Budget week is just ending here in BC. After the excitement of the economic forecast last week, I was extremely privileged to join the scaled back lockdown in Victoria as Finance Minister, Selina Robinson delivered the budget. It was very exciting to hear that in talking about BC’s economy, our life sciences sector is described as thriving and vibrant. And it is also acknowledged as an important driver of economic growth, showing great potential for contributing to post-pandemic recovery across the province.
Congratulations must go to two of our LSBC member institutions; both Genome British Columbia and Michael Smith Health Research were specifically mentioned in the budget. Alongside recognition of pandemic contributions by our sector and the need for investment in training skilled talent, the budget highlights a one-time contribution of $195 million to these two research institutions. Minister Robinson stated, “This investment will support continued growth, creating new scientific discoveries and economic opportunities along the way.”
In other important news, last week, was a significant milestone in the ongoing debate of the proposed revisions brought forward by the PMPRB. In a much-anticipated decision the Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously found the 2019 amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations (the “Regulations”), which govern the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (“PMPRB”), partially invalid.
Life in BC is moving on and opening up. The GVBOT Governors’ Gala and Rix Awards will be in person at the end of April and here at LSBC, we’re reviewing our ongoing events too. It will be amazing to step out from behind screens but be reassured that we’re taking all proper precautions in the transition.
Despite being virtual, Access to Innovation was a huge success last week. Thanks to Minister Ravi Kahlon for his opening address and to Premier John Horgan for his welcome message. Presentations are open to delegates for 30 days on the event platform, so be sure to check out any presentations you missed. You can also learn more about one of our presenters, Dr. Nima Ziraknejad, Founder and CEO, NZ Technologies Inc. in his article about contactless elevator tech.
Our next event, Invest in the West presented by Amplitude Ventures, showcases life sciences excellence across western Canada. Expect a virtual day of pitching, with pre-selected investor-ready companies presenting to an array of investors. As GeekWire says, top tech VC firms are going all in for life science startups so best remember to grab your ticket for March 10.
Congratulations to Acuitas Therapeutics on their recent win; the company received a Bial Award in Biomedicine for its contributions to mRNA vaccine tech. In other exciting news, global pharma LSBC member, GSK announced that its partnership vaccine, Covifenz, developed in partnership with Medicago, has received Health Canada approval. Not only is this the first plant-based COVID vaccine but it’s also the world’s first plant-based vaccine to receive regulatory approval.
And in case you missed this, here’s an inspiring article on how childhood cancer research has paved the way for more choices in oncology, featuring Dr. Poul Sorenson from the BC Cancer Research Centre.
Wendy and the LSBC team
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Where were you 30 years ago? We’re celebrating 30 years of Life Sciences BC this year by celebrating 30 years of life sciences in BC. Please visit our survey and add your favourite memorable event from our vibrant life sciences sector.
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Horizon Therapeutics plc Initiates Phase 3 Clinical Trial (OPTIC-J) in Japan Evaluating Teprotumumab for the Treatment of Active Thyroid Eye Disease
Horizon Therapeutics plc announced that the first patient has been enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial (OPTIC-J) in Japan evaluating teprotumumab for the treatment of active TED. TED is a serious, progressive and potentially vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease that can cause proptosis (eye bulging), diplopia (double vision), eye pain, redness and swelling ... READ MORE
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GSK Provides Update on Phase III RSV Maternal Vaccine Candidate Programme
GlaxoSmithKline plc announced that it has voluntarily paused enrolment and vaccination in the GRACE phase III trial, evaluating its potential respiratory syncytial virus maternal vaccine candidate, as well as two other trials investigating this candidate in pregnant women ... READ MORE
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GSK Announces Independent Consumer Healthcare Company is to be Called Haleon
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that the new company, to result from the proposed demerger of Consumer Healthcare from GSK, will be called Haleon ... READ MORE
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Sanofi and GSK to Seek Regulatory Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine
Sanofi and GSK announced that they intend to submit data from both their booster and Phase 3 efficacy trials as the basis for regulatory applications for a COVID-19 vaccine ... READ MORE
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Quinly Automates Prusa in 11 Countries
3DQue Systems Inc. announced that Quinly for Prusa MK3S is autonomously running printers in 11 countries around the world, with an installed capacity of 1.2 million automated print hours per year ... READ MORE
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Acquisition of Exelead Completed, Plans to Invest More Than € 500 Million in Technology Scale-Up
Merck announced the closing of the transaction to acquire Exelead, following regulatory clearances and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions, for approximately USD 780 million in cash ... READ MORE
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AstraZeneca to Supply Canada with 100,000 Doses of Evusheld, a Long-acting Antibody Combination for the Prevention of COVID-19
AstraZeneca Canada has signed an agreement with the Government of Canada for the supply of 100,000 doses of Evusheld, its long-acting antibody (LAAB) combination for the prevention of COVID-19 in those patient populations who require additional protection ... READ MORE
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Algernon Pharmaceuticals Begins Manufacturing of Repirinast and Launches New Chronic Kidney Disease Research Program
Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company announced that it has awarded a contract to Zhejiang Ausun Pharmaceutical CO, LTD of China to begin the manufacturing of a cGMP supply of its repurposed drug candidate NP-251 (“Repirinast”) and has initiated a new chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) research program. .. READ MORE
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Evonik Strengthens World-scale Methionine Production Hub in the U.S.
