January 25, 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

We are super excited for tomorrow’s SOLD-OUT 5th annual Career Connect Day event that will welcome 24 life sciences organizations and over 400 post-secondary students and job seekers for a day of inspiring programming and a dynamic job fair expo! Speakers will share their career journeys, provide company presentations, describe what they look for in a new hire, and share information about training programs that can take one's career to the next level!

Attendees will hear from a wide variety of leaders across the sector, including Dr. Jutta Wanner of Alpha-9 Oncology, Kyle Spontak of Evonik, Pamela Potts of StarFish Medical, Laura O'Connor of Zymeworks, Dr. Steve Arns of Acuitas Therapeutics, Dr. Erin Bedford of Aspect Biosystems, Dr. Christine Genge of STEMCELL Technologies, Sherry Aulin of Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Penny Walsh-McGuire of CASTL, Kristy Lonergan of adMare BioInnovations’ adMare Academy, and Janet Teasdale of AbCellera.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates throughout the day!

In exciting sector news, Amgen BC has completed its cutting-edge 4500-square-foot laboratory expansion in Burnaby, BC! This significant investment will increase local well-paying jobs, develop skilled talent, bolster BC's research capabilities, and improve regional access to groundbreaking treatments. As a key player in the province's life sciences ecosystem, Amgen's growth underscores its pivotal role in shaping our sector. Kudos to the entire Amgen team on this achievement! Learn more here. 

Esteemed industry leaders, including Handol Kim of Variational AI, Dr. Gail Murphy from UBC’s Department of Computer Sciences and VP, Research & Innovation, and Dr. Art Cherkasov, Senior Research Scientist and Head of Precision Cancer Drug Design at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, will delve into the ways AI can enhance efficiency and drive innovation. Learn more and register here. 

LSBC IS HIRING! We are looking for an experienced Manager of Marketing and Communications to play a vital role in showcasing and narrating the compelling story of our vibrant life sciences sector and our outstanding members. As Canada's fastest-growing life sciences sector and the second-fastest-growing sector in the province, there has never been a better time to be part of BC’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem! Discover more about the role and apply here.

Member Highlights 

Gandeeva Therapeutics has been highlighted in Obvious Ventures' latest World Positive Report, recognized among 25 companies actively addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. Read the full report here.

Molecular You has been featured in the CLP article “How AI is Helping Early Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Become a Reality” as a leading company developing advanced diagnostics using personalized blood test technology. Read the article here.

BC Tech CEO Jill Tipping was spotlighted alongside other provincial tech industry leaders in a recent BIV article titled "Outlook 2024: Technology Companies, Investors Pivot to AI, Profitability." The article explores AI’s ability to drive growth and enhance profitability. It highlights rapidly growing sectors such as biotech, quantum computing, blockchain, and fintech, offering an optimistic outlook. Read it here. To learn more about how AI is impacting the life sciences sector, check out our upcoming McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series: AI Advancing Life Science Innovation on Feb. 6!

PharmaAla Biotech CEO Nick Kadysh was recently interviewed by the Small Cap Voice to discuss manufacturing GMP MDMA to treat PTSD and the company’s recent milestones, which include breaking into the Australian market. Watch the interview here.

STEMCELL Technologies is launching its new Lab Coats & Life™ Podcast in February, covering mentorship topics and the non-technical soft skills needed to progress in a science-based career. Learn more and sign up for mentorship content here.

Cozen O'Connor Canada has launched its new Privacy and Technology team, led by Atoussa Mahmoudpour, a keynote speaker at our upcoming Access to Innovation conference. The team will represent clients across Canada in connection with managing cyber-risks, sensitive transactions, and tailored privacy programs. Learn more.

A clinic in Finland has initiated the screening process for participants in Clairvoyant Therapeutics’ psilocybin phase 2b clinical trial for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a milestone for Clairvoyant Therapeutics that underscores the ongoing advancements in psychedelic therapy research within the EU. Learn more. 

