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Life Sciences BC News, June 20, 2024

The big news for Vancouver’s tech sector is that the city has won a three-year bid to host Web Summit, a major, global-scale tech conference where the likes of Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking have both graced its stage. Next year the event will be hosted at the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 27-30, 2025.

A press event was held at Collision in Toronto on June 18. Destination Vancouver anticipates Web Summit Vancouver will generate close to $57 million in direct spending and more than $93 million in overall economic impact for BC in its first year.


This bid was funded by up to C$14.8 million from all levels of government. Funding partners include the City of Vancouver, Destination Vancouver, the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), and the BC government. Read more.

We held our first fully hybrid event on Tuesday, June 18 at the beautiful Blakes LLP office. This Blakes Breakfast Speaking featured leading experts who shared invaluable insights on company formation. The morning's panel moderated by Joseph Garcia featured Emma Costante and Marie-Claire Dy of Blakes, Roberto Bellini of BSQUARED Capital Inc., Matthew Carlyle of adMare BioInnovations, and Dr. Ali Tehrani of Amplitude Ventures.

 

We were also glad to welcome Hillary Pierce of Total Flow Medical and William Annett of Sustained Therapeutics, who shared overviews of their respective companies and latest innovative technologies. Thank you to all speakers and attendees for joining us.

Member Highlights 

Zymeworks announces FDA clearance of IND application for ZW171, A Novel 2+1 T-Cell targeting bispecific antibody for mesothelin-expressing cancers. Zymeworks expects to file applications to start clinical studies in other non-US jurisdictions in 2H 2024. Read more.


Novo Nordisk announces the world's first once-weekly basal insulin is available in Canada. Read more.

 

AbbVie and FutureGen (Beijing) announce license agreement to develop FG-M701, a TL1A antibody, for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Read more.

 

AbbVie also announces FDA approval for SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa), the first IL-23 specific inhibitor approved for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. SKYRIZI is now approved for four indications across immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Read more.

 

HEALWELL AI acquires BioPharma, one of Canada’s largest CROs, to expand and AI-enable clinical research offerings. Biopharma is focused on bioequivalence and early-stage clinical trials, with over 2,200 clinical trials completed to date with approximately 250 pharma clients. Read more.

 

BC Cancer makes progress towards building new BC Cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Read more.

 

Labcorp launches Global Trial Connect to accelerate clinical trials. This suite of central laboratory solutions aims to increase the speed of clinical trials. Read more.

Industry Highlights

The Government of Canada announces Canada has been selected as a co-chair of Eureka for 2024–2025, with Germany. Co-chairing Eureka—the world’s largest public network for international cooperation in research and development—is an important milestone for Canada and an opportunity to highlight our leadership in research and innovation on the global stage. Read more.


Vancouver Island Life Sciences partners with Biohubx to help member companies leverage opportunities in Calgary, Alberta, Victoria, BC, and beyond. Read more.

 

IM Biologics announces that it has signed a licensing-out agreement with Navigator Medicines, a US-based company, for 'IMB-101,' a bispecific antibody-based treatment for autoimmune diseases currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. IMB-101 targets OX40L and TNF simultaneously as a bispecific antibody. Read more.

New LSBC Members

Tentarix Biotherapeutics is reshaping the future of oncology and autoimmune treatments with our transformative, multifunctional biologics. Learn more.


[Student] Pedram Torabian is a dedicated Research Assistant at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, and a recent Content Development Support professional at Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. With expertise in R, Python, and various bioinformatics tools, Pedram is passionate about harnessing AI to advance our understanding of biology and life sciences.

Kudos

The Government of Canada recently announced the appointments of 121 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs at 39 Canadian institutions. Congratulations to UBC Medicine researchers Drs. Liam Brunham, Annie Ciernia, and Corinna Schindler, who were named among the Chairs. Read more.

 

Kudos to Axolotl Biosciences, who are 1 of 2 Canadian companies selected for the 2024 BioTools Innovator Cohort. This 4-month long program connects 20 top life sciences companies with senior industry mentors, funding opportunities, and advisors. Read more.

 

Sanofi Canada released the winners of their 32nd annual Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition and the 2024 Sanofi Biogenius Canada grants, which support Canadian youth in pursuing trailblazing STEM projects and developing their scientific curiosity. Read more.

