global supply chain has come under significant pressure.”