New Members

[Individual] Stephanie Brown is currently President, North America, at Santhera Pharmaceuticals. She has over 30 years of experience having held executive level global and operating roles, with responsibilities for North America, Europe, and Asia. She has deep experience in product launches, including biologics and small molecules, across a broad range of therapeutic areas. Stephanie is currently a member of the Board of Directors at Resilia, Inc., a Canadian company with a novel device for urinary stress incontinence.

PHC Corporation of North America (PHCNA) is headquartered in Wood Dale, IL and manufactures and markets PHCbi brand laboratory equipment. Their goal is to support the work of their customers and to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.

Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies and is committed to advancing healthcare. They offer innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. 

Welcome to the LSBC community!

Industry Highlights

Canada has announced $2.1 million in funding to three academic institutions over four years to increase microplastics research and their potential impact on human health through the Environmental Health Research Contribution Program. Learn more.

The Government of Canada invites Canadians to participate in pre-budget consultations by contributing their ideas on the optimal ways to support individuals, businesses, and the national economy. The insights gathered will play a pivotal role in shaping the measures and investments outlined in Budget 2024. Feedback is due by February 9. Learn more and participate online or via mail here.

Registration is open for the 2024 BIO International Convention in San Diego on June 3-6. BIO is the industry’s largest partnering conference representing the full biotech ecosystem from across the globe! Last year’s conference in Boston welcomed over 20,000 registrants, including an LSBC-led delegation of over 50 BC-based companies and sector stakeholders! Learn more about the conference, one-on-one partnering opportunities, competitions, programming and more here. Early bird rates apply before March 7. Stay tuned to learn how your BC-based company can be included in LSBC’s conference activities!

Bloom Burton & Co. has opened its nomination process for its 2024 Bloom Burton Award, honouring an individual scientist, inventor, executive, entrepreneur, industry leader, or policy maker who made the greatest contribution to Canada’s innovative healthcare industry in the previous year! Submissions are due by March. 22. Learn more here. 

Kudos

Congratulations to Axolotl Biosciences, which has been selected as one of seven finalists from over 4,500 applicants in the ‘Medical Biotech & Pharmaceuticals’ track within Hello Tomorrow’s Global Challenge as part of its annual Summit in Paris on March 21-22. Learn more. 

Kudos to our members who were recognized by Catalytic Health’s first annual Canadian Healthcare Industry Awards (CHIA). GSK received Company of the Year for 2023, while Roche Canada garnered two awards, including the LifeSci Executive Award for President and CEO Brigitte Nolet and the Community Leadership Award. Additionally, Incyte Biosciences Canada was recognized as the 2023 Emerging Company of the Year. See the complete list of winners here.

People on the Move

Agneta Palmér has assumed the role of CFO at Getinge, succeeding Lars Sandström. Prior to this appointment, Palmér served as the Executive VP of Operational Services and was a valued member of Getinge's executive management team. Learn more.

Dr. Teresa Tsang has been named Executive Director of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Associate Dean of Research at the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, with her appointment set to extend until December 31, 2028. Learn more.

Following an eight-year tenure as the Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, Dr. Brian H. Rowe has concluded his term. Read his message of reflection here.

Dr. Qi Wei, Ph.D., brings over 30 years of experience to his new role as VP of Global Genomic Services at Frontage Laboratories. Learn more. 

CASTL welcomes two new team members. Cerilio Andrade is the new Business Development Manager, and Jennifer Lenentine is the Project Manager for the Elevate program.

Applications Open

The BC Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is accepting submissions for the University Call for Innovation, offering a $75,000 grant in early-stage funding. This grant will be distributed among up to 12 ventures selected from prominent BC university programs, including entrepreneurship@UBC, entrepreneurship@UBCO, SFU VentureLabs, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), and the University of Victoria. Applications are due March 4. Learn more.

