February 15, 2024

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

This week we were thrilled to launch our report, British Columbia Life Sciences Sector Labour Market Intelligence Study: Fostering a Globally Competitive Ecosystem in B.C.

Among the key insights that the study revealed was the critical need for new skilled labour talent across our province’s life sciences sector – a need that will increase 10-fold by 2027 to sustain the sector’s current growth trajectory.

Our team at LSBC conducted this comprehensive labour market and workforce profile over the past 18 months, with support from KPMG. We are grateful for the funding that was provided by B.C.’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Sector Labour Market Partnerships program. We encourage you to read the full report on our study webpage, to gain an in-depth understanding and to learn about our strategic recommendations.

This week, LSBC was also pleased to join the Honourable Brenda Bailey, BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, Jill Earthy, CEO of InBC, and Clarius Mobile Health CEO Ohad Arazi, along with health tech leaders, at the opening of Clarius’ new 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

The new facility will support Clarius as they continue to make medical imaging accessible with handheld ultrasound devices, shipping to over 50 countries worldwide. 

Improving access is critical to the work that we do in the life sciences sector. Another example is the new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence, an initiative of the StrongerBC economic plan. The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation recently announced the launch of the virtual centre, which will provide free guidance, resources, and tools to businesses to support them on their ESG journey. Greater access to resources like these allow businesses and organizations to effectively and sustainably grow.

LSBC is delighted to be attending the OBIO Investment Summit in Toronto this week. It was wonderful to see so many of our sponsors and members participating in the OBIO Business Development Forum and the Pre-seed & Early Technology Showcase. We’ll continue to keep our social accounts updated with the summit highlights.

Whether we are planning for the future of BC’s life sciences sector and strategizing how to best support its impressive growth, or celebrating milestones for industry members, the strength of our sector lies within our intrinsic motivation to come together. Through collaboration we really can harness the capabilities of our industry and become a world-class life sciences hub.

Member Highlights 

United Therapeutics Corporation announced the opening of the world’s first clinical-scale designated pathogen free facility to help expand the availability of tolerable, transplantable organs for patients with end-stage organ disease. Learn more here.

Takeda Canada Inc. announced its support for the Canadian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Consortium’s $1 million PIONEER Grant for a second year. This funding will continue to advance Canadian clinical research to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. Read more here.

HTuO Biosciences announced that it has joined Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS as a resident virtual company. In joining the global network, HTuO Biosciences will benefit from mentorship, industry connections and research capabilities to support the biotechnology company as it develops an innovative molecular simulation platform for drug discovery. Learn more here.

PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. announced a collaboration with Red Light Holland on the development of clinical-grade Psilocybin Drug Product extracted from Red Light Holland’s mushroom portfolio. Read more here.

WELL Health Technologies Corp. announced the creation of a dedicated public sector group to support public health systems and related large enterprises operating at scale with enabling technology. In doing so, they will combine and deliver product offerings best suited for the public sector’s scale and needs. Read more here.

WELL Health Technologies Corp. was also profiled in The Globe and Mail for the Company’s role in transforming healthcare. The article highlights the Company’s growth trajectory and strategic position in the healthcare sector. Learn more here.

adMare BioInnovations’ President and CEO, Gordon McCauley, was a guest on the BIV’s podcast, where he shared insights on how to best support the creation of Canadian anchor companies in the life sciences sector. Listen here.

adMare BioInnovations announced a partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, with the company using its commercial drug development expertise to help propel Canadian life sciences research forward. Learn more here. 

Canary Medical announced the completion of the first-in-human trial of their cardiac acoustic monitoring sensor, which is the first human implantation of its kind. Learn more here.

New Members

The Stem Cell Network is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research.

(Individual) Robyn Roscoe, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 30 years of experience in scientific and technical project management, is the principal of Lyric Management. Her expertise spans management and leadership training, event coordination, grant writing and facilitation, and coaching and mentorship. She has led the development and expansion of project teams in research, paving the way for project management as a career path for many professionals.

Welcome both to the LSBC community!

Industry Highlights

enGene announced that it has agreed to sell 20 million of its common shares at a price per share of $10.00, a 31% premium over the closing price on February 13, 2024. enGene intends to use the proceeds from this financing to fund the continued development of EG-70, the Company’s genetic medicine therapeutic candidate. Read more here.

MWC Barcelona, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event, is from February 26-29, 2024. Global tech leaders, international governments and businesses will gather at the four-day event, which will feature great representation from BC, including digital health companies Canary Medical, Maka Health, Mynd Therapeutics, and WelTel Health. These companies will also participate in the Digital Health and Wellness Summit organised by the ECHAlliance. Learn more here.

