Montreal's Big Pharma

Some of the biggest global pharma companies run their Canadian operations from Quebec.

The pharmaceutical industry is often touted as a major economic driver in Montreal and it gets substantial financial support from the Quebec government.

The sector has generated scores of well-paid, specialized research jobs.

Butsome companies including Merck & Co. have shut down their Montreal research facilities in recent months, andQuebec is struggling to keep R&D jobs.

Pharmaceuticals is an intensely competitive industry. How do companies gain an edge over their competitors? How do physicians decide what pills to prescribe? What's the bottom line for consumers?

New drugs developed by companies are tested in clinical trials, many of which use human subjects. Who are these people who agree to test new drugs? What are the risks and potential payoff?

CBC Montreal has been investigating all these questions. We'll tell you what we found out, during the week of Nov. 29 - Dec. 3, during our special series on Big Pharma.

Tune into Daybreak and CBC News at 5 for these stories:

• TUESDAY: What incentives does the government offer the pharmaceutical industry?Listenhereto a report from the CBC'sLoreen Pindera.Journalist Joanne Vrakas also has report onCBC News: Montreal at 6.
• WEDNESDAY: How do clinical trials work andhow are they regulated ? Joanne Vrakasreports on Daybreak.Listenhere.
• THURSDAY: No Free Lunch: The link between pharma companies and doctors' continuing education.Who tracks MDs' prescribing habits,and why? Listenhere.
• FRIDAY: Meet Rico Lavoie and Zhaoyin Wan, two laid-off pharmaceutical researchers striking out on their own.Listenhere.
• MONDAY: Russell Williams, president of pharma research company association RX&D is on Daybreak at 7:40 a.m.