November 6, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers!

This week:

• Carney Government Tables Long-Awaited Federal Budget
• BC’s largest delegation at Bio Europe 2025
• Learn more about our 2025 Companies to Watch
• Sign up for Our Science for Non-scientists Course

Carney Government Tables Long-Awaited Federal Budget

In Ottawa, federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented his government’s 2025 budget plan in the House of Commons – the first full budget released since April 2024. Some highlights of the budget that are relevant to life sciences:

BC’s largest delegation at Bio Europe 2025

Team BC showed up at Bio Europe with our largest-ever presence at the event. A record of 23 companies and 33 delegates showcased the province’s growing leadership and innovation across the life sciences sector. Trade & Invest British Columbia hosted a dynamic booth that became a central hub for global engagement and collaboration. LSBC held more than 30 productive meetings with international pharma leaders, representatives from the European life sciences ecosystem, and other key partners.

LSBC’s Wendy Hurlburt joined Miranda Lam, Dr. Karolina Valente, and Jacquie Griffiths, on stage to illustrate how BC’s life sciences sector is driving innovation and fostering strong connections between BC and Europe.

Learn more about our 2025 Companies to Watch

This year, LSBC named five promising companies as our 2025 Companies to Watch. We are teaming up with McCarthy’s to spotlight these innovative ventures on November 27. Learn more about who’s shaping the future of life sciences and join us for an evening of networking. Learn more and register here.

Foundational Science for Non-scientists Course: BCIT Micro-credential

Discover how science, health, and business intersect in BC's thriving biotech sector with Bio Essentials: Foundational Science, a two-day introductory course from BCIT, December 3–4. Explore the core principles of biotechnology through fresh, BC and Canada-focused examples, and earn a recognized micro-credential to boost your career in life sciences. Learn more and register here.

Member Highlights 

United Therapeutics Corporation is making a major step forward in transplant innovation as it completes the first successful transplant in its EXPAND clinical trial of the uKidney, a genetically engineered porcine kidney for patients with end-stage renal disease. This milestone helps address the shortage of donor organs and may offer new options for patients who depend on dialysis as the EXPAND trial progresses. Read more.

WELL Health announces that its majority-owned subsidiary WELLSTAR Technologies has entered into agreements to complete a Series B preferred share investment in the aggregate amount of approximately C$62 million. Read more.

Ecosytem Highlights

Eli Lily is investing about $3 billion to build a manufacturing facility in the Netherlands. The site will produce innovative medicines across several therapeutic areas and is expected to create hundreds of new jobs while strengthening the company's work. Read more

Researchers at Vancouver Coastal Health have created a new mobile, AI-supported diagnostic tool called the PenoMeter to help assess Peyronie’s disease. The system allows patients to submit images privately and comfortably, offering a less invasive, more accessible alternative to traditional in-clinic evaluations. Read more

Kudos

Six researchers at Simon Fraser University have been named among Canada’s new and renewed Canada Research Chairs, recognizing their work in areas such as health equity, Indigenous wellbeing, technological change and fundamental particle physics. Read more

AstraZeneca Canada and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada have awarded two research grants to support new approaches in diagnosing and treating blood cancers, led by Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova and Dr. Christian Steidl. Read more

People on the Move

Congratulations to Dr. Geoff Payne on his appointment as President and CEO of Health Research BC. Dr. Payne’s strong leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing health research will support continued excellence across the province. His leadership is expected to strengthen BC’s research community and support better health outcomes across the province. Read more

Congratulations to Dr. Sharmila Anandasabapathy on her appointment as the new Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Vice-President, Health at UBC. With her experience in global health leadership and innovative research in early cancer detection, she brings a strong vision for advancing medical education, collaboration, and health equity. Read more

Dr. Alexander Wyatt has been named the UBC President’s Chair in Precision in Oncology, recognizing his leadership in advancing personalized care. His research using circulating tumor DNA is helping to improve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and bladder cancers in BC and beyond. Read more

Congratulations to Dr. Kishor M. Wasan on being named Chair of the Scientific of Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada. A distinguished University Scholar and Adjunct Professor in UBC’s Department of Urologic Sciences, he will help guide the foundation specific priorities and support advancements in prostate cancer research across the country. Read more

Optigo Biotherapeutics has welcomed Dr. Andreas Wallnöfer to its Board of Directors as the company advances its retinal disease programs toward IND-enabling studies. His extensive experience in drug development and biotech strategy will help support the company’s next phase of growth. Read more

Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 MedTech Innovator and BioTools Innovator programs. Supported by Johnson & Johnson, these global accelerators help early to mid-stage startups in medical technology, life science tools, and digital health advance toward commercialization. Apply by December 1, 2025. Read more

New opportunities are now available through the Student Work Placement Program. With renewed federal funding, students and employers in the bio-economy can access support for work-integrated learning and talent development. Read more

See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website.

