Overview
The Pharma Challenges and Opportunities Certificate offers a dynamic exploration of the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry, driven by scientific progress, regulatory shifts, market forces, and changing healthcare needs. Through four interactive modules led by industry experts and U of T faculty, this program offers insights identified as crucial by pharma CEOs.
Program Details
Format
- Online
- 1 day / month
Duration/Timing
- 4 months
- Thursdays
- 9 am – 3:30 pm (EST)
Dates
Module 1 | Sept 25, 2025
Module 2 | Oct 23, 2025
Module 3 | Nov 20, 2025
Module 4 | Dec 18, 2025
Program Fee
$2,000 + HST
Learn about funding options and get a $500 early bird discount (until July 31st).
Participant Profile
- Professionals already in pharma and interested in broadening industry knowledge to improve their cross-functional contribution
- International pharma professionals new to Canada
- Recent graduates interested in entering the pharma industry
If you match the participant profile, you may register directly to secure your spot.
Ready to take the next step in your pharma career?
The Pharma Journey: Lab to Launch
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the medicine lifecycle: from drug discovery and development to regulatory approval, medical affairs, market access, drug review, reimbursement processes, and effective product launch strategies.
What You'll Learn
- The full journey of medicine development.
- Key aspects of Canadian life sciences including generics, biologics, vaccines and emerging trends
- How to navigate the industry with key soft skills including communication, negotiation, and teamwork
How You'll Learn
- Expert Insights: Attend sessions led by seasoned industry leaders and U of T faculty
- Real-World Application: Analyze real-world issues that reflect current industry challenges and opportunities
- Collaborative Learning:
Participate in peer discussions and interactive activities for a deeper understanding
The first module provides a foundational overview of the pharmaceutical industry, starting with a high-level introduction by a Canadian pharma leader. Participants examine the journey of a medicine from early discovery to large-scale manufacturing, along with the role of medical affairs. Core communication principles are also introduced to support clear and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Key Topics:
- Industry Overview
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Medical Affairs
- Communication Excellence
The second module focuses on the journey of a drug after development, its approval, pricing, and accessibility in Canada. Participants will explore Regulatory Affairs, learning how medicines are assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality. The module also covers Market Access, including how drugs are funded through public and private healthcare systems, and the roles of key bodies like Health Canada, CADTH, and provincial formularies. Additionally, it highlights negotiation and stakeholder management skills, helping you navigate relationships with regulators, payers, and policy influencers. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the policies and players shaping patient access to medicine in Canada.
Key Topics:
- Regulatory Affairs
- Market Access
- Drug Review and Reimbursement
- Negotiation and Stakeholder Management
This module focuses on how to successfully bring a new pharmaceutical product to market in Canada. Participants are introduced to best practices in launch planning, omnichannel marketing, and the sales process. A key component of the module highlights the importance of the patient's voice in shaping healthcare strategies and decisions. Additionally, the module emphasizes the value of collaboration and teamwork, integrating diverse perspectives and fostering cross-functional cooperation.
Key Topics:
- Launch Excellence
- Marketing and Selling Best Practice
- Collaboration and Teamwork
The final module explores the wider context of the life sciences sector, highlighting the significance of generics, biosimilars, and vaccines, including those developed in response to pandemics. Participants gain insights into the Canadian life sciences ecosystem and emerging trends, such as the growing role of biologics. This module also addresses future opportunities and challenges within the industry and provides guidance on navigating a successful and sustainable career in the Canadian pharma landscape.
