Life Sciences BC News, August 08, 2024

Celebrations are in order for life science leaders and emerging leaders receiving much-deserved recognition this past week. Karimah Es Sabar, CEO and General Partner of Quark Venture was among the recipients of the Order of British Columbia for 2024. This recognition honours her contributions as a pioneering force for BC's life sciences and healthcare sectors. Ms. Es Sabar took on the role of leading BC Biotech in 2005, re-engineering and rebranding the organization to what we know it as today, Life Sciences BC. Find the full list of Order of British Columbia recipients here.

Photo credit: BIV, Chung Chow

The LSBC Awards ceremony is just under a month away. As we collect the stories of our community’s winning individuals and organizations, we’re showcasing their accomplishments and contributions.

This week, we are highlighting the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at UBC, which has recently launched the Innovation Leadership Micro-Certificate.

The School of Biomedical Engineering at UBC is driven by collaboration among top-tier faculty and researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs, and government to create integrative solutions across medicine, biology, and engineering, transforming patient health. In January 2025, the School will open a state-of-the-art facility on UBC’s campus, further expanding its ability to advance technologies, drive innovation, and respond to the needs of the life sciences sector.

SBME’s dedicated wet-lab incubator, SBME Innovates, provides essential support for early-stage life science ventures. Additionally, its Innovation Leadership Micro-Certificate equips participants with crucial skills in intellectual property management and commercialization strategies to ensure innovations have a clear pathway to market.

Congratulations to the SBME team for their ongoing contributions to advancing the life sciences sector!

Tickets are selling fast for this year's Awards Gala presented by Farris. It’s a great opportunity to meet and mingle with sector leaders, connect with the life sciences community, and learn about some of the trailblazers leading the charge.

Get your tickets to the LSBC Awards Gala today.

This week we attended the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum’s (VEF) Summer Social. Michelle Sklar hosted a fun evening of connecting with the ecosystem. The VEF was established in 1988 and aims to create and catalyze collaborations, supporting technology entrepreneurs with the tools and mentorship needed to successfully launch and grow their enterprise.

Tell us about your lab space needs: LSBC pulse survey

LSBC will be undertaking a short pulse survey by phone this August to gather important aggregate information on our sector’s lab space needs. Data will be anonymized and aggregated and available to the sector, including government, for planning purposes.

Help support this important data collection through participating in our very short phone survey if contacted. Or please reach out to us at Labspace@lifesciencesbc.ca

Member Highlights 

Variational AI announces publication of two patent applications. The patent applications describe two lead series of chemical compositions and methods to treat coronavirus infections. Variational AI continues to build on its Enki™ platform: the first commercially accessible foundation model for small molecules. Read more.

Labcorp completed the acquisition of Invitae assets, a leading medical genetics company. Together, Labcorp and Invitae will support patients, clinicians and pharmaceutical partners across the continuum of care, including therapy development, patient diagnosis and personalized care. Read more.

NanoVation Therapeutics’s Co-founder and CEO Dominik Witzigmann was interviewed on-site at the Applied Biophysics Forum in Copenhagen. He describes of the most challenging things about LNPs is developing fit-for-purpose LNPs, as there are so many opportunities, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Watch his interview here.

Industry Highlights

The Government of Canada announced a contribution of $22.4 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support a $64.1 million project by Eurofins CDMO Alphora Inc. This investment will support the construction of a new biologics facility, increasing domestic production capacity for antibodies and protein-based therapeutics. Read more.

New LSBC Members

[Individual] Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council – Toronto Office: Branch Office in Canada of Hong Kong’s statutory trade promotion agency. Helping Canadian companies diversify their business to Asia via Hong Kong. Co-organizer of annual Canadian Life Sciences Mission to Hong Kong for the Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair in May every year. Learn more.

Melius MicroBiomics Inc. (MMB) is a biotech start-up focused on creating an innovative line of live biotherapeutics, known as genetically engineered microbial medicines™ (GEMM™). Learn more.