People on the Move

Congratulations to Salima Jethani, who recently moved into a new role as Senior Manager of Trade Services Technology with Trade and Invest British Columbia. Salima enters the role with extensive experience in international partnerships and strategic planning, leaving her former position as Director of Global Engagement for Simon Fraser University. 

Applications Open

LSBC is accepting applications to pitch at our Invest in BC event. We are delighted to provide companies with a unique opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking projects and innovations, garner support, and secure vital investments to propel their growth trajectory. Apply by June 28, 2024. Learn more.

 

LSBC is accepting applications for our Investor Readiness Program (IRP). IRP pairs early-stage BC small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) to support the SMEs to become investor-ready. Apply by July 31, 2024. Learn more.


We are currently producing our annual magazine with Business in Vancouver (BIV) that will be released at our Awards Gala on September 10. Find the Media Kit here.

The Eureka Network call for proposals #4 is open to Canadian companies with less than 500 employees looking to form international collaborations to develop innovative products or tech-based services with a civilian purpose in any market area. Interested organizations must register by August 16, 2024. Learn more.

 

BioTalent Canada is accepting applications for their I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship program, which aims to encourage inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility leadership in STEM fields. The scholarship will award 2 students entering their first year in a STEM-related academic program with $10,000 to support their studies. Apply by July 12, 2024. Learn more.

 

The Texas Medical Centre’s annual HealthTech Accelerator program welcomes global healthcare startups to connect with a network of premier hospitals and advisors and prepare for clinical validation, funding, and deployment into the world’s largest medical complex. Applications are open until July 7, 2024. Learn more.

 

BIOTECanada’s Gold Leaf Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to Canada’s biotech industry. 5 categories are available to recognize trailblazing minds in biotech, from emerging companies to game-changing leaders. Nominations are open until June 30, 2024. Learn more.

 

The BC Support Unit, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, is hosting the annual Putting Patients First Conference in November 2024. Submissions are open to present posters that address challenges and opportunities for health system research and improvement. The submission deadline is August 11, 2024. Learn more.

See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website.

Open Applications

Member Spotlight

Michael Smith Health Research BC with Border

Michael Smith Health Research BC is British Columbia’s health research agency. We are working toward a future where BC is recognized worldwide for its vibrant, coherent, inclusive and globally competitive health research system that improves the health of British Columbians, the health system and the economy.


As BC’s health research agency, we support BC’s top health researchers through funding programs that build the province’s research capacity and address health system priorities. We also enable research through programs and resources in the areas of patient-oriented research, clinical trials, research ethics and knowledge translation. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

Upcoming LSBC Events & Programs

September 10 - Join us on September 10, 2024, as we celebrate excellence in life sciences at the 26th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards, presented by Farris.


This distinguished occasion brings together British Columbia’s vibrant life sciences community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our peers and recognize the tireless efforts of those who have devoted their careers to advancing health innovations.

Register

October 29 & 30 - Life Sciences BC is pleased to announce the 9th annual Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures conference.


This highly anticipated event serves as a premier gathering for healthcare innovators in British Columbia, connecting them with global investors. This year we’ve reimagined the conference, offering attendees a dynamic two-day program featuring 30+ company pitches from pre-seed to public.

Register

Platinum Sponsors

LSBC Member News

CASTL Launches National Biomanufacturing Skills and Training Study in Partnership with Future Skills Centre

Together with the Future Skills Centre, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences has launched a national biomanufacturing skills and training study to gather critical labour market information and future training priorities specific to Canadian biomanufacturing...Read more.

BCIT MAKE+ Collaborates with Providence Research to Pioneer Medical Innovations

The BCIT MAKE+ applied research group is collaborating with Providence Health Care through Providence Research’s annual Skunkworks innovation competition. This collaboration is aimed at inspiring and developing new medical devices and health-related technologies, driven directly by insights and needs identified from the frontlines of care...Read more.

AbbVie Appoints Roxanne S. Austin as Lead Independent Director of the Board of Directors

AbbVie announced that the independent directors of the board have selected Roxanne S. Austin as lead independent director, effective July 1, 2024. Ms. Austin succeeds Glenn F. Tilton, who has served as lead independent director since 2013...Read more.

