December 7th, 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.

You can find previous editions of BioLinks newsletters and other resources on our website at News/Publications.

Life Sciences BC News

Congratulations to this year’s graduates of LSBC’s BioBasics 101: the Biology of Biotech for the Non-Scientist! This sold-out two-day course, created in partnership with Biotech Primer, is designed for non-scientists to enhance their understanding of DNA, RNA, proteins, cell signalling, genetic engineering, and more to elevate their ability to engage in meaningful biopharma conversations. Well done all!

Registration is now open for the follow-up course - BioBasics 201: Targeted Biologics for the Non-Scientist, a two-day course on Jan. 16/17 designed for the non-scientist who has taken BioBasics 101 or understands the basics of DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell signalling who want to deepen their scientific knowledge. (This is a great investment for your remaining training budget!) Learn more and secure your spot here.

Member Highlights 

Xenon Pharmaceuticals takes center stage in a recent article by journalist Sean Silcoff in The Globe & Mail, titled "Xenon stock surges as B.C. biotech’s epilepsy drug shows promise for treating depression." The article highlights Xenon as Canada's most valuable biotech, with a market capitalization of US$2.8 billion. Learn more and access the article here. 

NanoVation Therapeutics, which develops customized nucleic acid and lipid nanoparticle technologies to empower its partners’ genetic medicines, was recently included in a Canada Venture News feature on Canadian Nanotechnology startups at the frontier of innovation. Read it here.

Sonic Incytes, an AI-assisted medical imaging company and one of this year’s LSBC Awards “Companies to Watch” honourees, is featured in INOVAIT Canada’s Member Spotlight for its work on liver disease diagnostics. Read it here.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC) are collaborating in the Research on Research Institute (RoRI) to ensure Canada’s position as a leader in innovative research funding practices. Learn more. 

New Members

Kisolite Corp is a privately held Canadian biotechnology company commercializing a natural therapeutic bioactive mineral product for use in pharmaceutical and consumer health markets.

Welcome to the LSBC community!

Industry Highlights

The Tri-Agency (comprised of Canada’s three federal research granting agencies) has announced the results of its Open Access Policy on Publications review survey, proposing the mandate for all peer-reviewed journal publications resulting from agency-supported research to be freely accessible and available upon publication. See the survey results here.

Through the Strategic Science Fund (SSF), Canada is providing funding support to 24 third-party science and research organizations nationwide, emphasizing a new merit-based selection process that considers the advice of an independent expert review panel. The recipients are engaged in cutting-edge research areas such as health care, quantum computing, and climate change, with a focus on translating knowledge into tangible improvements for Canadians.



See the list of this year’s recipients here, which includes LSBC members, adMare BioIinnovations, and the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet). The next call for SSF applications is scheduled for 2026, and funding from the current allocation will be disbursed from April 2024 to March 2029, pending agreement finalization. Learn more. 

Kudos

Congratulations to CEO Chris Tam and the Integrated Nanotherapeutics team on successfully completing the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program in Boston! What an invaluable experience! Learn more.

Kudos to STEMCELL Technologies for earning the Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ of 2023 award from Waterstone Human Capital! This accolade acknowledges STEMCELL's commitment to cultivating a high-performance corporate culture. Learn more.

Congratulations to our member companies, Difinity, Integrated Nanotherapeutics, Molecular You, and Sonic Incytes, who have been selected to present at the February 2024 OBIO Investment Summit in Toronto! Learn more about these companies and this premier Canadian health science investment event here. 

Kudos to Mike Melo, VP of Technology Infrastructure & CISO at LifeLabs, named the Top Global CISO for 2023 award at CyberDefenseCon 2023, presented by Cyber Defense Magazine. Learn more.

People on the Move

Kim Kline is bidding farewell to her position as President of the Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement. We extend our best wishes to Kim, a remarkable partner and advocate who has played a pivotal role in advancing Canada's life sciences sector. Her contributions have been invaluable. See her parting words here.

