TORONTO — Police are investigating the deaths of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex Inc., and his wife Honey, whose bodies were found at their North York, Ontario, home on Friday.

As of Sunday, autopsies on Sherman and his wife were pending, published reports said. Authorities said the results will help determine the next steps in their investigation, which has labeled their deaths suspicious.

Barry Sherman

Sherman, 75, was one of Canada’s richest men, with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion.

“We’ve been informed of the tragic news that Barry and Honey Sherman have unexpectedly passed away,” Apotex tweeted on Friday. “All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”

Sherman founded Apotex in 1974 in Toronto, and the company has since grown into a global pharmaceutical organization with annual revenue of about $1.5 billion and more than 11,000 employees in research, development, manufacturing, and distribution in facilities worldwide. The Apotex Group of Companies encompasses Apotex Generics, Apotex Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Apobiologix and ApoPharma.

Sherman stepped down as chief executive officer in 2014 but remained chairman.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our founder, Dr. Bernard C. Sherman, chairman of the board of the Apotex Group of Companies, at the age of 75, and his wife Honey Sherman,” Apotex said in a posting on its homepage.

The statement also noted Sherman’s philanthropy and dedication to Apotex’s Canadian roots.

“The company’s continued focus on innovative and novel approaches to manufacturing is what has enabled it to produce pharmaceuticals cost effectively, helping to maintain production in Canada versus moving to lower cost markets and regions,” Apotex stated.

Sherman also was committed to helping patients, Apotex noted.

“Dr. Sherman gave his life to the singular purpose of our organization — innovating for patient affordability,” the statement said. “Patients around the world live healthier and more fulfilled lives thanks to his life’s work, and his significant impact on health care and health care sustainability will have an enduring impact for many years to come. As employees, we are proud of his tremendous accomplishments, honored to have known him, and vow to carry on with the Apotex purpose in his honor.”