Request For Proposal (RFP) for Pharmacological testing of novel stimulants, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Amended Request For Proposal (RFP) for Pharmacological testing of stimulants, and synthetic cannabinoids.

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the illegal drug supply pose risks to Canadians. However, little is known about their pharmacological activity. More potent drugs increase the risk of overdose risks. Evidence on the pharmacological activity of these substances is essential to support scientific regulatory activities and risk assessments.

The illegal drug supply is continuously evolving, with new substances continually being detected. There is a need for further information on their harms to Canadians. This procurement activity will allow for the evaluation of the in vitro pharmacological activity of two categories of emerging drugs: synthetic cannabinoids, and stimulants. The data generated from this contract will inform future assessment activities and allow the OLRA to make more informed regulatory science decisions.

For both streams, they require the pharmacological testing of different classes of substances, and require acquisition of reference standards and control samples, getting licenses for controlled substances, conducting experiments (including doing statistical analysis), and finally drafting and finalizing reports.

Canada is seeking offers from Offerors to provide Pharmacological Testing for Stimulants, and Synthetic Cannabinoids in two (2) separate streams to Health Canada. Stream 2 – In vitro pharmacological testing of novel synthetic cannabinoids and Stream 3 – In vitro pharmacological testing of stimulant compounds. Each stream will be evaluated separately, and bidders are to provide their submissions for one (1) stream or two (2) streams. Up to two (2) contracts may be awarded under this amended request for proposal.