Topic

Controlled Drug Exemptions & Biosafety Permits

Who is this for?

Anyone using controlled drugs or biohazardous agents as part of their animal research or teaching at the University of Toronto (U of T), including those in the following roles.

  • Professor, Faculty Member
  • Teaching Stream Faculty
  • Principal Investigator (PI) Assistant with My Research Animal Protocol (MRAP) privileges

What do I need before I can begin?

You plan to submit or have submitted an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) that involves the use of controlled drugs or biohazardous agents.

Use of Controlled Drugs in Animal Studies

Any Principal Investigator (PI) planning to use controlled drugs as part of an animal research or teaching project must obtain an exemption from Health Canada. Please refer to Guidelines on Controlled Substances for Use in Animal Studies for more information.

Use of Biohazardous Agents in Animal Studies

PIs who wish to use biohazardous agents (i.e. Risk Group 1, 2 or 3) in their animal studies must ensure that they have applied for a U of T Biosafety Permit through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Additional animal handler training for projects involving Risk Group (RG) 2 or RG3 agents in animals is required. See Mandatory Animal User Training for details.

Forms & Downloads

VPRI Role

  • Maintain records of all Schedule J drug exemptions relating to animal use
  • Provide assistance in obtaining exemptions and in seeking approval to destroy drugs when they have expired or are no longer required for studies

VPRI Contact

Staff

General Inquiries: Animal Ethics & Compliance Unit

Research Oversight & Compliance Office (ROCO)
(416) 978-2798

Other Resources