Research and development in the pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals sector play a strong role in revolutionizing the way illnesses are prevented, diagnosed, treated and cured. Contributors to these efforts are found throughout the sector's major segments, which include brand–name drug manufacturers, generic drug manufacturers, firms developing bio–pharmaceutical products, non–prescription drug manufacturers, and firms undertaking research on a contract basis. Canadian universities, hospitals and research centres also play a pivotal role in the research and development activities of this sector.