U.S. FDA Approves SKYRIZI® (risankizumab-rzaa) for Ulcerative Colitis, Expanding AbbVie’s Portfolio Across Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AbbVie announced the U.S. FDA has approved SKYRIZI® for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, making it the first IL-23 specific inhibitor approved for both moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease...Read more.

AbbVie and FutureGen Announce License Agreement to Develop Next-Generation Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AbbVie and FutureGen Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced a license agreement to develop FG-M701, a next generation TL1A antibody for the treatment of IBD currently in preclinical development...Read more.

Merck Canada Encourages Canadians to Practice Skintimacy™

This summer, Merck Canada is empowering Canadians with tools and resources to promote melanoma awareness and early detection through the Practice Skintimacy™ campaign. The campaign, now in its second year, encourages Canadians to have a close, intimate relationship with their skin through regular skin checks...Read more.

BioTalent Canada’s I.D.E.A.L Scholarship(TM) Now Accepting Applications

BioTalent Canada is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its I.D.E.A.L Scholarship™ program, aimed at promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies across Canada...Read more.

LifeLabs Bowen Island, BC, Relocates and Announces Grand Opening of Patient Service Centre

LifeLabs is thrilled to announce the relocation and grand opening of its brand-new facility on B.C.’s Bowen Island. This new patient service centre is located at the Bowen Island Community Health Centre...Read more.

Sanofi Canada Celebrates Winners of the 2024 Biogenius Competition and Awards Fourth Annual Biogenius Grants

Sanofi Canada is pleased to announce the winners of the 32nd annual Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition and recipients of the 2024 Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grants. Part of Sanofi Canada’s longstanding commitment to improving access to hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning and education, the competition and grants help to nurture the next generation of scientific talent...Read more.

Lexaria Awards CRO Contract for 12-Week DehydraTECH GLP-1 Chronic Human Study

Lexaria Bioscience announces it has now hired a contract research organization to oversee execution of the Company’s 12-week chronic study GLP-1-H24-4, which will evaluate various DehydraTECH-GLP-1 formulations and other treatments with efficacy objectives of weight loss, blood sugar reduction, and more...Read more.

Stem Cell Network Launches New Award Competition in Social, Ethical, and Economic Implications for Regenerative Medicine

The Stem Cell Network is pleased to launch a new initiative, the Stem Cell Network – Doctoral Research Awards in Social, Ethical, and Economic Implications for Regenerative Medicine. This new opportunity will support promising Ph.D. students in Canada who are conducting Social, Ethical, and Economic Implications research…Read more.

Labcorp Launches Global Trial Connect to Accelerate Clinical Trials

Labcorp announced the launch of Labcorp Global Trial Connect, a suite of central laboratory solutions aimed at increasing the speed of clinical trials where the heart of clinical research is conducted – investigator sites...Read more.

Procurement for Kamloops Cancer Centre Moves to Next Stage

Interior Health and BC Cancer have invited two qualified teams to participate in the request for proposals stage to design and build the new BC Cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital...Read more.

Zymeworks Announces FDA Clearance Of Investigational New Drug Application For ZW171, A Novel 2+1 T-Cell Targeting Bispecific Antibody For Mesothelin-Expressing Cancers

Zymework announced that the United States FDA has cleared the investigational new drug application for ZW171, a novel 2+1 T-cell targeting bispecific antibody for mesothelin (MSLN)-expressing cancers...Read more.

Awiqli® – World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin – Now Available in Canada

Novo Nordisk is pleased to announce Canada will be the first country worldwide to launch Awiqli®, which will be available across the country starting June 30, 2024. Awiqli® is the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin and is indicated for the treatment of adults with diabetes mellitus...Read more.

Subcutaneous Amivantamab Biologics License Application Submitted to U.S. FDA for Patients with EGFR-mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Johnson & Johnson announced the submission of a Biologics License Application to the U.S. FDA for a fixed combination of amivantamab and recombinant human hyaluronidase for subcutaneous administration for all currently approved or submitted indications of intravenous (IV) RYBREVANT® in certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer…Read more.

