This past week, when most of us in BC are getting back to our desks full time after the festive break, has seen a lot of activity. It’s also worth noting that historically, this was the week 100 years ago when insulin was first administered to a human patient. Leonard Thompson was only 14 years old when he received the insulin treatment made possible by the research team of Frederick Banting, JRR McLeod, Charles Best and James Collip . The revolutionary new treatment extended Thompson’s life and with further refinement, established new pathways of care for what was a debilitating disease that considerably shortened life. 

Bravery and innovation continue in the life sciences sector to this day, and it’s underpinned by the recruitment of skilled talent. In support, I’d like to remind you that our annual Career Connect Day presented by BioTalent Canada takes place next week. Sessions are now announced and I encourage you to register. Connect with the skilled talent and early STEM career job seekers from BC and beyond that will help assure continued excellence in BC life sciences. You know we’re worth it!

Keeping an eye on what is happening in sectors allied with life sciences, LSBC member SVB has recently published the 2021 Healthcare Investments and Exits Summary. The report covers data for the entire year, with trends showing a near doubling in venture fundraising over the previous year, with phenomenal growth in the biopharma, healthtech, dx/tools, and device sectors.  

Another event I am delighted to draw your attention to is our Access to Innovation conference. Held over two days, February 16 and 17, Building on Excellence: A Vibrant Future for BC Life Sciences gives unrivalled access to industry and thought leaders in our sector. Our Event team is finalizing sessions, but you will be excited to learn that our keynote speaker is David Lisk, who is Vice President IRAP at National Research Council Canada.

But enough about us – what’s happening with you, our members? I’m very pleased to celebrate success for one of our hardworking board members. The Business in Vancouver ‘40 Under 40’ list was announced just before the holiday season, and the winner bios are now in print. Congratulations to all winners but special congratulations to Rajveer Hundal, Partner, PWC who is a Board Director and Treasurer for LSBC. I am also pleased to note that there are winners from other LSBC members and supporting companies, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Canaccord, Blake, Cassels, & Graydon LLP, CBRE, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Development, and UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering.  

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Kenneth Galbraith, who is transitioning into the Chair and CEO to succeed Zymeworks founder, Dr. Ali Tehrani. In other people news, Miranda Lam has joined Acuitas Therapeutics as Chief Legal Officer & Sr. Director, Business Development and Lumira Ventures announced the expansion of its investment team; Dr. Lu Han is promoted to Partner and Drs. Suman Rao and Ai Li Luo appointed as Associate and Analyst respectively. .  

Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Varki Jobes and Dr. Terry Pearson to the Board of Directors, and the appointment of Dr. Nathan Lack and Dr. Marc Horwitz to their Scientific Advisory Board.

Finally, I am very pleased to note that our BC Flood and Landslide program with Canadian Red Cross stands at over $15,000 – thank you to all who have donated. Please note that this page will stay live for a little longer for further donations. 

Wendy and the LSBC Team