Kudos

Congratulations to Nancy Harrison of Amplitude Ventures, who is the recipient of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s 2024 Barry Gekiere Lifetime Legacy Award. Nancy has left an indelible mark on the life sciences sector as a dedicated mentor and leader in biotech investment. Read more.

Abdera Therapeutics has been named a “Fierce 15” biotech company of 2024 by Fierce Biotech. The award recognizes Abdera’s role as one of the most innovative and promising biotech companies in the industry. Read more.

Kudos to Canadian researchers Drs. Cheryl Arrowsmith, Michael Hill, and John Webb, who are the 2024 recipients of the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s National Research Prizes. These researchers were honoured for their translational research in cancer, brain health, and heart disorders. Read more.

People on the Move

Dr. Gabrielle Legault was appointed as the inaugural Director of the Vancouver Coastal Health Institute’s new Indigenous Health Research Unit. Dr. Legault is a Métis scholar with extensive experience In advancing Indigenous health and wellness. Read more.

Augurex announced that Neil Klompas has assumed the role of President and CEO. Neil succeeds Augurex’s co-founder Dr. Norma Biln, who is remaining as the Chair of Augurex’s Board of Directors. Read more.

David Llewellyn began a new role as Chief Strategy Officer at STEMCELL Technologies. Formerly STEMCELL’s Chief Commercial Officer and a current Board Member at Life Sciences BC, David brings over 20 years of experience in the life sciences to his new position.

Kevin Vos recently took on a new role as Director of Pipeline Management at Bold Therapeutics. Kevin is an experienced leader, joining Bold from his former role at Voxcell BioInnovation as Vice President of Business Development.

Applications Open

Registration for Deep Tech Canada’s Mission to Asia has been extended to August 14, 2024. Deep Tech Canada invites you to register for our life science trade mission to Japan and our add-on mission to Singapore. Read more.

The University of British Columbia's School of Biomedical Engineering is proud to announce the launch of a new educational offering, the Micro-certificate in Innovation Leadership: Medical & Bio-Innovations. This program is designed to empower professionals in the life sciences and biotech sectors with the strategic skills needed to lead innovation and bring groundbreaking healthcare solutions to market. Learn more.

GlycoNet has opened applications for their Trainee Association Executive Committee. Make meaningful contributions to trainee governance at GlycoNet, expand your leadership skills, and connect with fellow GlycoNet trainees. Apply by September 3, 2024. Learn more.

Applications for BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program opened on August 1, 2024! This program offers wage subsidies up to $7,000 for students looking to increase their job readiness and lend fresh knowledge to a special project. Companies may apply by December 6, 2024. Learn more.

Keep an eye out for the launch of Stem Cell Network’s upcoming national research funding competitions! The first competition opens on September 3, 2024, and offers both 24- and 36-month awards. Register for the Round 1 technical briefing webinar on August 14, 2024. Learn more.

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

Member Spotlight

Metaphase Health Research Consulting Inc. provides medical and strategic writing services targeted at a specialist audience. We work with Health and Medical Research organizations, Pharmaceutical companies and Medical Communications companies. Please see www.metaphase-consulting.com for a description of our services and our approach. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

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.

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.

UBC Medical Student Mariam Eji-Lasisi Honoured with 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award

UBC Faculty of Medicine medical student Mariam Eji-Lasisi has been awarded a 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for leadership and innovation. The awards recognize medical students across Canada with an established track record of community leadership...Read more.

UBC Medicine Celebrates Exceptional Canadian Researchers in Cancer, Brain and Heart Disorders

Three Canadian scientists have been recognized by UBC’s Faculty of Medicine for their exceptional scientific achievements in the areas of cancer, brain health and heart disorders...Read more.

