Research output of the Canadian pharmaceutical industry: where has all the R&D gone?

Although the Canadian pharmaceutical industry claims to be spending about $1 billion per year for research and development (R&D), there is little evidence of research performed, as measured by scientific publications and patent applications. One firm was exceptional; it compared favourably with its parent firm in regard to the number of publications and patents in relation to the R&D budget, demonstrating the feasibility of developing a productive and independent research program in Canada. The perception of low productivity is made worse by the inadequacy of the annual report on R&D prepared by the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board (PMPRB).

Volume and outcome of coronary artery bypass graft surgery: are more and less the same?

Background: Despite the relatively high degree of regionalization of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Canada, support is expressed for even further centralization of this procedure. The finding that the risk-adjusted mortality rate is lower at high volume hospitals is the basis for the decision to centralize. The goal of this study was to determine if current evidence supports the extension of such a policy.