What a past week it has been! On January 22, 2021 we hosted our 2^nd Annual Career Connect Day, presented by BioTalent Canada, bringing together Life Science leaders, employers and those interested in pursuing a career in Life Sciences. We heard from HR leaders, learnt about the depth of career opportunities and how to make meaningful employer connections. With almost 700 people registered from Canada and beyond, 26 company exhibitors’ booths, it was one of LSBC’s largest events.  A big thank you to The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation for joining me in a fireside chat to discuss the important role that the Life Sciences sector is playing in the economic recovery of the province through job creation and innovation. 

As a reminder that we have a very active and current Job Board on our LSBC website. It is updated daily with new opportunities which you can find and apply for here.

In addition to Career Connect Day generating great deal of media attention, LSBC has been contacted by numerous French and English news outlets to discuss B.C.’s scientific leadership in vaccine and therapeutic innovation. We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase B.C. Life Sciences innovation and leadership. Please continue to keep us informed and take advantage of our member news release benefit. Media interviews and stories that LSBC has participated in can be found here.

Greg D’Avignon, President & CEO of the BC Business Council and I, collaborated on an Op-Ed, which appeared in the Vancouver Sun on Jan 25^th, outlining the critical role that the Life Sciences sector can play in both the economic recovery and competitiveness of the province while producing innovative products and solutions to address the complex issues of our health system. The Op-Ed, “Wendy Hurlburt and Greg D’Avignon: B.C.’s critical role in building a healthy recovery” can be read here or in Member News below.

One of the bigger stories of the week, belongs to Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, as they received FDA approval for their therapeutic treatment for lupus nephritis. After years of hard work, clinical trials and investment, their efforts have paid off. You can read the full news release here FDA Approves Aurinia Pharmaceuticals’ LUPKYNIS™ (voclosporin) for Adult Patients with Active Lupus Nephritis. 

This week, I was also able to join Life Science leaders at Clinical Trials BC’s global conference - The Modernization of Clinical Trials. The conference, brought together 600 attendees from British Columbia and beyond, covered regulatory renewal, innovations in trial approaches and design, diversity of populations and teams, patient engagement and leadership.

January 25, 2021 – VICTORIA, British Columbia & ROCKVILLE, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AUPH / TSX: AUP) (“Aurinia” or the “Company”) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LUPKYNIS^TM (voclosporin) in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen to treat adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). READ MORE

January 25, 2021 – VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Kardium Inc., developer of the Globe^® Mapping and Ablation System for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, has raised US $115 million in a new financing round. The round is led by Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC., together with follow-on participation by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. READ MORE

January 26, 2021 – The global effort to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccinations and therapeutics offer fresh hope after a difficult year. As we reflect, it’s a good time to recognize the impact that B.C.’s life-sciences sector is having here at home and around the world, and its place in planning for our province’s economic recovery. READ MORE

January 27, 2021 – FORUS Therapeutics launches today, bringing a new pharmaceutical company onto the Canadian landscape. With a highly-experienced and proven team, an FDA-approved product already in its pipeline, and significant financial investment secured, the Toronto-based company looks to bring innovative cancer therapies to Canadian patients, new treatment tools for caregivers and physicians, and in the future, be a preferred partner for emerging Canadian-based research companies. READ MORE

January 28, 2021 – The Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) has announced that a number of LifeSciences BC member organizations will be featured as presenters in their 2021 edition of the OBIO Investment Summit. The event will be hosted online, February 9-10. READ MORE

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (January 28, 2021) – Clinical Trials British Columbia (CTBC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of two provincial clinical trials achievement awards: the CTBC Support Award and the CTBC Service Award. Both awards were presented to recipients at an online award ceremony held today. READ MORE

A made-in-Canada vaccine to protect against COVID-19 began human clinical trials Tuesday in Toronto, says the biotechnology company that developed the vaccine. Toronto-based Providence Therapeutics said three shots will be given to 60 adult volunteers at a clinical trial site in Toronto in the first phase of the trial on Tuesday. READ MORE

Ottawa-based Spartan Bioscience has received Health Canada approval for its made-in-Canada rapid COVID-19 test, authorizing the sale of the device. "The Spartan COVID-19 System offers the speed and ease of use of a rapid test, while using the technology of lab-based COVID-19 testing solutions," a news release from the company states. READ MORE

LONDON — Two hospitals in the U.K. are actively using blockchain technology to help maintain the temperature of coronavirus vaccines before administering them to patients. READ MORE

What’s driving innovation in life science and healthcare? SVB is committed to serving the ecosystem by providing industry-leading reports featuring proprietary analysis and targeted outlooks to help companies and investors achieve their goals. Twice a year we publish deep-dive analyses describing fundraising, investment, M&A and IPO activity of private, venture-backed biopharma, medical device and diagnostic/tools companies. Our deep relationships with top life science and healthcare entrepreneurs and investors inform our insights and give us a vantage point unlike any other bank. To find out more about Silicon Valley Bank click here

The Student Work Placement Program is now accepting applications for healthcare placements. Canada’s healthcare industry has a growing need to produce job-ready healthcare workers. There are 1,500 open spots available in 2020-21. WEBSITE

As an LSBC member, your first five job postings EARNS a free repost on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish After your first five reposts, you will also receive 25% off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? CONTACT: Sue Callaghan - talent@lifesciencesbc.ca