Focus
The mission of the CMC is simple but ambitious: to accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to new drug candidates, and to train the next generation of researchers who will lead the way.
A Waypoint for Collaborative Drug Discovery
Industry-wide, for every 5,000 to 10,000 compounds that enter preclinical testing, only one is eventually approved for marketing. In fact, developing a new drug can take 10-15 years with costs over $2 billion. This creates even more barriers for drug discovery in rare diseases.
At the CMC, we integrate every stage of early drug discovery under one roof, starting from computer-based design of potential drug candidates, to chemical synthesis, to testing in biophysical and biological systems. This collaborative model helps speed up the process, reduce costs, and open the door to new therapeutic modalities.
Beyond research, the CMC is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Our discoveries have helped launch new biotech companies and attracted investments, strengthening Canada’s role in the global life sciences sector.
Our Vision
The CMC will be a world-class centre for drug discovery, helping patients in need. It will be powered by excellence in science, collaboration, education and training. The CMC will boost Canadian life sciences by generating future researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative companies.