SR&ED for Pharmaceutical Companies

SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development) is a government program that rewards companies that perform R&D in Canada. The program makes Canada a more economically competitive and technologically advanced nation and it has been in existence since the 80’s. The Canadian incentive program is one of the most generous R&D programs in the world. 

The SR&ED program is not a grant, but strangely enough, does actually behave like a grant.  Traditional grants are pre-approved before work commences. SR&ED grants for pharmaceuticals are retroactive and approved after the fiscal year-end of the corporation.

SR&ED Claim for Pharmaceutical Industry

If you answer yes to any of the following questions you could be sitting on an untapped refund.

• Is your pharmaceutical company incorporated? Do you have a BN?
• Do you develop new pharmaceutical products or medicine?
• Are you a CRO (Contract Research Organization) involved in pharmaceutical trials?
• Are you involved in Phase I – Phase IV clinical trials?
• Do you obtain consent from clinical trial participants?
• Do you follow all formal regulations, requirements relating to the development of medicines or pharmaceutical products?
• Have you acquired an advancement in knowledge in a field of science or medicine?

SR&ED Eligibility for Pharma

There are only 3 criteria for eligibility plus evidence.

• Scientific or medical uncertainty
• Scientific or medical advancement
• Systematic investigation
  • plus Technical content