Researchers are encouraged to submit applications for the "Embracing Diversity to Achieve Precision & Health Equity" funding opportunity offered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This initiative aims to revolutionize health research by integrating biological, behavioural, social, and environmental diversity alongside structural determinants to develop effective interventions for the well-being of all Canadians. LOIs are due Feb.1. Learn more. 

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

WELL Health Announces Record Patient Visits and Total Care Interactions for Q4-2023 and Projects Record Revenue and Positive EPS for the Quarter

WELL Health Technologies is pleased to announce positive preliminary quarterly financial results for Q4-2023 ending December 31, 2023 with projected record revenue and positive adjusted and non-adjusted EPS or Earnings per Share. WELL’s strong financial performance was driven by another record quarter in patient visits, resulting in sequential QoQ growth of 18% and YoY growth of 30%...READ MORE

Variational AI Announces Generative AI Project with Merck

Variational AI, developer of the Enki™ generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform for drug discovery, announced a project with Merck Research Labs supported by the CQDM Quantum Leap program. “We are pleased to announce Merck as an early-access user of our Enki™ Platform.” said Handol Kim, CEO, Variational AI. “Merck will evaluate Enki’s ability to generate novel small molecules on targets of their choosing...READ MORE

TFRI Announces New Leadership Appointment for Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network

The Terry Fox Research Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Isabel Serrano has been appointed to position of managing director of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network effective Jan. 15. In this new role, Dr. Serrano will continue to play an important role in the Network’s daily operations and research initiatives as well as in its continued growth, including sustainability initiatives...READ MORE

PharmAla Receives New “MDXXF” Ticker From FINRA for OTCQB Listing

PharmAla Biotech Holdings Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of novel derivatives of MDMA (MDXX class molecules), is excited to announce its new OTC ticker, “MDXXF”, which will go into effect on January 24th...READ MORE

Getinge Inaugurates Its New Global Centre of Excellence for Chemistry and UK Headquarters

Getinge’s new Global Centre of Excellence for Chemistry, which also becomes the UK headquarters, bring together the medtech company’s chemistry and instrument decontamination business. It will be inaugurated on January 31, in the vibrant industrial & logistics park St. Modwen Park Derby...READ MORE

Amgen British Columbia Completes State of the Art Lab Expansion

Amgen announced the completion of a 4500 square foot expansion, capping off a $27 million investment in its state-of-the-art Canadian research laboratory in Burnaby. This development further increases the site’s capacity to discover and develop pioneering medical treatments and accelerate delivery of therapeutics to patients suffering from serious illnesses...READ MORE

Connecting the Brightest Minds to the Right Opportunities for a Healthier Province

Michael Smith Health Research BC is excited to announce a new program that offers much-needed paid internships for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. By hosting and mentoring trainees, small and medium-size companies gain research expertise to drive innovation, solve complex challenges and help position BC as a global hub for life sciences...READ MORE

The MedTech Conference Opens Call for Sessions

Calling all medtech visionaries! Medical technologies are making a significant impact on the lives of people around the globe. What do you see as the most pressing issues or exciting opportunities for our industry? AdvaMed is inviting you to share your unique perspective and take the stage at The MedTech Conference in Toronto on October 15-17, 2024...READ MORE

Jardiance® (empagliflozin) Receives Authorization from Health Canada for the Treatment of Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

Health Canada has authorized Jardiance® (empagliflozin) to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular and renal death in adults with chronic kidney disease, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. and Eli Lilly Canada Inc. announced. The authorization has the potential to advance the standard of care for more than 4 million people in Canada living with CKD...READ MORE

Announcing Cozen O’Connor Canada’s Technology and Privacy Team

Cozen O'Connor is excited to launch Canada’s Privacy and Technology team, headed by Atoussa Mahmoudpour. Our experienced cross-border team is poised to assist clients with their privacy and cybersecurity risks and technology transactions, providing comprehensive services across a full-spectrum of sectors...READ MORE

McCarthy Tétrault Honoured as One of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes

Forbes has released its list of Canada’s Best Employers for 2024 and named McCarthy Tétrault among the honorees. This award acknowledges the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment for all our employees...READ MORE

Pfizer Canada Named One of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for 2024

Pfizer Canada was named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for 2024 by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The award recognizes companies who offer the nation’s best workplaces and programs for those just starting their careers, helping young Canadians with innovative and enticing opportunities to grow and excel...READ MORE

Agneta Palmér Appointed New CFO of Getinge

Lars Sandström is leaving the position as Getinge’s CFO for a new opportunity outside of the company. He will be succeeded by Agneta Palmér, who has been working at Getinge since 2018, most recently in the role of Executive Vice President Operational Services and member of the executive management team...READ MORE

UBC Faculty of Medicine Members Recognized with 2024 CAME Awards

Six UBC faculty of medicine community members have been honoured by the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) with 2024 Certificate of Merit Awards and Rising Star — Certificate of Excellence Awards...READ MORE

Additional Mental Health Crisis Supports Now Operational in Penticton

To help people in crisis and to free up police resources to focus on crime, a new crisis response team is now operational in Penticton. The new Mobile Integrated Crisis Response team is staffed with Interior Health mental health professionals and RCMP officers to help people in crisis who need appropriate health-care services when police have been called...READ MORE

STEMCELL Technologies Announces Acquisition of Propagenix Inc.

STEMCELL Technologies, Canada’s largest biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Propagenix Inc.—a Maryland-based biotechnology company focused on developing technologies to enable new approaches in regenerative medicine. Canadian acquisition of a U.S.-based biotechnology company is the first in STEMCELL’s history...READ MORE

Dr. Teresa Tsang Appointed Executive Director, VCHRI and Associate Dean, Research, UBC Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Teresa Tsang has been appointed Executive Director, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Associate Dean, Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia effective to December 31, 2028. As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Tsang’s research focuses on using large health datasets to advance patient care and strengthen health care delivery...READ MORE

InMed to Discuss Its Pharmaceutical Pipeline and 2024 Strategic Priorities in Fireside Chat with Water Tower Research on January 25, 2024 at 1pm ET

InMed Pharmaceuticals will be participating in the Water Tower Research Fireside Chat Series on January 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET. This event is open access for all investors. Topics will include InMed’s pharmaceutical pipeline in Alzheimer’s and Age-related Macular Degeneration, a discussion of upcoming 2024 milestones, and more...READ MORE

Cytiva is a global provider of technologies and services that advance and accelerate the development and manufacture of therapeutics. Formerly part of GE Healthcare Life Sciences and now part of Danaher's Life Sciences Group, we have a rich heritage tracing back hundreds of years, and a fresh beginning since 2020. Cytiva is now a 3.3 billion USD global life sciences leader with over 7000 associates across 40 sites who are dedicated to our vision to improve access to life-changing therapies that transform human health.

As a trusted partner to customers that range in scale and scope, Cytiva brings efficiencies to research and manufacturing workflows, ensuring the development, manufacture and delivery of transformative medicines to patients. LEARN MORE

Government of Canada Funding Research on the Health Risks of Microplastics

The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced funding of $2.1 million over four years to three academic institutions to increase research of microplastics and their potential impact on human health through the Environmental Health Research Contribution Program. McGill University, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Toronto have been selected to undertake research...READ MORE

Events Specialist

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 May and August, 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...LEARN MORE

Manager, Marketing and Communications

The Manager, Marketing and Communications implements marketing and communications strategies and plans, in support of Life Sciences BC’s strategies and objectives. Responsibilities include raising the profile of the organization and our members, managing its corporate reputation, and telling our story through social media, newsletters, and other tools...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

Research Technician 1, Resource Facility

This position will provide husbandry and facility maintenance to support preclinical research in drug discovery. You will be working in an accredited research facility holding Good Animal Practices certification from the Canadian Council on Animal Care. This position reports to the Manager, Resource Facility and will be in the Vancouver, BC location. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience...LEARN MORE