The BC Government has approved the business plan for the new BC Cancer centre at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with completion in 2028. Read more here.

UHN announced a major investment by the Government of Ontario to build a new $1 billion patient and surgical tower at Toronto Western Hospital. The 15-storey tower will add 82 patient beds and 20 state-of-the-art operating rooms. Read more here.

Kudos

Congratulations to Renaissance BioScience Corp. for being awarded $232,000 in funding from the Canadian Food Innovation Network to progress yeast-based solutions to neutralize off-flavours in plant-based protein products. Read more here.

Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) announced that its sixth cohort has graduated from the CASTL PEI Bioscience Reskilling Program. Congratulations to the cohort for completing 10 weeks of training, and for acquiring essential knowledge and growing your skillset. Learn more here.

Congratulations to our members and partners who were included on the list of BC’s Top Employers for 2024. The annual list recognizes employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. This year’s list is marked by companies who are purpose-driven and are looking to make a positive impact. Read the list here.

People on the Move

InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed Netta Jagpal, CPA, CA, as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Jagpal brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience to the role – working in both public and private companies, primarily in the biotech industry. Read more here.

Zymeworks Inc. announced that Dr. Alessandra Cesano has joined its Board of Directors. Dr. Cesano has more than 25 years of experience in drug development, diagnostics, and cancer immunology. She will also serve as a member of the research and development committee and nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board of Directors. Read more here.

enGene announced that Jason Hanson intends to resign from his role as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors upon the appointment of a successor CEO. The Board of Directors has initiated a search for his successor. Read more here.

Applications Open

The CIHR has announced that applications are being accepted for the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) research grants and postdoctoral fellowships. The research grants will support innovative research into fundamental biological problems with an emphasis on novel and interdisciplinary approaches. Learn more here.

Applications are now being accepted for the Eureka Network Canada call for proposals #3. The call is available through the Eureka Network and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, and is open to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organizations from Eureka member countries. Learn more here.

GlycoNet has announced that applications are being accepted for the following training programs: 1. Summer Awards for Undergraduate Students (SAUS); 2. Advanced Training Opportunity Program (ATOP). Applications are open until March 31, 2024. Apply here.

Applications are open for the 2024 Technology Impact Awards’ Excellence in Company Culture award. This award recognizes a company whose culture is fundamental to the success of their business. Apply here.

TechGirls Canada announced that it is accepting nominations for its inaugural Journey Awards in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. The awards honour the journeys of outstanding immigrant women in STEMM who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community service. Learn more here.

The Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum (VEF) is accepting applications for Lightning Pitches (100 second pitches). Their next event, “Meet Your Next Investor: Reverse Pitch Event”, is happening on February 20, and will feature presentations by investors and funders, and a chance to mingle with attending entrepreneurs. Apply 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

Until next week,

The LSBC team

NervGen Pharma on Track to Complete Enrollment, Deliver Data Readout in Phase 1b/2a Clinical Trial for NVG-291 in Spinal Cord Injury

NervGen Pharma Corp. is on track to complete enrollment in Q2 2024 and deliver the data readout in Q3 2024 of the chronic cohort in the Company’s Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for its proprietary investigational lead compound, NVG-291, in individuals with spinal cord injury...READ MORE

Merck Canada and the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases Relaunch Collaboration to Advance Vaccine Research and Education

Merck is pleased to announce the renewal of its support for the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases for 2024. The focus of this collaboration will help drive research and education to shine a light on Canada’s quest to combat preventable diseases through immunization...READ MORE

Seven Outstanding Early-Career Researchers Named 2024 Terry Fox New Investigators

Seven talented, early-career scientists in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia will each receive up to $450,000 over the next three years to support impactful cancer research through the 2024 Terry Fox New Investigator Awards program...READ MORE

Numinus Wellness Inc. Congratulates Lykos Therapeutics on FDA Acceptance of New Drug Application for MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

Numinus Wellness Inc. congratulates the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies for incubating the research that led to the first new drug application to the USFDA, submitted by Lykos Therapeutics on the acceptance of its new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for MDMA used with psychological intervention for individuals with PTSD...READ MORE

European Commission Approves First CRISPR/Cas9 Gene-Edited Therapy, CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel), for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that the European Commission has granted conditional marketing authorization to CASGEVY™, a gene-edited therapy approved for the treatment of patients12 years and older with severe sickle cell disease...READ MORE

Takeda Supports the Canadian IBD Research Consortium’s $1 Million Pioneer Grant for Second Year

