Government of Canada accelerates approval for diagnostic tests

The Government of Canada has accelerated approval for the Cepheid and Abbott diagnostic tests, following the issuance of an Interim Order by the Minister of Health on March 18 to expedite access to COVID-19-related medical devices. The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act (Bill C-13) also received royal assent on March 25. Among the sweeping number and scope of measures, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act amends the Patent Act in order to allow the Government of Canada to issue compulsory licenses to respond to a “public health emergency that is a matter of national concern,” which could apply to diagnostic kits but also personal protective equipment, medical devices and therapeutic products.