In total there were 27 new active substances (NASs) approved in Canada in 2018, 18 prescription pharmaceutical drugs and 9 biologics. In terms of companies that saw particular success last year, Merck (MSD outside of the US and Canada) had three prescription drugs approved, as did Swiss-headquartered Vifor Pharma. Global giants Pfizer and Novartis each had one prescription drug and one biologic approved in Canada. More data can be found at the Health Canada website.