Evonik announced they will build a methyl mercaptan plant at its site in Mobile, Alabama. Methyl mercaptan is an intermediate in the production of MetAMINO® and is currently sourced from third parties. .. READ MORE
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Budget 2022 Supports Genome BC to Advance Life Sciences
The provincial government announced $78 million to enable Genome BC to lead cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs to improve human health, increase food security, adapt to our changing climate and support sustainability in BC’s natural resource sectors. This significant commitment to genomics and life sciences by BC’s provincial government allows Genome BC to proactively implement its long-term strategy and drive real-life impacts for BritishColumbians. .. READ MORE
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Delta vs. Kappa: Study Examines Molecular Factors that Fuel COVID-19 Variants
Researchers at the University of British Columbia are shedding new light on the molecular factors that give COVID-19 variants a competitive edge — essential knowledge that could improve disease management as new variants continue to emerge. .. READ MORE
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FDA Grants BI 1015550 Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the U.S. FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to its novel investigational therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. .. READ MORE
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Second Phase 3 Induction Study Confirms Upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) Improved Clinical and Endoscopic Outcomes in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
AbbVie announced positive top-line results from U-EXCEL, a Phase 3 induction study, showing upadacitinib (45 mg once daily) achieved both primary endpoints of clinical remissiona,b and endoscopic responsec at week 12. .. READ MORE
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Medicago and GSK Announce the Approval by Health Canada of COVIFENZ®, an Adjuvanted Plant-based COVID-19 Vaccine
Medicago, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Quebec City, and GlaxoSmithKline announced that Health Canada has granted approval for COVIFENZ®, COVID-19 vaccine, (plant-based virus-like particles, recombinant, adjuvanted). .. READ MORE
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CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Votes to Recommend TicoVac™, Pfizer’s Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine, For Those at Risk of Virus Exposure
Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend Pfizer’s TicoVacTM (tick-borne encephalitis vaccine) for active immunization to prevent TBE in individuals 1 year of age and older, in the following U.S. populations. .. READ MORE
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Zymeworks Provides Corporate Update And Reports Year-End 2021 Financial Results
Zymeworks Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation multifunctional biotherapeutics, today reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021 and provided a summary of recent business highlights. .. READ MORE
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US FDA Approves Jardiance® (empagliflozin) to Treat Adults with Heart Failure Regardless of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
The U.S. FDA has approved empagliflozin 10 mg to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announce. .. READ MORE
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Quebec Court of Appeal Renders Major Decision on the PMPRB
In a much-anticipated decision, which will likely have a substantial impact on the pharmaceutical industry in Canada, the Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously found the 2019 amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations, which govern the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board partially invalid... READ MORE
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The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) Launches the CASTL Online Academy
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), in partnership with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), has launched a catalogue of online courses offering immersive and interactive biopharmaceutical manufacturing training to help Canadian companies and their employees develop and strengthen their skills ...
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Access to Innovation: BC Life Sciences Excellence and Leadership for Future Success
The life sciences sector in British Columbia is building on excellence for a vibrant future in the province and beyond. Life Sciences BC is proud to showcase this with Access to Innovation (February 16 and 17, 2022), a two-day virtual summit of thought leadership and dialogue...
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Disrupting the industry with their next generation molecule biosynthesis platform, BioBoost has developed a scalable, cost effective, green process to produce high value molecules via their proprietary yeast expression system. Their workflow provides full customization for your unique molecule, from proof-of-concept expression to production.
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EMD Serono, Canada, is the Canadian biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Serono, Canada has integrated cutting-edge science, innovative products and devices, and industry-leading patient support and access programs.
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Senior Director Company Creation & Development
adMare BioInnovations is seeking a Senior Director Company Creation & Development who will lead strategic, business development, company creation and capital raising activities for internal adMare programs.
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Vice President,
Manufacturing
Qu Biologics Inc. is seeking a Vice President, Manufacturing who will establish and lead the implementation of Qu Biologics’ CMC strategy for all of Qu Biologics’ SSIs in all development stages.
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LSBC Job Board
Jobs posted to our Job Board automatically post out to all our social media accounts for wider sharing. Make sure you include your company name in the first line of your job ad for maximum exposure!
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Post A Job on the LSBC Website! |
LSBC Membership Discounts on Job Postings
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 Peter McLoughlin - talent@lifesciencesbc.ca
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