Novartis Canada has announced that Mark Vineis has been appointed to the role of Country President. Mark joined Novartis US in 2016 and succeeds former Country President Andrea Marazzi, who moved to a new position within Novartis in September. Learn more. 

Applications Open

Applications are now open for the World Trade Centre Vancouver’s Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) - Greater Vancouver Cohort! This 5-day program, taking place in Feb., is designed to help SMEs TAP into their full export potential. Applications are due Feb. 7. Learn more.

BioTalent Canada invites applications for its Catalyst Award for Top New Hire, recognizing young employees who have positively impacted Canada's bioeconomy. Submissions are due Jan. 8. Learn more.

MedTech Innovator, a medical technology accelerator for innovative medical devices, digital health and diagnostic companies invites applications for its 2024 cohort. Submissions are due Jan. 31. A virtual info session is being held on Dec. 14. Learn more.

The National Research Council of Canada’s Cell and Gene Therapy Challenge Program has recently launched three different calls for proposals seeking collaborators to accomplish the following:

• Call #1: Establishing a new human amniotic fluid cell (hAFC) seed bank. The hAFC seed bank will use good laboratory practices and will be used as a starting material for therapeutic product development. Learn more.

• Call #2: Supporting the preclinical translation of innovative next-generation gene editing technologies for developing cell therapy treatments for solid tumour malignancies. Learn more.  

• Call #3: Developing RNA-based therapeutics for neurological disorders of the central nervous system. Learn more.  

Candidates are asked to express their interest by emailing the NRC here.

We invite you to explore our expanded list of current life sciences application opportunities by clicking the button below.

Upcoming LSBC events and programs at-a-glance

Jan. 16/17 - LSBC, in partnership with Biotech Primer, is pleased to present BioBasics 201: Targeted Biologics for the Non-Scientist, a follow-up to BioBasics 101.



Jan. 26 - Attention life sciences employers, post-secondary students, and job seekers! This dynamic, full-day event brings together life sciences sector employers, along with current and future job seekers, to explore a world of opportunities. 

Feb. 28 - Join us for our 9th Annual Access to Innovation conference. This full-day gathering welcomes life sciences leaders and trailblazers from academia, research, health institutions, government, and industry.

We hope to see you at next week's LSBC Holiday Party!

Wendy and the LSBC team

Editor's note: We wish to acknowledge an error in last week's BioLinks. Photos and a description from a separate event were erroneously attributed to the Clinical Trials BC symposium 2023. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

AstraZeneca Canada Selected as a Greater Toronto Top Employer for Tenth Consecutive Year

AstraZeneca Canada, a leading innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company, has been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the tenth straight year. The win comes on the heels of AstraZeneca’s recent recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers 2024, as well as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures 2023... READ MORE

Salix In Collaboration With The U.S. Pain Foundation And The International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders Establish The Inaugural Opioid- Induced Constipation (Oic) Awareness Day

Salix Pharmaceuticals, the gastroenterology division of Bausch Health Companies Inc., The U.S. Pain Foundation (USPF), and The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) announced they are joining forces to declare Tuesday, Dec. 5, Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) Awareness Day. OIC Awareness Day aims to bring awareness to an often-overlooked side effect of opioids... READ MORE

Improved X-rays and Bone Density Services Coming to Kamloops

Residents in Kamloops and surrounding areas now have access to improved general X-ray and bone density testing services at the new Northills Centre Medical Imaging clinic at 42-700 Tranquille Rd. Formerly known as the North Shore Radiology Clinic, this upgraded facility offers improved services in a new, convenient location... READ MORE

LifeLabs CISO Recognized as Top Global CISO in Cyber Defense Magazine Awards

Chief Information Security Officers play a pivotal role in shielding organizations from cyber threats, and although their work often transpires behind the scenes, their contributions significantly impact a company’s stability and growth. This award is a testament to Mike’s outstanding achievements in a fiercely competitive landscape, showcasing his innovation in effective threat management, regulatory compliance, and the implementation of robust risk reduction programs... READ MORE

