March 17th, 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.

Kardium Announces First Patients Treated in PULSAR IDE Study of Globe® Pulsed Field System

Kardium Inc., a private medical device company that has developed the Globe® PF System for the treatment of atrial fibrillation using pulsed field ablation, announced that the first patients have been successfully treated in its PULSAR clinical study. The international, multicenter study recently received U.S. FDA Investigational Device Exemption approval in the United States, Health Canada approval in Canada, and SUKL approval in the Czech Republic, to validate the safety and effectiveness of the Globe System...READ MORE

Kintara Therapeutics to Present Two Posters at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting

Kintara Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of new solid tumor cancer therapies, announced that the Company will be presenting two posters at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, taking place in Orlando, April 14-19. The presentation will include data from its lead program, VAL-083, for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma...READ MORE

Sernova Announces Upcoming Podium Presentation of iPSC and Cell Pouch™ Combination Treatment for Type One Diabetes at the 4th IPITA / HSCI / JDRF Summit

Sernova Corp., a clinical- stage company and leader in cell therapeutics, announced that an abstract has been selected for an oral presentation at the 4th International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (IPITA) / Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) / Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Summit, to be held from April 24-25, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The presentation will be given by Matthias Austen, PhD, SVP Cell Therapy at Evotec SE...READ MORE

Zymeworks to Present Updated Data on Multiple Product Candidates at The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

Zymeworks Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics, announced the acceptance of eleven abstracts for poster presentation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from April 14 – 19, 2023

• Eleven abstracts accepted for poster presentation highlight company’s differentiated antibody drug conjugate, multispecific antibody, and clinical product candidates
• Management will host a conference call on April 18th at 6:30 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)...READ MORE

BC Cancer – Vancouver Staff Develop More Efficient Process for Select CT Planning Scans Increasing Daily Capacity

Last year, a new hybrid CT planning team at BC Cancer – Vancouver found an administrative efficiency that allows select patients to be booked for CT planning in 30 minute increments instead of 60 minute appointments. This change in procedure has increased capacity enabling up to four more patients to be scanned each day. The hybrid CT planning team was developed through a need to train more staff in the radiation therapy planning department and a need to make important workflow changes ahead of equipment replacement and upgrades. The implementation of the hybrid team allowed the department to tackle both those needs...READ MORE

InMed Announces Publication of Peer-Reviewed Study Showing the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Rare Cannabinoids in Skin Conditions

InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., a leader in the pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing of rare cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs, announced that a peer-reviewed scientific study entitled “Rare phytocannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory effects on human keratinocytes via the endocannabinoid system and MAPK signalling pathway” has been published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. This is the second such Company-sponsored study to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of rare cannabinoids and their potential application for the treatment of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and acne...READ MORE

LifeLabs Named the Most Trusted Brand in Health Diagnostic Services by Canadians

Canadians across the country have named LifeLabs as the Most Trusted Brand in Health Diagnostic Services. The annual Most Trusted award program, hosted by market research firm BrandSpark surveyed nearly 16,000 Canadians to identify the brands they trust the most and why. “To be recognized by Canadians as a top brand of choice is a meaningful achievement and speaks to the investments we are making in our customer care and experience” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “Trust and reliability are central to what we do, and I am pleased to know that consumers agree.”...READ MORE

KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus Chemotherapy Significantly Improved Overall Survival Versus Chemotherapy Alone as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) announced that the Phase 2/3 CCTG IND.227/KEYNOTE-483 trial evaluating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with chemotherapy met its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma. IND.227 was sponsored by CCTG, in collaboration with investigators in Italy (co-sponsored by National Cancer Institute of Naples – NCIN), and France (co-sponsored by The French Cooperative Thoracic Intergroup – IFCT); Merck provided KEYTRUDA and support for the trial...READ MORE

Dual Fluid Launches MOU with TRIUMF, Canada’s Particle Accelerator Centre

The Canadian-German nuclear technology company Dual Fluid will collaborate in future with TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre and one of the world’s leading research centers for subatomic physics. To this end, both parties have recently signed a memorandum of understanding. The collaboration between Dual Fluid and TRIUMF is intended to advance the development of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) based on Dual Fluid technology. The goal of the new reactor concept is to use processed nuclear waste as fuel, and to exponentially increase the performance of today’s nuclear power production technologies...READ MORE

Microbion Corporation Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Study Evaluating Topical Pravibismane Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections

Microbion Corporation announced that a Phase 2, randomized, controlled study has been initiated to assess the safety and efficacy of topical pravibismane for the treatment of subjects with moderate infections of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). DFU infections are a serious complication of diabetes associated with significant morbidity and mortality. DFU infections are the most frequent diabetic complication requiring hospitalization and may lead to lower extremity amputation if the infection fails to resolve. In 2018, approximately 8.25 million hospital discharges associated with diabetes were reported, including 154,000 for lower-extremity amputation...READ MORE