Key Topics:
- Vaccines
- Biologics
- Generics
- Life Sciences in Canada
- Navigating a Career in Pharma
Fall 2025 Program Instructors Included:
- Rav Kumar - Chief Strategy Officer, Dalriada Drug Discovery, Visiting Professor, U of T, Mississauga
- Karen Heim - VP and General Manager, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Shurjeel Choudhri - Senior Vice President and Head, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Bayer HealthCare
- Rafael Chiuzi - Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour & HR Management, Department of Management, U of T, Mississauga
- Leslie Madden - Dr. Director, Federal Affairs and Policy, Canada, Moderna
- Christine Mossa - Vice President, Global Value & Access, Neuroscience, Ipsen Canada
Ajay Bhatia - Global Director of Marketing, Oncology Astellas Pharma
- Dorothy Czylyski - President & Partner, No Fixed Address Health (NFA Health)
- Rohita Sharma - Senior Director, Global Strategic Alliances, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Bruce Seet - Head of Medical Affairs (Canada) at Novavax
- Duncan Jones - Lecturer, U of T, Mississauga
- Jeff Connell- Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA)
- Maura Campbell - President and CEO, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
- Jeffery Launay - Vice President and Chief of Staff, Human Resources, Apotex Inc.
Having worked for an industry association for several years, I found this program to be an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge of the pharmaceutical sector. It provided a comprehensive overview of the entire industry, from drug discovery to market launch, as well as the broader life sciences landscape in Canada. The industry experts leading the program were exceptional, offering valuable insights that were clear and digestible for someone like me who doesn't have a science background. While I initially enrolled to expand my understanding of the pharma sector, the inclusion of soft skills training truly enhanced the experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the pharma field.
Brian Craig
Vice President, Operations
Life Sciences Ontario
Before beginning the application process, please review the participant profile to ensure eligibility. Our programs follow one of two pathways for enrollment: Direct Registration or Application Review.
Direct Registration Programs
These programs are open to all participants who meet the general eligibility criteria.
- Register online through the program page.
- Full payment is required at the time of registration.
- Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Review Programs
These programs involve a review process to ensure alignment between participant goals and program outcomes.
- Programs requiring a review will indicate this in the Participant Profile section
- When a résumé or LinkedIn profile is requested, please email it to imi.executiveprograms@utoronto.ca.
- If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to proceed with registration and payment.
Participant Notification Process
If space is available and eligibility requirements are met, you will receive an automatic confirmation and receipt from the application system once you have submitted a completed application and fee deposit. Program details, calendar invites, and additional instructions will be sent via email two weeks before the program's start date.
- The full deposit fee is required at time of application. Payment can be made through the application link via credit card. Please note that we do not accept cheque payments.
- Please note that all prices are quoted in Canadian dollars and subject to applicable taxes.
- IMIx certificate program dates, fees and faculty are subject to change. In the case that a program is canceled, you will be offered enrollment in either the same or any other future program or alternatively, a full refund.
Visit our Funding and Financial Support page for information on potential financial assistance options (i.e OSAP) and discounts for groups and alumni.
FAQs
All of our programs are offered entirely online using Zoom (a free basic account is required). There is no in-person component.
The program fee includes all modules and all necessary course materials, including any licensed content. There are no additional costs, Software access or online tools (if applicable) are also fully covered by the fee.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all participants who meet all program requirements, including attending at least 90% of the sessions. Certificates are mailed to participants, and a digital copy can also be provided via email upon request.
For programs that include an assessment component, the certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the required assessment activities. Assessments may include assignments, reflection essays, or a project, and are typically graded on a pass/fail basis.
Programs that include an assessment:
- Canadian Income Tax Practice
- Data Analytics
- Effective Healthcare Management
- Strategy & Critical Thinking
Programs that do not include an assessment:
- Effective Leadership for Senior Managers
- Pharma Challenges and Opportunities
- Governance & Ethics
- Effective Management of People
You may be eligible for a discount if you are;
- A U of T or IMIx alum
- Eligible for a special offer (e.g., Early Bird Discount, Team Discount, etc.)
- A team of 2 or more individuals from the same organization
- A group of 2 or more individuals enrolling together (e.g., friends or family)
Visit our Funding and Financial Support page for more information.
Cancellation Policy
If you are no longer able to attend a program, requests must be sent via email to imi.executiveprograms@utoronto.ca. The following options will apply:
- 21+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 100% refund
- 10+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 50% refund
- Less than 10 days notice: you will not be eligible for any refund
In any of the above cases, you will have the option to take a credit or transfer registration to another person.
Questions about our Pharma program?