Head of Quality Control

The Head of Quality Control's duties include: establishing departmental goals and effectively communicating direction, objectives, and results as needed to the department, plant site, and Evonik; developing and managing team conformance to departmental budget, and driving improved efficiencies in departmental operations...LEARN MORE

Senior Project Manager

Reporting to the CSO, the Senior Project Manager will work closely with the NanoVation Team and will be responsible for managing multiple and concurrent projects in support of our corporate goals and objectives.You will also be responsible for ensuring projects are successfully completed on time and on budget, reaching desired outcomes, milestones, and deliverables, using a consistent, company-wide project management framework and methodology...LEARN MORE

Post Doctoral Fellow – Synthetic Organic Chemistry

We are seeking postdoctoral fellows with a passion for synthetic organic chemistry and/or medicinal chemistry to join our Vancouver site. The fellow will become integrated within our medicinal chemistry team and take part in a drug discovery project, gaining experience in modern medicinal chemistry techniques and strategies...LEARN MORE

Internal Operations Auditor

The Internal Operations Auditor is responsible for ensuring Business Units comply with company policies and applicable laws. In this role you will support risk management in establishing streamlined processes and be a supportive link for operations to understand corporate and legal requirements. This role will ensure internal practices and operational SOPs comply with federal regulations and regulations...LEARN MORE

Coordinator, Operations

Coordinator, Operations will be responsible for providing core lab and operations support for adMare & resident companies, as well as shipping and receiving services. Reporting to Senior Director, Operations & Innovation Centres, this role is based in our Vancouver Innovations Center. This is a maternity leave - contract 12 months position...LEARN MORE

Director, Immunology

The Director is responsible for supporting design and development of innovative antibody-based therapeutics in fields of immuno-oncology, autoimmunity and/or inflammation from inception to IND and into early clinical development, expanding the cutting-edge expertise and the breadth/depth of knowledge in Immunology based research and biologic drug development within eRnD...LEARN MORE

Senior Research Associate I, Protein Engineering

The Senior Research Associate is responsible for independently planning, performing, and optimizing protein purification of multispecific antibodies to support research programs, characterizing protein therapeutics by analytical and biophysical methods for quality control, stability, and developability studies...LEARN MORE

General Application for Thrive Health (Remote)

We’re looking for our next great Thriver, and the unique perspective you bring to make Thrive a stronger, more diverse organization. If you don't see the role you're looking for on the Careers page, you can submit a general application for future consideration for their departments, and Thrive will reach out if and when they have a role available that may be a good fit...LEARN MORE

Research Associate, Preclinical

The role holder will be responsible for executing and supporting studies assessing the pharmacology, immunology, mechanism of action, distribution and safety profile of our LNP, executing analyses and data interpretation, and presenting results to the team and company...LEARN MORE

Animal Technician, Preclinical

The Animal Technician will be responsible for conducting and supporting in vivo/in vitro studies to characterize the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics/distribution and safety of lipid nanoparticles-nucleic acid formulations. The Animal Technician will be proficient/expert in routine procedures required for in vivo studies/in vitro assays and will be able to generate and follow standard operating procedures...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

PHC Corporation of North America (PHCNA) is headquartered in Wood Dale, IL and manufactures and markets PHCbi brand laboratory equipment. PHCNA is a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a global diversified diagnostics, life sciences, and medical device company. Our goal is to support the work of our customers and to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.

For more than 50 years, PHCNA has met the needs of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, hospital/clinical and industrial customers, offering a unique perspective on scientific research. We play a critical role in global product development for a wide variety of applications and have established a reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality and innovative medical, diagnostic, and laboratory equipment. Our products are marketed as the PHCbi brand, and our product lines include CO2 and multi-gas incubators, ultra-low temperature freezers, cryogenic and biomedical freezers, and high-performance refrigerators. LEARN MORE

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