Takeda Canada Inc. is pleased to announce its support of the Canadian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Consortium’s $1 million PIONEER Grant in its second year. This grant, with Takeda contributing $500,000 of the $1,000,000 award, will continue to support high-quality, impactful Canadian clinical research into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)...READ MORE

SaNOtize to Evaluate Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Sinusitis

SaNOtize Research & Development Corp. announced the start of a Phase 2 safety and efficacy trial of its novel Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray for the treatment of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. SaNOtize has begun enrollment of 186 patients in a Phase 2 study in Canada...READ MORE

ELREXFIO™ is Authorized by Health Canada for Adults with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Canada

Pfizer Canada announced that Health Canada has granted a Notice of Compliance with conditions. ELREXFIO is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy...READ MORE

Acuitas Therapeutics Named One of BC’s Top Employers

Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc. was recently named one of BC’s Top Employers of 2024. The Vancouver-based, privately held biotechnology firm is the global leader in the development of delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics based on lipid nanoparticles...READ MORE

Health Canada Approves KEYTRUDA® in Combination with Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy, as a First-line Treatment for Patients with Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Positive Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma Whose Tumours Express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1)

Merck announced that Health Canada has granted approval of KEYTRUDA®, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adult patients...READ MORE

HTuO Biosciences Joins Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS

HTuO Biosciences announces it has joined Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS as a resident virtual company. HTuO Biosciences aims to revolutionize drug design and optimization with AtomForge, a platform powered by a proprietary physics engine and machine learning...READ MORE

Canary Completes First-in-Human Trial of Cardiac Auscultation Monitoring Sensor

Canary Medical announced the completion of the first-in-human limited feasibility trial of their Cardiac Auscultation monitoring sensor device. The device is being developed to provide daily adjunctive objective cardiac parameter measurements enabling patients and clinicians to better manage their congestive heart failure symptoms...READ MORE

Evaluation of Rostrum’s VQm® by Southlake Regional Health Centre Demonstrated Potential Cost-Savings Strategies to Manage Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the ICU

Through OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network, Rostrum Medical Innovations secured a partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre to evaluate Pulmonary Blood Flow when measured by their novel VQm® System as compared to the reference standard in the ICU...READ MORE

PharmAla and Red Light Holland to Collaborate on Medical Psilocybin Development

PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc. is pleased that it has entered into a consulting relationship with Red Light Holland Corp. to consult on the development of clinical-grade Psilocybin Drug Product extracted from Red Light Holland’s mushroom portfolio...READ MORE

InMed Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Appointment of Ms. Netta Jagpal as Chief Financial Officer

InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the appointment of Ms. Netta Jagpal, CPA, CA as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective February 20, 2024. Ms. Jagpal joins InMed with over 20 years of experience in financial leadership roles, primarily in the biotech industry...READ MORE

Renaissance BioScience Awarded Grant to Progress Yeast-based Solutions to Neutralize Off-flavors in Plant-based Protein Products

Renaissance BioScience Corp. is pleased to announce its project to develop a yeast-based solution to address the prevalent challenge of off-flavors and aromas in plant-based protein products...READ MORE

For more than two decades, BRI (a wholly owned subsidiary of Frontage Laboratories) has been engaged in providing science-driven drug discovery and IND/NDA-enabling studies for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

As a CRO, BRI offers a variety of services to its customer base, including but not limited to bioanalytical assays for measurement of drug candidates, metabolites and biomarkers, in-vitro drug metabolism/ADME, in vivo DMPK/ADME, formulation development, DS/DP stability and analytical CMC assays, human tumour xenograft mouse efficacy models, obesity/diabetes rodent metabolic disease models, and human gut microbiome metabolism and biomarker assays.

BRI’s uncompromising study protocols, stringent quality control measures, and relevant study design allows them to build trusted and long lasting partnerships with their highly valued clients. LEARN MORE

enGene Announces Oversubscribed $200 Million Private Placement Financing

enGene Holdings Inc. announced that it has agreed to sell 20 million of its common shares at a price per share of $10.00, representing a 31% premium over the closing price on February 13, 2024. enGene intends to use the proceeds to fund the continued development of EG-70, a therapeutic candidate, evaluation of expanded EG-70 development opportunities, potential new R&D programs and for working capital and general corporate purposes...READ MORE

New Centre of Excellence will Help B.C. Businesses Compete, Grow

The launch of this new virtual ESG Centre will provide concierge-type services to businesses, at no cost, to help them navigate their ESG journey. Client advisers will provide one-on-one support and a suite of tools and resources to help businesses understand the fundamentals of ESG and why it can be important to their growth...READ MORE

New BC Cancer Centre in Kamloops Moves Forward

The new BC Cancer centre is a part of the 10-year B.C. Cancer Action Plan, which outlines actionable steps to better prevent, detect and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people facing cancer now, while preparing for the growing needs of the future...READ MORE