Vertex Presents Positive Long-Term Data On CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel) at the 2024 Annual European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress

 Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced longer-term data for CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]) from clinical trials in people with severe sickle cell disease or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia…Read more.

Three UBC Medicine Researchers Among New and Renewed Canada Research Chairs

Three researchers from the UBC Faculty of Medicine are among the new and renewed Canada Research Chairs recently announced by the Government of Canada. The Canada Research Chairs Program enables Canadian universities to achieve the highest levels of research excellence…Read more.

Federal Funding Boosts 25 Faculty of Medicine Research Projects

UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers have been awarded more than $6 million in federal funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grants program…Read more.

UBC Researchers Lead World-first Organ Matching Project

British Columbia will become the first jurisdiction in the world to test an innovative method of matching donor organs to recipients, thanks to a new project being led by researchers at the UBC Faculty of Medicine.…Read more.

Bausch Health Reports Promising R&D Trial Updates on Amiselimod and Scientific Data Presented at International Healthcare Conferences

Bausch Health Companies, a global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through a relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes, recently presented at two global healthcare conferencesRead more.

New Data Shows the Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Contributes Significantly to Canada’s R&D and Economy

Statistics Canada published new data that demonstrates the important impact the innovative pharmaceutical industry has on Canada’s economy and research and development funding...Read more.

HEALWELL AI to Acquire BioPharma, one of Canada’s largest CROs, to Expand and AI-Enable Clinical Research Offerings

HEALWELL AI announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire BioPharma Services Inc. for consideration of $11.9 million, subject to standard adjustments, in addition to a performance earnout of up to $2.5 million, from Think Research Corporation…Read more.

Gold Sponsors

Accountant

Xenon is seeking an Accountant to support our Finance team across the different functions within the department. This is a great opportunity for an individual who enjoys working on a variety of tasks as key responsibilities for this position span across our accounts payable, finance, and general accounting...Learn more

Sr. Associate – Antibody Discovery and Screening (12-month contract)

Amgen is seeking a highly motivated, early career researcher to join Antibody Discovery and Screening Team. The incumbent will complement an innovative group with a strong track record of success in pioneering novel antibody-based therapeutics to treat grievous illnesses. The role is laboratory based...Learn more

Shipper/Receiver

The Shipper/Receiver performs a variety of shipping and receiving responsibilities. The main duties include the administrative and physical tasks involved in receiving and distributing incoming goods throughout the facility as well as shipping out various types of materials...Learn more

Clinical Trial Associate 1

The Clinical Trial Associate 1 will be an individual responsible for supporting Clinical Operations team members with project-specific support related to the conduct of clinical trials activities. The Clinical Trial Associate 1 will assist the clinical research teams in ensuring the most effective and efficient conduct of clinical research studies...Learn more

Research Associate II / Senior Research Associate – Antibody Generation

This role is a permanent, on-site opportunity located in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an accomplished scientist you’ll be a key member of a highly motivated team passionate about making an impact on human health. Your role will involve multiple responsibilities critical for the successful execution of new therapeutic programs...Learn more

Events Specialist (Co-op)

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

Scientist/Sr. Scientist Experimental Immunology

This is a wet-lab focused position that involves the design and implementation of a new immunology-focused research program. The ideal candidate will have a deep foundational understanding of immunology with a background in immune ontogeny, virology, or vaccinology preferred...Learn more

Manager, Lab Operations

The Manager, Lab Operations will be responsible for managing the lab operations team, working with individuals and leadership in R&D to understand laboratory needs, securing and maintaining required Material Transfer Agreements, licenses and permits...Learn more

Post a Job on the LSBC Website

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 per cent off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? Contact talent@lifesciencesbc.ca.

Silver Sponsors

Welcome to LSBC

Our mission is to improve healthcare and save lives through early identification and detection of disease. As a physician-led organization with a proven management team of experienced executives, HEALWELL AI is executing a strategy centered around developing and acquiring technology and clinical sciences capabilities that complement the company’s roadmap. Learn more.

AI Clinical Research Organization is a new concept for a full-service company based on the newest technology, with broad coverage and partners, aiming to provide complex clinical trial related services to pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotechnology companies (including IMP management). Learn more.

Bronze Sponsors

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