Government of Canada Announces Funding to Help Accelerate Innovation in Aging and Brain Health

As part of Brain Awareness Week and Brain Health Awareness Month the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced a $30 million investment to continue supporting the implementation of Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. This investment will be provided to the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation to help accelerate innovation in aging and brain health so that older adults can age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being...READ MORE

UBC-Led Biomedical Innovation Hub to Accelerate Development and Manufacturing of Lifesaving Medicines for Canadians

Canada’s biotech ecosystem is poised for a major boost with the federal government announcement that B.C. will be home to Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH). The B.C.-based research and innovation hub, led by UBC, brings together a coalition of provincial, national and international partners to position Canada as a global epicentre for the development and manufacturing of next-generation immune-based therapeutics...READ MORE

Government of Canada Releases Results of Public Consultations on the Future of Genomics in Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, released the Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy – What We Heard Report. It presents the results of the public consultations undertaken in spring and summer 2022 to inform the upcoming Pan-Canadian Genomics Strategy. The report highlights several key findings in support of the commercialization and adoption of Canadian genomics innovations and technologies that will lead to socioeconomic benefits for Canadians. To achieve that, the report stresses, Canada must maintain its global competitiveness in attracting and generating genomics‑related talent, investments, innovations and companies...READ MORE

Government of Canada Invests New Funding for Post COVID-19 Condition, in Line with Recommendations from the Chief Science Advisor’s Report

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on the health and wellbeing of people in Canada, not only through its direct effects but also through its indirect effects, including disruptions to health services and our everyday routines. The physical and psychological effects of a COVID-19 infection can be long-lasting, as some individuals experience new, persistent, or recurring symptoms for weeks or months after their acute infection. These prolonged symptoms are commonly referred to as post COVID-19 condition (PCC), or long COVID...READ MORE

Minister Heads to U.S. to Promote, Grow B.C.’s Tech Sector

To help B.C.’s technology and innovation sector attract world-class talent and to ensure B.C. continues to be a global innovation powerhouse, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, will lead a five-day trade mission to the United States. Bailey’s trade mission will travel to Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, Calif. In Austin, Bailey will lead a delegation at South by Southwest, one of the world’s largest technology and innovation conferences, celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education and culture...READ MORE

Scientist – Antibody Engineering

Abdera Therapeutics is seeking a Scientist - Antibody Engineering to work full-time on site. Qualifications include a PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry or related field, with minimum 5 years relevant experience, or BSC/MSC with 10 years relevant experience in biotherapeutic discovery and experience with therapeutic antibody discovery essential. The role holder will independently design and execute analysis and experiments for the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies.

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EHSS Officer

Evonik Canada is seeking a EHSS Officer to work full-time on site at the Burnaby location. The EHSS Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and/or providing oversight of assigned EHSS programs to ensure regulatory and internal compliance and ensure appropriate preventive and corrective actions are taken to mitigate EHSS risks. Evonik offers excellent benefits such as competitive compensation, benefit and pension plans, vacation and time off, and many wellness resources.

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Research and Innovation Manager, Health

Genome British Columbia is seeking a Research and Innovation Manager, Health with a background in life sciences with a broad knowledge of molecular biology and genetics, ideally with an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in subjects related to genomics, and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. The Research and Innovation Manager, Health will work with the Research and Innovation leadership to implement the research and innovation mandate towards the strategic goals of the organization.





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Oxford is a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and business builder. They build, buy and grow defined real estate operating businesses with world-class management teams.

Their purpose is to create economic and social value through real estate – safeguarding the future and creating a world of opportunities for our customers, communities, partners and people.

Oxford and their businesses manage $82 billion of assets across four continents, in some of the world’s most transformative places. Their competitive advantage is in combining global platforms and expertise with local trends and experience to create exceptional experiences and value.

Life sciences companies are focused on delivering life-changing innovations and research breakthroughs. To do their best work, they need the best talent, facilities and flexible spaces.

Their portfolio includes high quality income producing properties as well as developable land with over several million square feet of available density. We provide solutions for the whole product life cycle – from research and development through to manufacturing.

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Qu Biologics is a clinical stage company that is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the way we treat cancer and other immune-related disease. Rather than blocking or stimulating a single specific receptor or pathway, the company’s Site Specific Immunomodulators (SSIs), a novel class of immunotherapies, aims to restore the full breadth of the body’s normal immune response in a targeted organ.

SSIs, which act as innate immune vaccines, are designed to activate the body’s innate immune response and to safely restore normal immune function in a targeted organ or tissue and correct the immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation underlying many chronic diseases including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-related conditions.

Qu has demonstrated proof of principle for its proprietary SSI Platform for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of cancers, infections, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Qu has completed Health Canada-approved Phase 2 clinical trials in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and recurrent lung cancer and has three active Phase 2 clinical trials in colon cancer and immunosenescense.

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