Vice President, Process Development & Manufacturing

Reporting to the Chief Technical Operating Officer, this role requires a deep understanding of biopharmaceutical process development, cGMP manufacturing, and regulatory requirements associated with cell-based therapies and combination products...LEARN MORE

Manager, End User Services

This role will be responsible for ensuring an exceptional work experience across the company by limiting disruptions and enhancing productivity. This individual will lead a small team of Vancouver-based employees and a future Managed Services Provider...LEARN MORE

Associate Professor (tenure) or Professor (tenure) Sir Magdi Yacoub Professorship in Tissue Regeneration

Reporting to the Director of the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering, the successful candidate will be expected to lead an independent, internationally-recognized research program, participate in the teaching activities of the School, provide mentorship and training to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate learners...LEARN MORE

Associate, In Vivo Bioprinting

Aspect Biosciences is seeking an Associate to join their high-performing team focused on developing bioprinted tissue therapeutics for cell therapy applications. In this role, you will focus on manufacturing various Bioprinted Tissue Therapeutics (BTT) to support Aspect’s GMP and Research /Development groups...LEARN MORE

Associate II, Quality Control

The Associate II, Quality Control will complete routine raw material testing, perform biological and mechanical analytical assays, aid in the development and validation of new assays, support R&D, Process Development, and Bioprinting Teams to characterize drug substance, drug product, and final product. This is an onsite position...LEARN MORE

Sales Representative

The full-time Sales Representative is responsible for sales of In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) and bio-reagent products in global markets. The position is the principal point of contact between a business and its customers. Sales reps ensure current customers have the right products and services, identify new markets and customer leads, and pitch prospective customers...LEARN MORE

Scientist – Immunology

As an accomplished Scientist, you will work within a high-performing team passionate about making an impact on human health. Your role is hands-on, in the lab, driving important proof of concept and mechanism of action studies for the development of novel antibody therapeutics. To accomplish this, you will design, test, analyze and interpret advanced in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of human disease...LEARN MORE

Software Tools Developer

The Software Tools Developer will develop, test and maintain tools to assist in the development of software for our Globe® Mapping and Ablation System. These tools run the gamut from code generation, static analysis customization, workflow customizations, to testing automation frameworks...LEARN MORE

Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry

The ideal candidate will work flexibly across a number of small molecule drug development programs with an emphasis on the development of in-house analytical methods on new research/development compounds that will be subsequently transferred to external cGMP testing labs...LEARN MORE

Research Associate II, Antibody Discovery & Engineering

The Research Associate II, Antibody Discovery & Engineering executes experiments with an emphasis on cell line engineering, supports mammalian tissue culture, generates high quality, reproducible data, performs various cloning protocols and integrates new techniques...LEARN MORE

Associate Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology

The Associate Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology oversees all aspects of designing, planning, coordinating, and analyzing in vivo immuno-oncology efficacy and PK/PD experiments, Supports animal research associates with the handling of mice, provides leadership, mentorship, and scientific/technical guidance to junior staff...LEARN MORE

Scientist, Clinical Pharmacokinetics

The Scientist, Clinical Pharmacokinetics represents Clinical Pharmacology line function and works on a multi-functional team to support late-stage discovery programs, independently analyzes, interprets and reports clinical PK data, develops and maintains a relationship with internal and external clients and scientists...LEARN MORE

R&D Operations Coordinator

The R&D Operations Coordinator facilitates the procurement of materials, supplies, and equipment, updates internal systems, takes ownership of the purchasing process, assists with administrative duties, and performs other related duties as assigned...LEARN MORE

Biomanufacturing Training Technician – Charlottetown

The Technician will support the effective delivery of CASTL training programs by maintaining the facilities equipment, implementing inventory management, preparing consumable materials for training courses, maintaing a standard of cleanliness and readiness in the facility and supporting the training delivery team in other document preparation and maintenance...LEARN MORE

Biomanufacturing Trainer – Montreal

The Biomanufacturing Trainer will be responsible for delivery and development of training material including lectures and practical content in biopharmaceutical processing operations, day-to-day operation of pilot plant facilities and laboratory equipment in CASTL's pilot-scale training facility, and more...LEARN MORE

Biomanufacturing Trainer and Site Manager

The Biomanufacturing Trainer and Site Manager will be a senior member of the company’s team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Technical Training, they will take a leadership role in overseeing the set-up and operations of the greater Vancouver Training Facility and supporting the company’s overall strategy...LEARN MORE

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research.

From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 6,400 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period. LEARN MORE.

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