June 30th, 2023

Life Sciences BC seeks to raise the profile of our members and supporters, highlight their achievements, and promote BC's dynamic life sciences ecosystem. If you have news or a story to share, let us know. You can find previous editions of BioLinks newsletters and other resources on our website at News/Publications

Member Highlights 

BC's leading technology ecosystems builders, including member entrepreneurship@ubc, are establishing an alliance of not-for-profit innovation hubs called BC's Technology Ecosystems Network (BCTEN) to leverage their diverse regional ecosystems into one network that supports transformative company building across B.C. Learn more.

The Digital Supercluster is collaborating with NGen Canada to launch $30M in new projects to advance the commercialization of quantum technologies that address industrial and societal issues. They invite organizations with project ideas to sign up to receive updates and notifications about the program. Learn more.

Simon Fraser University is now home to a new Smart Manufacturing Hub that will help revolutionize traditional manufacturing processes, provide space for innovation and collaboration with industry, and train the next generation of the industry's workforce, the first of its kind in Western Canada. Learn more.

The Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network and Medtech Canada, both on a mission to scale Canadian innovation and create an environment that makes it easier to bring innovative Canadian technology into the healthcare system, have announced a new partnership that will increase growth opportunities for Canadian companies in Canada's medical technology industry. Learn more.   

Industry Highlights

Canada has officially launched the new Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE). The CMIE will be under the oversight of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) and TRIUMF Innovations and will receive up to $35M over five years to develop initiatives focused on the production, advancement and distribution of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals in Canada. Learn more.

Canada has invested over $8.1M in PacifiCan funding to help seven Greater Victoria organizations drive innovation, growth, and job creation in ocean technology, life sciences, and clean energy on Vancouver Island. Learn more.

Canada has announced $998,450 in funding over three years to Diabetes Canada to work with key partners to develop an inventory of successful diabetes programs, interventions, and projects to support the subsequent dissemination, adoption, and customization of these initiatives nationwide. Learn more.

Canada has released the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), developed in collaboration with the provinces and territories. This represents a significant milestone in strengthening the pan-Canadian preparedness and response to AMR. Learn more. 

The Canadian Public Health Association has released its 2022 Annual Report, Strengthening Public Health Systems in Canada. Read it here. 

As of June 15, 2023, Canadian employers are temporarily exempt from needing a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) to hire French-speaking or bilingual workers outside Quebec who are classified under Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 4 and 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) (except for primary agriculture occupations). Learn more.

Applications Open

Canada's Stem Cell Network and Heart & Stroke have announced the Stem Cell Network – Heart & Stroke Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women's Heart and Brain Health, a new opportunity for high-calibre postdoctoral scientists to pursue stem cell and regenerative medicine research to accelerate knowledge and innovation in women's heart and brain health. Applications are due Sept. 8. Learn more. 

CANTRAIN, in partnership with Clinical Trials BC, has announced three award programs to support masters, doctoral and postdoctoral applicants conducting research related to clinical trials. Applications are due July 14. Learn more.

Michael Smith Health Research BC has announced its 2024 suite of funding programs which provide opportunities for BC health researchers across all regions of BC to improve health, save lives and strengthen the regional economy. Learn more.  

Applications are open for the Institute/Initiative Community Support Grants competition, supported by all 13 CIHR Institutes, which offer to fund planning and dissemination activities across diverse research topics. The deadline to apply is July 25. Learn more. 

We invite you to explore our expanded list of current life sciences application opportunities by clicking on the following link. Applications Open.

Kudos

Congratulations to Julio Montaner of the University of British Columbia and Travis Salway of Simon Fraser University, this year's BC-based winners of the 2023 CIHR-IPPH Trailblazer Award Winners, recognizing early, mid and senior career researchers who continue to make exceptional contributions that promote population and public health for Canadians and global citizens. Learn more

People on the Move

BCIT has appointed Matthew Wooduff as the new Associate Dean, Trades and Technology Complex.

The Last Word

Tickets for the 25th Annual LSBC Awards Gala presented by Farris will be available starting July 12 and will go fast! Join us in celebrating the exceptional individuals and companies shaping BC's vibrant life sciences sector. Learn more and stay tuned for ticket updates!

Please note that BioLinks will be published on Thursdays rather than the usual Fridays during the summer months of July and August. 

Until next week,

Wendy and the LSBC team

Domain Therapeutics Announces Nomination of Best-in-Class Ccr8 Antibody Candidate, Dt-7012, Further Strengthening its Unique Portfolio of Gpcr-Targeting Immunotherapies

Domain Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative drug candidates in immuno-oncology targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), announces the nomination of a novel drug candidate, DT-7012, an anti-CCR8 monoclonal antibody depleting tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs), with best-in-class potential and an initial positioning that will enable fast-track development and accelerated market access...READ MORE

GSK Completes Acquisition of BELLUS Health

GSK plc and BELLUS Health Inc. announced GSK has completed the acquisition of BELLUS, a biopharmaceutical company working to better the lives of patients suffering from refractory chronic cough (RCC), by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Arrangement was approved by BELLUS’ shareholders on 16 June 2023...READ MORE

Kintara Therapeutics Awarded $2.0 Million National Institutes of Health SBIR Grant to Support the Clinical Development of REM-001

Kintara Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new solid tumor cancer therapies, announced that the Company has been awarded a $2.0 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the clinical development of REM-001, a second-generation photodynamic therapy photosensitizer agent for the treatment of cutaneous metastatic breast cancer (CMBC)...READ MORE

DIGITAL and NGen Partner to Launch $30 million in New Quantum Projects

NGen, the industry-led organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing and DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, have partnered to launch $30 million in new projects to drive the commercialization of quantum technologies. The clusters will build on Canada’s National Quantum Strategy to deliver industry-led commercialization projects that use quantum technologies to solve industrial and societal challenges. The clusters will leverage their cross-country networks to deploy Canada’s world-leading R&D leadership to deliver strategic industrial advantages through the use of emerging quantum technologies...READ MORE

NervGen Pharma to Receive More Than US$3 Million From Wings for Life to Support Upcoming Clinical Study in Spinal Cord Injury

NervGen Pharma Corp., a clinical stage biotech company dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the treatment of nervous system damage, announced that it has been awarded a grant of up to US$3.18 million from Wings for Life, a not-for-profit spinal cord injury research foundation, under the foundation’s Accelerated Translational Program. The funding will support the upcoming Phase 1b/2a proof of concept clinical trial for the Company’s proprietary lead compound, NVG-291, in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed their review of the Company’s clinical trial protocol and has determined that the study may proceed. The Company will continue to work to resolve the ongoing partial clinical hold from the FDA, but the hold does not impact the conduct of this trial...READ MORE

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Engages Maxim Group to Explore Spin-Off of its Ifenprodil Phase 2 Chronic Cough Drug Development Program

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, announce that it has engaged Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) to provide financial advisory and investment banking services, and to assist in identifying and evaluating potential M&A and strategic opportunities, including the potential spin-off of the Company’s NP-120 (“Ifenprodil”) chronic cough research program...READ MORE

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Reports Positive Topline Data in its Phase 2b Osteoarthritis Trial with EP-104IAR

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company with an innovative drug delivery platform, announced positive results from its Phase 2b clinical trial of EP-104IAR for pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (“OA”). EP-104IAR met its primary endpoint with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant (p=0.004) improvement over vehicle-placebo in WOMAC Pain at 12 weeks...READ MORE

CAN Health Network and Medtech Canada Partner to Increase Opportunities for Canadian Innovators

The Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network and Medtech Canada are pleased to announce a new partnership that will increase growth opportunities for Canadian companies in Canada’s medical technology industry...READ MORE

Sernova Announces Positive Updated Interim Phase 1/2 Clinical Data for the Cell Pouch System™ at American Diabetes Association 83rd Scientific Sessions

Sernova Corp., a clinical- stage company and leader in cell therapeutics, announced updated positive interim data from its ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of the Cell Pouch System in patients with type 1 diabetes and severe hypoglycemia unawareness. The new data from the study, which is being conducted by Piotr Witkowski, M.D., Ph.D., at The University of Chicago, were presented during an oral podium presentation at the American Diabetes Association 83rd Scientific Sessions, on June 24th, 2023 in San Diego, California...READ MORE

Zymeworks Set to Join Russell 3000®, Russell 2000®, and Russell Microcap® Indexes

Zymeworks Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics, announced that it is set to join both the Russell 3000®, Russell 2000®, and the Russell Microcap® Indexes at the conclusion of the 2023 Russell indexes annual reconstitution, effective after the U.S. market opens on June 26, 2023. The annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes captures the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks as of April 28, 2023, ranking them by total market capitalization. Membership in the Russell 3000® Index, which remains in place for one year, means automatic inclusion in the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or small-cap Russell 2000® Index as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes...READ MORE

WELL’s CRH Medical Continues Digitization Progress with Strategic Investment in Graphium Health

WELL Health Technologies Corp., a practitioner focused digital health company that is positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to provide key business updates to its wholly owned subsidiary CRH Medical Corp. (“CRH“)...READ MORE

Melanoma is on the Rise in Canada but There are Ways to Take Action This Summer

Merck Canada is launching a melanoma awareness campaign. Centered around education, the campaign aims to inform Canadians about some of the signs of melanoma and how to spot them. Although less common than other types, melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer because it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. However, when caught early, cure rates can reach more than 90 per cent. The reality is that melanoma can affect everybody and may appear on parts of the body that are difficult to see on ourselves, making self-examinations challenging. In fact, findings suggest that loved ones play an important role in early detection...READ MORE

Bioasis Provides Corporate Update and Announces Suspension of Operations

Bioasis Technologies Inc., a multi-asset rare and orphan disease biopharmaceutical company developing clinical stage programs based on epidermal growth factor and a differentiated, proprietary xB3 ™ platform for delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier and the treatment of central nervous system disorders in areas of high unmet medical need, provided an update on its financial condition and operations...READ MORE

Gemina Labs has developed and patented a transformative surface chemistry that powers next-generation testing platforms for detecting a wide range of pathogens that affect humans and animals. Our tests are fast, affordable and accurate, and easily self-administered providing consumers with direct solutions where they need them. Learn More

Stem Cell Network and Heart & Stroke Partner to Launch National Fellowship Program for Women’s Heart and Brain Health

Canada’s Stem Cell Network and Heart & Stroke are pleased to announce the Stem Cell Network – Heart & Stroke Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women’s Heart and Brain Health, a new opportunity for high caliber postdoctoral scientists to pursue stem cell and regenerative medicine research with the goal of accelerating advances to drive new knowledge and innovation in women’s heart and brain health...READ MORE

Government of Canada Invests Over $8.1 Million to Drive Innovation in Ocean Technology, Life Sciences, and Clean Energy on Vancouver Island

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $8.1 million in PacifiCan funding to help seven Greater Victoria organizations boost innovation networks, drive business growth, and create new jobs and training opportunities. This includes $5.7 million for four organizations through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, over $2.2 million for two companies through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-Up and Productivity program, and $250,000 for one company through PacifiCan’s Jobs and Growth Fund...READ MORE

Government Strengthens Canada’s Leadership Role in Medical Isotope Production

Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington, Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced the official launch of the new Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem (CMIE). The CMIE will be under the oversight of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) and TRIUMF Innovations, supporting projects with Bruce Power, BWXT Medical, McMaster University and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. It will receive up to $35 million over a five-year period to develop initiatives focused on the production, advancement and distribution of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals in Canada. Through this investment, the Government of Canada is taking another step in advancing Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, which is designed to improve the long-term resilience and promote the growth of Canada’s life and sciences sector...READ MORE

Government of Canada Invests Nearly $1 Million to Support Activities to Address Diabetes in Canada

During a panel on diabetes at the World Non-Communicable Diseases Congress, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced $998,450 in funding over three years to Diabetes Canada. This funding will allow Diabetes Canada to work with key partners to develop an inventory of successful diabetes programs, interventions, and projects to support the subsequent dissemination, adoption, and customization of these initiatives across the country...READ MORE

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments Jointly Release the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, released the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, developed in collaboration with the provinces and territories.

This Action Plan represents a significant milestone in strengthening the pan-Canadian preparedness and response to AMR. It establishes federal, provincial and territorial commitments on AMR over the next five years (2023-2027)...READ MORE

VIATEC Joins Forces with BC Tech Hubs to Create Powerful Support Network

BC’s leading technology ecosystems builders announced that they are establishing an alliance of not-for-profit innovation hubs, known as BC’s Technology Ecosystems Network (BCTEN). The goal of this alliance is to leverage their diverse and dynamic regional ecosystems into one powerful network that supports transformative company building across British Columbia. Following years of collaboration on best practices, strengthening industry intelligence and deep domain expertise, the alliance will showcase how BC born companies start, scale and grow their businesses by accessing fundamental resources provided by BCTEN...READ MORE

Manager, Partnerships & Memberships

The Manager, Partnerships & Memberships manages the planning and implementation of the principal sponsors, partners & members and retention strategies, including researching sponsors, partners & membership needs and opportunities, and securing contracts. They will also manage general services and communications to existing sponsors, partners & members to keep LSBC top of mind. The role will also oversee the management of the organization’s public job board...LEARN MORE

Director of Clinical Affairs

SaNOtize is looking for a Director of Clinical Affairs who, while reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, will serve a vital role providing clinical development oversight and direction to SaNOtize’s pipeline products. Required experience includes BSc, PhD or PharmD, with 10+ years of clinical and project management experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and/or CRO environment. Exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills...LEARN MORE

Director of Regulatory Affairs

SaNOtize are currently seeking a full-time Director of Regulatory Affiars. This position is accountable for the implementation of the regulatory strategy for all development projects, for ensuring that the strategy is designed to deliver a rapid approval with advantageous labeling in keeping with the properties of the product(s) and the needs identified by the executive team. The Regulatory Affairs Director will possess strategic leadership skills, experienced in North American (US and Canada) and ex-North America regulatory sciences...LEARN MORE

Associate Director/Director, CMC

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Associate Director/Director, CMC to join the CMC team. The incumbent will be responsible for managing Xenon’s GMP and non-GMP analytical, synthesis and preformulation/solid state analysis contract research organizations (CROs) as well as coordinating preformulation activities performed internally and externally...LEARN MORE

Director/Senior Director, Human Resources, Systems and Data

Xenon Pharmaceuticals is seeking seeking a Director/Senior Director, Human Resources, Systems and Data. The Director/Senior Director will be a key member of highly collaborative HR and corporate teams with responsibility for Human Resource management systems, data and reporting and for acting as a Business Partner, providing counsel, coaching and support to assigned departments, employees and managers in the U.S. and Canada...LEARN MORE

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