Clinical Pharmacology and Legislative Developments in Canada
Abstract
J. CORBOY RYAN M.D. 1 , and W. G. BRUCE CASSELMAN M.D., Ph.D. 2 1 Chief. Division of Medicine and Pharmacology 2 Head, Clinical Pharmacology Section, Division of Medicine and Pharmacology, Food and Drug Directorate, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada The progression of pharmacology and therapeutics towards a unifying position among the medical sciences has been accompanied by the emergence of clinical pharmacology as a distinct interdisciplinary entity. The continued development of clinical pharmacology not only depends upon adequate training and research facilities and financial support, but also needs favorable legislation. In recognition of this need, a Special Committee was appointed in Canada to study existing legislation on investigational drugs. This Committee recommended distinction between, and separate regulations for, clinical pharmacology and therapeutic trials. New regulations are expected to be introduced shortly that will facilitate clinical pharmacological investigations and, therefore, contribute to the further development of clinical pharmacology in Canada.