Mark Vineis Appointed as the New Country President of Novartis Canada

 Novartis Canada announces that Mark Vineis has been appointed to the role of Country President, effective as of January 1, 2024. Mark brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization, with more than 25 years in the industry and in a variety of leadership roles within Novartis US... READ MORE

Quebec is the First Province to Recommend that Pemazyre® (pemigatinib), a Targeted Treatment for Patients with Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), be Listed on Public Formulary

Incyte Biosciences Canada Corporation is pleased to announce that Quebec’s health technology assessment agency, Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux, has issued a positive recommendation to list Pemazyre® (pemigatinib) on the public formulary. Pemazyre addresses an urgent medical need as the only targeted drug commercialized in Canada to treat cholangiocarcinoma patients previously treated with systemic therapy, with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 fusion or other rearrangement... READ MORE

Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry Statement on COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health

The innovative pharmaceutical industry commends the ambition to address climate change as an urgent health challenge at COP28, including through the agreement of the first ever Declaration on Climate and Health... READ MORE

Improvements to Operational Approval Application Process for Research Studies

The Research Approval Processes Project (RAPP) is set to make improvements to the operational approval application process for research studies. Operational Approval, also known as an Operational Review, holds a crucial role in evaluating how a study may impact a health authority’s operations... READ MORE

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Announces Closing of $345.0 Million Upsized Public Offering Including Full Exercise of the Underwriters’ Option to Purchase Additional Shares

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:XENE), a neurology-focused biopharmaceutical company, announced the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 9,846,157 common shares, which includes 1,384,615 shares sold upon the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, and pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 769,230 common shares... READ MORE

LITFULO™ Receives Health Canada Approval, Becoming the First Approved Treatment for Severe Alopecia Areata in Canada

Pfizer Canada announced that Health Canada has granted a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for LITFULO™. A once-daily oral treatment, LITFULO is the first and only treatment approved by Health Canada for individuals 12 years of age and older with severe alopecia areata.Approximately two per cent of the global population are affected by alopecia areata which is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s hair follicles causing patchy to complete hair loss on the scalp, face and/or body... READ MORE

Helping Life Science Firms Navigate the Complex PFAS Risk Landscape

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are attracting increasing levels of attention owing to their possible association with human health concerns. This family of over 15,000 substances, dubbed the ‘forever chemicals’ due to their lack of degradation, have several attractive chemical properties, including their resistance to moisture and heat and their durability... READ MORE

LifeLabs Kimberley, BC, Relocates and Announces Grand Opening of Expanded Patient Service Centre

LifeLabs, Canada’s leading provider of medical diagnostic services and recognized as the most trusted brand in health diagnostic services by Canadians, is thrilled to announce the relocation and grand opening of its brand-new facility in Kimberley, B.C. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The Kimberley Patient Service Centre (PSC) is now located at 315 Wallinger Ave, Suite #5, Kimberley, BC, and promises an enhanced experience, expanded services, and convenient access for the local community... READ MORE

FDA Grants Priority Review for Supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) of PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) for First-Line Treatment of Advanced Bladder Cancer

Seagen Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE:4503) announced that on November 30, 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for priority review a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as a combination therapy for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC), a form of bladder cancer that has spread to surrounding organs or muscles, or other parts of the body... READ MORE

WELL Ventures Reports a New Investment and Successful Follow-on Fundraising Activity in its Portfolio with High Quality Capital Allocators

WELL Health Technologies Corp., a digital health company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare providers and their patients globally, is pleased to announce series of strategic investment developments that highlight its leadership in fostering innovation within the digital health technology sphere... READ MORE

Zymeworks Announces Participation In Upcoming Investor Conference

Zymeworks Inc. (Nasdaq: ZYME) is a global biotechnology company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel, multifunctional biotherapeutics. Zymeworks’ mission is to make a meaningful difference for people impacted by difficult-to-treat cancers and other serious diseases... READ MORE

Aequus Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights and General Update

Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, advancing, and promoting differentiated products, today reports financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 (“Third Quarter 2023”) and associated Company developments. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are in Canadian currency... READ MORE

Standardizing Endometrial Cancer Care with ProMiSE

Patients were classified depending on how their tumours looked under a microscope — a system that works well for some cancers, like ovarian cancer, but was inconsistent for endometrial cancer. As a result, the same endometrial cancer patient could receive two different diagnoses and treatment plans, depending on which pathologist interpreted their results... READ MORE

Numinus Wellness Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2023 Results

 Numinus Wellness Inc. (“Numinus” or the “Company“) (TSX: NUMI) (OTCQX: NUMIF), a mental health care company advancing innovative treatments and safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies, today announced its financial results for the three months and fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (“Q4 2023“)... READ MORE

Clairvoyant Surpasses 50 Per Cent Randomization in its Phase 2b Psilocybin Therapy Trial for Alcohol Use Disorder

Clairvoyant Therapeutics Inc., the clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing psilocybin therapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD), announced that it has randomized more than 50 per cent of the expected 128 subjects for its 24-week Phase 2b clinical trial of synthetic psilocybin (25mg oral capsule). The double-blind, randomized controlled trial was initiated in October 2022 and is designed to assess multiple efficacy and safety endpoints... READ MORE

6 BCIT Programs to Prepare You for a Job in BC’s Healthcare System

While employment in BC’s healthcare sector reached a new high of over 280,000 in 2021, there still continues to be a need for skilled professionals in the field. With the province’s aging and growing population growth to 6.5 million by 2041, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals and services in BC – currently and in the years to come... READ MORE

Medtech Canada is the national association representing Canada's innovative medical technology industry.

Representing approximately 100 medtech companies (ranging from Canadian-owned to multinationals), Medtech Canada works closely with the federal and provincial-territorial governments, health professionals, patients and other stakeholders to deliver a patient-centred, safe, accessible, innovative and sustainable, universal healthcare system supported by the use of medical technology. LEARN MORE

Government of Canada Supports Science and Research Organizations That Are Transforming Research and Knowledge Into Action

Independent, non-profit science and research organizations are an important part of this landscape, filling gaps in research areas that are a priority to Canadians. That is why today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced support for 24 third-party science and research organizations under the new Strategic Science Fund (SSF)... READ MORE

First-Of-Its-Kind, Seamless Addictions Care Available in Vancouver

There have been long-standing gaps in addictions care that have left people and their families unsure of where to turn or what to do next throughout their recovery journey. Through Road to Recovery, people will receive seamless services through each stage of detox, bed-based care and recovery, and outpatient treatment, all from the same clinical team as well as connections to ongoing health and social supports. The initiative has launched in Vancouver and will be expanded to other regions in the province... READ MORE

Apply to MedTech Innovator 2024

MedTech Innovator is the largest and highest performing accelerator of medical technology in the world and the medtech industry’s premiere showcase and competition for innovative medical device, digital health and diagnostic companies. Our accelerator is remote-friendly, having operated as a virtual program since 2015. We are a founder-friendly nonprofit and do not require equity or fees for participation. Companies that have raised up to a Series C are eligible to apply... READ MORE

Research Associate 2, Biology (In Vivo)

Reporting to the VP, proXimity, you possess a unique blend of clinical trial industry knowledge and general business acumen; a hard worker striving to enhance the experience of our existing customers and drive new business within our current customer base forward. You are part of the proXimity team ensuring we are reaching our business goals and targets for the proXimity software and ensuring the current proXimity customers are receiving an exception level of customer service...LEARN MORE

Account Manager, proXimity

Reporting to the VP, proXimity, you possess a unique blend of clinical trial industry knowledge and general business acumen; a hard worker striving to enhance the experience of our existing customers and drive new business within our current customer base forward. You are part of the proXimity team ensuring we are reaching our business goals and targets for the proXimity software and ensuring the current proXimity customers are receiving an exception level of customer service...LEARN MORE

