Juno Pharmaceuticals Approved to Import Ketamine, Providing Immediate Relief for Hospitals Across Canada

Juno Pharmaceuticals imports vital medicine as nationwide shortage jeopardizes patient care and comfort

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Juno Pharmaceuticals Canada (“Juno”), a Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, announced it has received approval from Health Canada to import ketamine solution for injection pursuant to Health Canada’s exceptional importation and sale guidelines. Juno has procured 25,000 units for immediate release, providing a 6-week supply to the entirety of the Canadian market.

Health Canada has approved ketamine for use as a sedative and painkiller in hospital settings. As such, it is needed to facilitate certain surgical procedures. Ketamine has been classified as a Tier 3 drug shortage – shortages that have the greatest potential impact on Canada's drug supply and healthcare system – since February 2023.

“Our team is passionate about doing our part to improve Canadians’ health. Ketamine is a critical medication for pain management and the shortage has jeopardized patient care,” said Mark Mantel, President and CEO of Juno. “Our drug shortage division is continuing to work hard to secure additional supply and equip hospitals across the country with the medicine they need.”

Outside of the approved applications from Health Canada, ketamine is also being administered in mental health clinics across the country as a treatment for depression.

“Depression can be a difficult illness to treat. Patients come to us when they have exhausted all other options and turning people away is never an option,” said Justin Davies, owner and founder of the Toronto Ketamine Clinic. “Our clinic was just weeks shy of having to shut its doors due to a lack of supply and being unable to continue providing this treatment to the patients that need it most. For some, it is lifesaving.”

About Juno Pharmaceuticals Canada

Juno Pharmaceuticals Canada specializes in bringing complex and high value generic and biosimilar products to the Canadian market. The Juno management team possesses decades of pharmaceutical industry experience along with an extensive track record of driving strategic growth through the identification of niche products and disciplined construction of robust product pipelines. An early member of the global Juno Pharmaceuticals group, Juno’s global operations span four continents and consist of over 14 diverse pharmaceutical and medical device businesses spread across Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and South Africa.