The MBSO will assist researchers who wish to purchase controlled drugs for in vitro research. Researchers using controlled drugs for in vivo use must contact the Animal Facility to submit an amendment to their AUP prior to undertaking such work. For those researchers who wish to use a common veterinary product for routine in vivo use only, please contact Marion Corrick, Technical Manager, CAF to arrange for application, inventorying and storage within the CAF.

The researcher must fill in an Application for an Exemption to Use A Controlled Substance For Scientific Purposes.

If the researcher is also importing a controlled substance, Appendix A: Import Order Authorization and Permit Application Form (IOPAF) must also be completed. To request a form, email: exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Part of the process involves ensuring adequate security is in place. The amount and type of security depends upon factors highlighted in the Directive On Physical Security Requirements for Controlled Substances. The researcher should ensure that the security measures can be met PRIOR to initiating an application.

Some items to consider when filling in the forms:

• Only those persons with documented administrative authority over and are supervisors of persons undertaking work involving controlled drugs and substances may be designated as principal investigators per the application form. The use of any person who does not fit this criteria may constitute a legal liability to the University for the purposes of due diligence and worker safety.
• Provision of the animal care committee approval should either be the entirety of the AUP as it should list the drugs to be used, or a letter from the University Veterinarian summarizing approval conditions for in vivo use.
• Project description should be brief, in lay terms and include only those protocols which include use of the drug.

For help filling out the applications and document requirements, please contact mbso@mcmaster.ca.

For further information, you may contact National Compliance and Exemption Division by phone at (613) 954-8246 or (613) 954-7668 or by e-mail at exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca