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. | |
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Life Sciences BC News
Without a doubt, one of this week’s top highlights was the BIO Boston conference. Throughout the multi-day conference, the energy was palpable as our sector came together to celebrate the rich diversity and innovation of the global life sciences sector. We were pleased to host several special events, including the BC showcase event, “Advancing Science and Catalyzing Growth: British Columbia’s Bold Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy”. Featured speakers included BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the Honourable Brenda Bailey, Chair of Invest Vancouver and Mayor of North Vancouver Linda Buchanan, and CEO of AbCellera Carl Hansen. We also hosted a memorable Networking Reception, which brought together many companies, investors, government officials, trade commissioners, and global partners for an evening of networking, relationship building, and fun!
BIO 2023 was an excellent showcase of our sector’s multiple strengths, accomplishments and how we are emerging as a biopharma global powerhouse; recognized for having one of the most welcoming and productive sectors. BC life sciences and biomanufacturing led in innovation and continue to significantly contribute to global health - through academia, research entities and countless companies dedicated to developing game-changing solutions to meet the needs of complex illnesses that impact people worldwide. We have much to be proud of. A special shout-out to our generous event sponsors for supporting our presence at this year’s conference: Acuitas Therapeutics, Invest Vancouver, and the Government of British Columbia. Check out the photos from BIO below.
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Member Highlights
At BIO 2023, adMare BioInnovations announced the launch of the adMare Institute to help advance the life sciences and related public policy in Canada. This new voice in the industry will address the current and emerging health and life science policy challenges faced by Canadians and their governments and offer insight into the sector by encouraging comprehensive discussions around pressing health and life sciences public policy issues. Learn more.
Zymeworks Inc.’s Chief Scientific Officer, Paul Moore, PhD, recently participated in an interview to discuss the potential of preclinical candidates and multiple platform technologies in treating solid cancer tumours. Learn more.
Sue Waterbury, Partner at McDermott + Bull, wrote an article on the pressing issues faced by non-profit organizations in today’s complex landscape and shares valuable strategies and solutions to tackle staffing, funding, and technology hurdles. Learn more.
Chinook Therapeutics’ President and CEO, Eric Dobmeier, was featured on the Biotech2050 Podcast for an informative conversation on the kidney disease landscape, the current unmet need and opportunities in the space, as well as Chinook’s potential best-in-class therapies for IgAN. Listen here.
PharmAla Biotech’s CEO Nick Kadysh was interviewed on the first authorized treatment of MDMA supplied to a patient outside of clinical trials in Canadian history. Listen here.
Congratulations to SFU for being named number one for its global impact on sustainable cities and communities, and fifth in the world for its response on climate action, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) 2023 Impact Rankings. Learn more.
This year marks Medtech Canada’s 50th Anniversary! To celebrate, the company is putting together social media posts to highlight the incredible innovations the medtech industry has made, and the decision-makers and people behind them. Be a part of this project, and showcase your technology to commemorate this milestone! Learn more.
New Members
We are pleased to welcome the following new LSBC member:
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Canadian Strategy Group is based in Edmonton, with offices in Western Canada, including Vancouver. Founded in 2008, the firm brings together the region’s most respected strategic advisors with extensive private and public sector experience who provide a range of public affairs services to drive change, change opinions, and frame the public conversation.
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Versant Ventures Canada is a leading healthcare investment firm committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build the next generation of great companies. The firm’s emphasis is on biotechnology companies that are discovering and developing novel therapeutics. With $2.4 billion under management and offices in the U.S., Canada and Europe, Versant has built a team with deep investment, operating and clinical expertise that enables a hands-on approach to company building.
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SaNOtize Research & Development Corp. is a returning LSBC member, and a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, innovative anti-infectives. The company has developed a proprietary method to effectively deliver nitric oxide to the site of an infection. Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be effective as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and also enhances wound healing. The historical challenge has been how to deliver NO effectively since it is a gas molecule. The company has successfully solved the delivery issue, and now has a true platform technology for upper respiratory and topical dermal infections, among other innovative solutions.
Industry Highlights
The Honourable Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, led a trade mission – her third since being sworn into the role – to BIO in Boston to attract more investment to BC’s life sciences sector with the goal of locally solving more global healthcare challenges. Learn more.
$9 million in research funding from the Government of Canada and partners including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé, the Ontario Ministry of Health, ResearchNB, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation will be invested into building more resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems across Canada as announced by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health. Learn more.
As part of National AccessAbility Week last week, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced more than $1.4 million in funding over two years to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) to make Advance Care Planning (ACP) resources more universally accessible. This funding will specifically support the Making ACP More Accessible for Canadians with Disabilities project. Learn more.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will benefit from improved care and services following the Province of BC’s promise to invest $4.5 million to renovate and upgrade the Vancouver hospice facility. Canuck Place was the first children’s hospice in North America and is internationally recognized as a leader in pediatric palliative care. Learn more.
The Province of BC is partnering with 13 of BC’s public post-secondary institutions to provide more access to work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-ops, internships, practicums, and community-service-learning opportunities. This investment is part of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, to give thousands of people the skills and opportunities they need to thrive and employers an improved ability to find the talent they need. Learn more.
Applications Open
Innovate BC is accepting applications for its Ignite program, which awards up to $300,000 to fund BC-based research and development projects that are creating game-changing innovations in the areas of natural resources, engineering, and applied sciences. Deadline to apply is July 4. Learn more.
DIGITAL has opened a Canada-wide Call for Proposals in partnership with the Government of Canada through the Global Innovation Cluster program; Employment & Social Development Canada; and the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy; and Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, to mobilize break-through technology innovation and talent initiatives in multiple areas of interest including: health and wellness, environmental health, talent and capacity building, AI technology solutions, or Canadian quantum technologies. Learn more.
To celebrate Medtech Canada’s 50th Anniversary, the company is putting together social media posts to highlight the incredible innovations the medtech industry has made, and the decision-makers and people behind them. Be a part of this project, and showcase your technology to commemorate this milestone! Learn more.
We invite you to explore our expanded list of current life sciences application opportunities by clicking on the following link. If you know of additional opportunities to benefit our community, please email us your suggestions. Applications Open.
Kudos
Acuitas Therapeutics has signed a collaboration and licensing agreement with Bayer AG, to support Bayer’s in vivo gene editing and protein replacement programs by specifically delivering RNA payloads to the desired target organ, the liver.
Canada’s R&D Pharmaceutical Sector continues to shine, with recently released data from Statistics Canada demonstrating the economic impact of the sector. In 2020 alone, the sector supported over 107,000 high-value full-time jobs, generated close to $16 billion in economic activity, and invested $2.4 billion in R&D! Learn more.
Congratulations to Thrive Health’s co-founder, David Helliwell, and Senior Manager, Clinical Solutions and Innovation, Dr. Mark Nazemi, who were both honoured at the 2022 Digital Health Canada Awards for their contributions in advancing the use of digital health across Canada!
SFU was awarded the Entrepreneurial University Award at the 2023 Deshpande Symposium on Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Higher Education. Kudos to the students, staff, faculty, and mentors who make the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem at this institution so incredible. Learn more.
People on the Move
ESSA Pharma has appointed Lauren Merendino to its Board of Directors. Ms. Merendino is a leading pharmaceutical executive who brings more than 25 years of commercial experience spanning 20+ disease states, including 15 years of leadership for oncology-specific portfolios to the Board.
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The Last Word
Join us at the LSBC Annual Summer Social, sponsored by AbCellera, on June 28 from 5-7pm at the stunning Zymeworks offices. Enjoy an evening of relaxed camaraderie and networking to kick off summer! Register here.
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Photos from the 2023 BIO Boston Conference: | | |
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Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Doses First Patient in Phase 1b/2a Eosinophilic Esophagitis Trial
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Phase 2 clinical-stage biotechnology company with an innovative drug delivery technology platform, announced that it has commenced dosing patients in its phase 1b/2a trial that is evaluating EP-104GI’s safety, tolerability and efficacy as a treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is a chronic, immune-mediated condition of the esophagus that causes inflammation, structural damage and dysfunction when left untreated. It is characterized as an “orphan disease” – a rare condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, and for which exists significant unmet medical need...READ MORE
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Development in Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis in Canada: New Tests Help Patients and Caregivers Make Timely Decisions
Roche Diagnostics, a division of Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, announced Health Canada approval for its Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) assays* to measure three biomarkers that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s pathology, beta-amyloid and tau proteins, in adults aged 55 and older being evaluated for the disease. Available across Canada, Roche’s assays can measure three biomarkers: the Beta-amyloid and tau proteins. These play a role in normal brain function; abnormal levels of these proteins are directly related to Alzheimer’s disease...READ MORE
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adMare BioInnovations Launches the adMare Institute
adMare BioInnovations, a leader in the Canadian life sciences sector, announced the launch of the adMare Institute, a new voice aimed at advancing the life sciences and related public policy in Canada. The announcement was made at the prestigious BIO International Conference in Boston. The adMare Institute is focused on addressing the current and emerging health and life science policy challenges faced by Canadians and their governments. Through a commitment to impartial, balanced, and data-based analysis, the adMare Institute will offer insight into the sector and various stakeholders across Canada. The adMare Institute will explore pressing health and life science public policy issues, encouraging objective and comprehensive discussions...READ MORE
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Algernon Pharmaceuticals to Present Phase 2 Ifenprodil Cough Data at the 2023 American Cough Conference
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company is pleased to announce that it will present its Phase 2a Ifenprodil cough data at the 9th American Cough Conference (ACC) being held June 9-10, 2023 in Reston, Virginia. The ACC is the world’s leading educational meeting for healthcare professionals involved in the research and management of patients with cough...READ MORE
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Canada’s R&D Pharmaceutical Sector – A Key Partner in Economic Resilience, Recovery, and Growth
Recently released Statistics Canada data demonstrates the economic impact of the innovative research and development (R&D) pharmaceutical sector in Canada. In 2020 alone, the sector supported over 107,000 high-value full-time jobs, generated close to $16 billion in economic activity, and invested $2.4 billion in R&D. This data highlights the limitations of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s (PMPRB) ongoing use of an outdated 1987 Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax definition as a measure of domestic R&D...READ MORE
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Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Announce Recipients of Research Fellowship Awards Focused on Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)
Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) are excited to announce the 2021 and 2022 Research Fellowship Awards, granted to early career Canadian researchers familiar with diagnosing and treating patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), with projects aimed at implementing innovative strategies to improve the quality of care for those affected by this underdiagnosed and potentially fatal disease.[i] As part of an ongoing collaboration, Pfizer Canada and the CCS have collaborated for the past two years on a joint effort to support young physicians that are still completing their training, in bringing real-world solutions forward in the treatment and management of ATTR-CM...READ MORE
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Algernon NeuroScience Announces Successful Completion of Highest Planned Single Dose in DMT Phase 1 Trial; Accelerates Plans for Phase 2 Stroke and TBI Studies
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to advise that its subsidiary Algernon NeuroScience (AGN Neuro), has successfully completed dosing of the third and planned final cohort in its escalating dose Phase 1 clinical study of an intravenous (IV) formulation of AP-188 (“N,N-Dimethyltryptamine” or “DMT”). AGN Neuro is the world’s first company to investigate DMT for both the treatment of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI)...READ MORE
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Gemina Labs and ReadyGo Diagnostics Achieve Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Saliva
Gemina Laboratories Ltd., a specialist in fast, affordable, and accurate diagnostic tests, is delighted to announce significant technical results from its collaboration with ReadyGo Diagnostics Ltd. (“ReadyGo”), an isothermal molecular diagnostics developer based in Bath, UK. This represents the first step of Gemina’s move into molecular diagnostics adding further diagnostic capability to compliment our lateral flow programme...READ MORE
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Domain Therapeutics Announces Nomination of First-in-class PAR2 NAM Candidate, DT-9045, to Unlock New Cancer Treatment Possibilities
Domain Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative drug candidates in immuno-oncology targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), announced the nomination of a drug candidate, a Negative Allosteric Modulator (NAM) of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), DT-9045, with first-in-class potential for immuno-oncology, particularly for fibrotic tumors...READ MORE
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Cedar Clinical Research, by Numinus, the top Enrolling Clinical Research Site for MindMed’s Phase 2B Study Evaluating MM-120
Numinus Wellness Inc., a mental health care company advancing innovative treatments and safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies, is pleased to announce Cedar Clinical Research (CCR) is a top research site for MindMed’s Phase 2b study evaluating MM-120 (lysergide D-tartrate) for General Anxiety Disorder. CCR’s research clinic in Draper, Utah, is the top enrolling site for the research study – having enrolled and dosed 19 clinical trial participants for the study to date. CCR also recently began enrolling volunteers for this trial at a second research clinic – in Murray, Utah...READ MORE
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Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Zymeworks Present Positive Pivotal Phase 2b Trial Data at ASCO 2023 Evaluating Zanidatamab in HER2-Amplified Biliary Tract Cancers
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc and Zymeworks Inc. presented positive pivotal trial data, including new data on progression-free survival (PFS), from the Phase 2b HERIZON-BTC-01 trial of the bispecific antibody zanidatamab in previously treated HER2-amplified biliary tract cancers (BTC). The data were featured as an oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, and the results were concurrently published in The Lancet Oncology. The abstract (4008) was also selected to be included in the 2023 Best of ASCO® program, which will be held this summer following the ASCO Annual Meeting...READ MORE
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Takeda Opens Digital Health Innovation Challenge in Partnership with Plug and Play Alberta for Solutions to Improve Patient Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Takeda Canada Inc. announced the launch of the Takeda Canada Digital Health Innovation Challenge, an initiative to identify disruptive digital health solutions and explore new partnerships to accelerate and transform patient care in Canada. In the second challenge, Takeda is collaborating with Plug and Play Alberta (“Plug and Play”) to help broaden our reach and to harness their expertise in connecting innovative tech initiatives with large corporations to propel digital transformation...READ MORE