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc. Announces Abstract and Poster Presentation at the International Association for the Study of Pain 2024 World Congress on Pain, on its Lead Compound Halneuron®

WEX Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing Halneuron® for pain, is pleased to announce the presentation of a scientific poster on Halneuron® at the IASP 2024 World Congress on Pain held in Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 6th, 2024...Read more.

Vertex Announces CASGEVY™ Reimbursement Agreement for the Treatment of Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia in England

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced a reimbursement agreement with NHS England for eligible transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia patients to access the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy, CASGEVY™...Read more.

Groundbreaking Nipocalimab Study of Pregnant Individuals at High Risk for Early Onset Severe Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn Published in The New England Journal of Medicine

Johnson & Johnson announced the results from the Phase 2 open-label UNITY study of nipocalimab for the treatment of alloimmunizeda pregnant individuals at risk of early onset severe HDFN have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine...Read more.

Gandeeva Therapeutics Mourns the Passing of Don Kania, Board Chair

Gandeeva Therapeutics leadership and staff were saddened to learn of Don Kania’s passing on July 28, 2024. Don, pictured above, was a dear ally, advisor, and colleague. He served on the Board of Gandeeva Therapeutics from its inception in 2020…Read more.

Dr. Gabrielle Legault Appointed Director, VCHRI Indigenous Research Unit

We are excited to announce the establishment of the Indigenous Health Research Unit at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing Indigenous health research, fostering collaboration as well as improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities…Read more.

Veteran Life Sciences Executive Mr. Neil Klompas to Assume Role of President and CEO

Augurex Life Sciences Corp., a world leader in the early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and a pioneer in the field of 14-3-3η based diagnostics, announced the appointment of Mr. Neil Klompas as President and CE...Read more.

Labcorp Finalizes Acquisition of Select Assets of Invitae

Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, announced the completion of its acquisition of select assets of Invitae, a leading medical genetics company...Read more.

Labcorp Receives FDA De Novo Marketing Authorization for PGDx elio™ plasma focus Dx

Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, announced it has received De Novo marketing authorization from the U.S. FDA for PGDx elio™ plasma focus Dx – the industry’s first and only kitted, pan-solid tumor liquid biopsy test…Read more.

Fierce Biotech Names Abdera Therapeutics a “Fierce 15” Biotech Company of 2024

Abdera Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its advanced antibody engineering ROVEr™ platform to design and develop tunable, precision radiopharmaceuticals for cancer, announced that Fierce Biotech has named it as one of 2024’s “Fierce 15” biotechnology companies…Read more.

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Announces New C$12 Million Convertible Debt Facility

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary Diffusphere™ technology to optimize drug delivery for applications with significant unmet need, announced entry into a new C$12 million convertible debt facility…Read more.

Senior Associate, LNP Internal Manufacturing

As the Sr. Associate, Internal LNP Manufacturing, you will have a key role manufacturing, testing and shipping LNP drug products for multiple partner programs as part of this crucial department...Learn more

Senior Manager, CMC, Quality Control

The Senior Manager, CMC, Quality Control will work flexibly across several small molecule drug development programs with an emphasis on managing outsourced testing and stability program for the cGMP API and drug product manufacturing and testing campaigns...Learn more

Clinical Scientist 1 or 2

The Clinical Scientist 1 or 2 will be a member of a highly collaborative Clinical Development team, with involvement in a diverse range of activities. This position reports to the Vice President, Clinical Development...Learn more

Biomanufacturing Training

Brunel has a current opportunity for a Biomanufacturing Trainer on a permanent basis. The position will be based in Vancouver. For further information about this position please apply...Learn more

Research Technician 2, Resource Facility

Xenon is seeking a Research Technician 2, Resource Facility to join our animal care team. This position will provide husbandry and facility maintenance to support preclinical research in drug discovery...Learn more

Industrial Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate and Research Scientist Positions

Pharma Inventor, Inc. is seeking energetic, result-oriented individuals with proven track records of success to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive experience in modern organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry...Learn more

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