QSA's Week in BioPharma (#18, 2025)
Competition Bureau investigates BWX-Kinectrics deal; Surtax remission order for biopharma imports; Tariff relief for medical goods; MPs discuss pharmacare rollout; Senator comments on research funding.
Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news in biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug distribution and pricing, the life sciences and medical research. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
Looking to elevate your organization's presence or streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals: faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach us at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.
Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Competition Bureau Advances Investigation into BWX Technologies’ Acquisition of Kinectrics
On May 7, the Competition Bureau obtained court orders to further its inquiry into BWX Technologies’ proposed acquisition of Kinectrics. Both firms operate in the nuclear medicine arena, supplying products and services throughout the medical isotope value chain. The Bureau is examining potential impacts on competition in Canada’s nuclear medicine sector. The court orders require Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation, and Framatome Canada to provide data on transaction agreements, capacity, sales, and market dynamics. BWX Technologies and Kinectrics also received supplementary information requests. The acquisition includes Kinectrics’ stake in Isogen, a joint venture with Framatome Canada dedicated to isotope production.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
United States Surtax Remission Order Grants Relief for Biopharma Imports
The United States Surtax Remission Order (SOR/2025-122), registered April 16 and published May 7, grants remission of surtaxes imposed under several U.S. Surtax Orders for certain goods imported by health and safety organizations. Eligible importers include health research entities, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or medical devices, and providers of emergency or health services. Remission applies to goods imported before October 16, 2025, provided no other relief is claimed and proper application is made within two years. The order covers goods used in clinical, laboratory, and long-term care settings, as well as by blood and tissue service organizations.
Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
MP Sean Casey Announces Pharmacare Rollout for PEI Residents
MP Sean Casey stated that, beginning this week, approximately 57,000 Prince Edward Island residents will be able to access free birth control and diabetes medications through the new $30 million national pharmacare agreement.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Senator Stan Kutcher Raises Research Funding Concerns
Senator Stan Kutcher noted ongoing advocacy efforts for increased federal research funding, with calls for more support for research fellowships, Canada Research Chairs, and fast-tracking immigration for scientists.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Provincial Announcements
Manitoba Health Identifies New Measles Exposure Sites
Manitoba Health reported new measles exposure at a Winkler supermarket on April 28 and advised potentially exposed individuals to monitor symptoms and contact health authorities as necessary.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada Comments on Hospital Investment in Montreal
MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada tweeted about the government's partnership with Quebec for renovations at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont and its significance for the life sciences sector in Montreal.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Senator Marilou McPhedran Connects Economic Policy to Health Initiatives
Senator Marilou McPhedran stated on Twitter that economic strength is tied to policies in healthcare, pharmacare, and childcare, referencing their role in economic and human security.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- Amneal and Apiject to Expand Sterile and Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) Capabilities for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in the U.S.: Amneal and Apiject announce expansion of BFS manufacturing in the U.S.
- GeoVax Applauds White House Executive Order Supporting U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing; Highlights Progress in Domestic MVA Vaccine Production: GeoVax responds to White House order on domestic vaccine production.
- Trump Set to Sign Order Encouraging Domestic Drug Production: Report on anticipated executive order to boost U.S. drug manufacturing.
- Critic of drug industry and COVID-19 measures to lead FDA vaccine program: A new leader known for industry criticism is set to head the FDA vaccine program.
- PD-1 NSCLC Pipeline 2025: Key Companies, MOA, ROA, and Clinical Trials Evaluation by DelveInsight | Genor Biopharma, Shandong Boan Biotechnology, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Lepu Biopharma, GlaxoSmithKline: Overview of the PD-1 NSCLC clinical pipeline and trials.
- Quantum Biopharma Files Amended Complaint Against CIBC World Markets, RBC Dominion Securities and Others, Seeking Damages in Excess of $700,000,000 USD, for Possible Stock Price Manipulation/Spoofing: Quantum Biopharma files suit alleging market manipulation.