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Omega Laboratories Achieves ISO 17025 Accreditation at Ontario, Canada Laboratory
Omega Laboratories, a leading provider of laboratory testing solutions, is proud to announce that its toxicology laboratory in Ontario, Canada, has been awarded ISO 17025 accreditation. This significant achievement highlights Omega Laboratories’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision in its operations...READ MORE
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Trade Mission to US Builds on Momentum in BC’s Life-Sciences Sector
To attract more investment to BC’s life-sciences sector so that more global health-care challenges can be solved locally, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, is leading a trade mission to the BIO International Convention in Boston. In Boston, Bailey will showcase BC’s new Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, which makes investments in people and infrastructure, creating partnerships that see developments through, from discovery to clinical trials, to manufacturing...READ MORE
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Government of Canada and Partners Invest $9 Million to Research Policy Solutions to Transform our Health Systems
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced $9 million in research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé, the Ontario Ministry of Health, ResearchNB, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. With this investment, 60 research teams composed of researchers, policy makers, and people with lived experience, will conduct research to generate evidence-informed policy solutions to improve how health services are financed, organized, delivered, and governed. To maximize research impact, one team has been charged with summarizing and sharing key takeaways and solutions across all funded projects with health policy makers...READ MORE
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Opinion: Historic Investments in BC’s Life Sciences Sector Come at a Critical Time
This week, the largest-ever BC delegation is in Boston for BIO International, the annual preeminent global biotech conference — a place where global investments and partnerships get made.
Led by Life Sciences BC and BC’s minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, over 50 BC companies and organizations will be showcasing our world-leading health innovation and its capacity to solve many pressing health conditions of our time.
While BC science has been on the map with the international bioscience community for many years, it’s now of world renown, having played a crucial role in enabling pandemic-ending mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations with a lipid nanoparticle vaccine delivery system that has now seen over 4.5 billion Pfizer BioNTech doses delivered in 181 countries. Additionally, a Vancouver-based company created the first approved antibody therapeutic to clinically treat COVID-19...READ MORE
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Senior Associate Scientist (Biophysical Characterization)
Amgen BC is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist (Biophysical Characterization). The individual will join a team of dedicated scientists to discover and characterize molecules that have the potential to help patients in need. A well-suited applicant will have great laboratory skills, a strong analytical mindset, deep scientific curiosity, and a can-do attitude. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, optimization, and implementation of various biophysical based screening assays for novel therapeutic candidates with guidance from the lead Scientist...LEARN MORE
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Events Specialist
Life Sciences BC is looking for an enthusiastic new co-op student to assist with preparations and execution of both in-person and virtual events. With several scheduled events happening between September and December, this role will offer a varied mix of tasks and projects and will provide fantastic experience for the chosen candidate to see how a professional industry association operates. This position will report to the Manager, Events...LEARN MORE
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Industry Partnership Manager
This position reports to Executive Director, CIEBH. The incumbent liaises with Faculty of Medicine and UBC Leadership, university offices (VPRI, UILO) regarding CIEBH-related activities, industry partners, as well as internal and external academic partners. This person will work with staff within CIEBH, as well as external agencies and health care professionals, community organizations, and the general public. The incumbent plays an important role in the execution and success of CIEBH...LEARN MORE
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SnapCyte Solutions Inc. is a biotech/tech company that develops mobile phone applications for cell analytics used in life science research.
SnapCyte aims to democratize life science research by providing integrated and easy-to-access tools for scientists around the world. SnapCyte’s mobile app technology transforms a basic lab microscope into a powerful data analysis platform making cell analytics intelligent, fast, accurate and affordable.
Visit Website
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OkaSciences is a biotechnology start-up that specializes in manufacturing GelMA, a versatile biomaterial with a track record of bioprinting success. Their GelMA, known as OkaGel, was developed at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. This patented technology produces GelMA that is sterile, higher quality, and always consistent from batch-to-batch.
OkaSciences' mission is to make biomedical research accessible to all through fairly-traded, high-quality GelMA biomaterials.
Visit Website
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LSBC Membership Discounts on Job Postings
As an LSBC member, your first five job postings EARN a free repost on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish. After your first five posts, you will also receive 25% off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? Contact talent@lifesciencesbc.ca.
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