Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Prohibition on Medical Treatment Patents

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Prohibition on Medical Treatment PatentsAuthor of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.MONTREAL, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Supreme Court of Canada released its highly anticipated decision in Pharmascience Inc. v. Janssen Inc., which addresses the validity of Janssen’s patent relating to the medicine paliperidone. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe Court reaffirmed the long-standing principle that methods of medical treatment are not patentable in Canada and provided greater clarity on the distinction between medical treatment methods and patentable pharmaceutical inventions. The Court recognized that treatment decisions requiring the professional skill and judgment of healthcare providers generally should not be subject to patent protection. The Court, however, concluded that the paliperidone dosing regimen did not fall within the prohibited category and was therefore patentable. “This decision represents an important step for the pharmaceutical industry, as it partially clarifies the legal framework, and reinforces Pharmascience’s commitment to its mission of making medications more accessible to Canadians while ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system” said Jim Vounassis, Chief Executive Officer of Pharmascience. “At Pharmascience, we will continue to advocate strongly for policies that promote timely access to more affordable medicines for Canadians and prevent unnecessary barriers that delay competition and drive-up healthcare costs.” Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe company remains committed to putting patients first and to supporting access to effective, affordable medicines for Canadians. As a leading Canadian manufacturer, Pharmascience intends to continue partnering with governments to strengthen pharmaceutical sovereignty and build a more resilient drug supply chain for Canadians. Founded in 1983, Pharmascience Inc. is the largest pharmaceutical employer in Quebec. Based in Montreal, the company employs near 1,600 people and is among Canada’s leading drug manufacturers. As a privately held, fully integrated company, Pharmascience builds on strong Canadian roots while expanding its international presence, with products distributed in more than 50 countries. Ranked 41st among Canada’s top 100 R&D investors in 2025, with annual investments of $55 million, Pharmascience Inc. is a major player in the country’s pharmaceutical industry. This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.