Innovative and Safe Biotechnology

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Biotechnology is by no means a new science. For thousands of years, people have been using living organisms to create products such as bread, cheese, beer and wine. In recent decades, quantum leaps in science and engineering have led to dramatic biotechnological advances, resulting in a broad spectrum of biologic products, therapeutic drugs and genetically modified foods.

Health Canada believes that responsible use of biotechnology can bring new and powerful health benefits to Canadians, but also realizes that the benefits of science are often accompanied by risks.

Minimizing risk, maximizing health and safety

The first priority of Health Canada's Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) is the health and safety of Canadians. As Canada's national authority responsible for the regulation of health products and food, a great deal of HPFB's work centers on assessing and managing the risks associated with new health products. By remaining abreast of scientific change, funding cutting-edge research, and hiring top-notch professionals, the branch helps enhance the capacity of Health Canada's sciencebased regulatory system.

HPFB's Office of Biotechnology and Science acts as the focal point for biotechnology in Health Canada. The office provides strategic advice on the applications of biotechnology and the possible impact it may have on the health of Canadians.

Safe and effective biotechnology

It takes seven to ten years of development and testing to bring a new biotechnology-derived product to the Canadian market. HPFB's Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate conducts thorough product reviews of biologics and genetic therapies for human use. It also keeps an eye on products after they reach market, monitoring them for any long-term health impacts. When it comes to food, HPFB's Food Directorate does safety assessments of novel foods, including those derived through biotechnology (often referred to as "genetically modified").

Keeping Canadians informed and involved

HPFB provides information on the advantages and the risks of biotechnology to help Canadians make healthy choices and informed decisions. HPFB involves Canadians directly in shaping biotechnology policies governing health products and food, working in close partnership with provincial governments, patient and consumer organizations, industry, and concerned citizens.

Global standards

HPFB also works with international partners to harmonize global approaches to biotechnology regulation and use the best available scientific research and knowledge to evaluate biotechnology-derived products.

By promoting the highest standards of safety and supporting Canadian scientific and industrial innovation, HPFB ensures that Canadians are able to realize the benefits of advances in biotechnology.

Health Canada
Health Products and Food Branch
250 Lanark Avenue
Graham Spry Building
Address Locator: 2005A
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-1806
Facsimile: 613-954-3957
Email: hpfb-dgpsa@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/hpfb

Office of Biotechnology and Science
Building 7, Tunney's Pasture
Address Locator L0702A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0L2
Telephone: 613-946-1513
Facsimile: 613-957-0306
Email: obs-bbs@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: www.healthcanada.ca/biotech