Clinical Trial Assistant

The clinical trial assistant supports various clinical operations tasks, including developing trackers, compiling essential documents for regulatory submissions, coordinating data evaluation, managing clinical program files, creating site-facing forms, documenting meeting minutes, participating in teams/committees, conducting literature research, tracking budgets and contracts, and serving as the primary contact for study-related communication with sites, vendors, and service providers...LEARN MORE

Senior Clinical Study Manager, Clinical Operations

The Senior Clinical Study Manager is responsible for the oversight, execution and success of Eupraxia clinical studies. The Study Manager works cross-functionally with internal functional leads and external contract research organizations (CROs) to ensure that studies are completed to agreed standards, timelines and budget. The role will develop and support the work of Eupraxia’s clinical operations across a range of products and in accordance with company policies, procedures and culture...LEARN MORE

Senior Program Manager

The Senior Program Manager is a pivotal leadership role within our organization. This individual will be responsible for the successful global development, registration, and launch of pharmaceutical products. This role involves managing a matrix team and providing oversight for all key functions and activities, ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives...LEARN MORE

Lead Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Operations

The candidate will achieve this by assessing the trial site and applicable personnel on an ongoing basis, adhering to protocol regulatory requirements, good clinical practice regulations, and standard operating procedures. They will also ensure compliance with the patient-consent processes, verifying the receipt, handling, accounting, storage conditions, and availability of clinical products under investigation...LEARN MORE

Senior Project Manager

The senior project manager manages concurrent projects, ensuring adherence to budget, resource allocation, scope, and schedule, utilizing formal Project Management methods, collaborating with cross-functional teams for stakeholder buy-in, while proactively assessing and addressing risks...LEARN MORE

Senior/Principal Scientist, Preclinical Pharmacology

At Abdera Therapeutics, we are looking for curious and committed individuals who are ready for the opportunity to transform the way people living with cancer can be treated. We are devoted to advancing novel treatment options that offer new hope to families facing devastating diagnoses. We are in search of team members who work collaboratively with a diverse group of colleagues, respectfully engaging one another while collectively and inclusively tackling any challenges we may face. We are building an exciting and fast paced company passionate about discovering and developing tomorrow’s most innovative cancer therapies...LEARN MORE

Research Associate

Reporting to the Manager, and under the guidance of a research supervisor, the Research Associate designs the experimental approaches for various stages of an applied research project, directs research assistants and/or students, and communicates the results to the research supervisor, thus contributing to the success of research programs and/or projects. The focus of the position is applied research work related to molecular biology and genetics, including use of typical sequencing protocols and instruments (for PCR, qPCR, SNP- and SSR-based genotyping), and related bioinformatic methods. This may include working with single or multiple stakeholders, single or several project deliverables, and the use of instrumentation...LEARN MORE

Senior Director Medical Affairs

The Director, Medical Affairs will be responsible for defining and implementing KOL strategies to develop and maintain positive KOL endorsement and product champions for Eupraxia in OA diseases. The role will also be responsible for leading Eupraxia medical education initiatives and conference activities...LEARN MORE

Quality Control Supervisor – Deeley Research Centre, Victoria

The Quality Control Supervisor will support the manufacturing, quality control and quality assurance activities for the BCCA’s Cancer Immunotherapy Program, at the BCCA's Deeley Research Centre (DRC). The Quality Control Supervisor will provide supervision of the Quality Control group, ensuring efficient, orderly and seamless operation of the quality control laboratory at the CFIL including resource scheduling...LEARN MORE

Research Associate II, Protein Engineering

The role involves active participation in protein purification for multispecific antibodies to support research. Responsibilities include characterizing protein therapeutics, designing and executing experiments for screening antibody-based therapeutics, troubleshooting methods, and analyzing data. The candidate must maintain an organized lab, adhere to scientific standards and OH&S regulations, and actively foster collaborative relationships within the organization...LEARN MORE

Kisolite Corp is a privately held Canadian biotechnology company commercializing a natural therapeutic bioactive mineral product for use in pharmaceutical and consumer health markets.

Kisolite API has been proven to have multifactorial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects, and offers treatment potential for a wide range of medical conditions without observed side effects. LEARN MORE

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