Canadian Critical Drug Initiative

The Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI) is a major life sciences collaboration between Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) and the University of Alberta's Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. Based in Edmonton, the initiative is designed to strengthen Canada's drug supply chain by integrating research, development, and commercial-scale manufacturing of critical medicines. CCDI focuses on addressing national drug shortages and accelerating the development of new treatments for infectious diseases, including vaccines and small molecule therapies. Supported by significant federal and provincial funding, the initiative includes a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility capable of producing drugs for clinical trials and public use. It serves as a critical hub for domestic pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and innovation in Western Canada.