The Government of Canada announced its Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy that identified the need for Canada to enhance its Biomanufacturing, Research and Commercialization capabilities and to be able to address production gaps that will ensure that it can respond to a range of future health threats by producing vaccines across a wide range of pathogens. Within this, Canada recognizes the criticality of ribonucleic acid (RNA) technologies, both within the context of responding to the current pandemic, as well as to enhance preparedness for a future pandemic or other health emergency. As such, the Government is interested in developing a stronger understanding regarding the optimal applications of the mRNA technologies to address current and future pandemic, or other health emergency, readiness. This state of readiness includes a detailed understanding of how best to optimize the mRNA manufacturing process, how to develop and leverage future RNA advancements, and how to best place Canada strategically so its can meet both its needs and obligations..ISED is seeking the services of an expert with knowledge in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing infrastructure sectors, who can specifically provide industry knowledge regarding the mRNA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing process and who fully understands both the current and emerging RNA technologies that will supplement ISED’s current in-house knowledge. This expert will be providing critical support to Innovation, Science and Economic Development along with Other Government Departments (OGDs) on a case-by-case basis and is expected to utilize a strategic lens when providing project-related work pertaining to RNA development and production. Access to this expertise will help bolster officials’ understanding of the technology and its manufacturing opportunities along with current and future best practices. This expert will support the government’s deeper understanding of the future of the mRNA technologies as new enabling technologies and processes are applied and refined.