Member Spotlight

ME Therapeutics has taken a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy. Using our combined expertise in tumour immunology, T cell biology and myeloid cell development, we are developing biological and small molecule drugs to target novel pathways involved in cancer-induced immune suppression. Our therapies have the potential to work on their own and in combination with other cancer immunotherapies across several cancer types. Learn more

Until next week!

LSBC Team

November 27 - The Life Sciences BC “McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series” at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Vancouver highlights innovative life sciences companies recognized as Companies to Watch, featuring their growth stories and future plans while fostering connection and collaboration across the sector.

December 3-4 - This two-day introductory course makes biotechnology clear, relevant, and exciting for professionals without a science background. You’ll gain a practical overview of how biotech drives healthcare, sustainability, and business innovation across British Columbia and beyond.

ELAHERE® Receives Positive Reimbursement Recommendation by Canada’s Drug Agency for Certain Types of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancers

Canada’s drug agency has recommended funding ELAHERE, a new treatment for certain ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers that no longer respond to platinum-based drugs. It offers new hope for patients with limited treatment options... Read more

Johnson & Johnson Submits Application to U.S. FDA for STELARA® (ustekinumab) in the Treatment of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis

Johnson & Johnson has submitted an application to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration requesting approval of Stelara® (ustekinumab) for children with ulcerative colitis, aiming to extend an established treatment into a key pediatric population... Read more

Dupixent® Approved in Canada as Targeted Therapy for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)

Dupixent (dupilumab) has been approved in Canada as a targeted therapy for adults and adolescents with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) whose hives and itch persist despite standard treatments, offering a new option for this challenging condition... Read more

United Therapeutics Corporation Announces First Transplant in EXPAND Clinical Trial of UKidney in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease

United Therapeutics has completed the first successful transplant in its EXPAND clinical trial of the uKidney, a gene-edited porcine kidney developed for patients with end-stage renal disease. This milestone marks progress toward expanding transplant options where donor organs are limited... Read more

BD Achieves Milestone in AGILITY Study of Revello™ Vascular Covered Stent for Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease

BD has reached a key milestone in its AGILITY clinical study evaluating the Revello Vascular Covered Stent for treating peripheral artery disease, completing enrollment for one major patient group and advancing the study toward its next phase... Read more

BD Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance and CE-IVDR Certification for High-Throughput Enteric Bacterial Panels on BD COR™ System

BD has received U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance and European CE-IVDR certification for its Enteric Bacterial Panel (EBP) and EBP plus on the BD COR™ System, enabling high-throughput detection of gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens from a single stool swab... Read more

VABYSMO® (faricimab injection) Pre-Filled Syringe Now Publicly Funded through Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program

Vabysmo (faricimab) injection in a pre-filled syringe is now publicly funded through Ontario’s Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, opening broader access for eligible patients... Read more

WELL Subsidiary WELLSTAR Technologies Announces $62M Financing to Support Its Pre-Spinout Growth Strategy

WELLSTAR Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of WELL Health Technologies Corp., has secured approximately C$62 million in Series B financing to support its pre-spin-out growth strategy, expand its AI-enabled healthcare offerings, and pursue a public listing in 2026... Read more

GSK Survey Highlights Gaps in RSV Awareness, Risk Understanding Among Vulnerable Older Canadian Adults

A new GSK Canada survey shows that many Canadian adults aged 50+ with underlying health conditions have low awareness of RSV, with many not recognizing their risk, not discussing it with healthcare providers, and not being vaccinated... Read more

Idorsia to Present New Aprocitentan Insights at ASN Kidney Week & AHA Scientific Sessions

Idorsia will present new data from its Phase 3 PRECISION study on aprocitentan, highlighting reductions in blood pressure and albuminuria in patients with resistant hypertension and renal impairment, at ASN Kidney Week and the AHA Scientific Sessions... Read more

Quebec Expands Public Funding for CAPVAXIVE®

Québec has expanded public funding for CAPVAXIVE®, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, making it available to eligible adults in the province’s immunization program and helping improve access to protection against invasive pneumococcal disease... Read more

Federal Budget Delivers Breakthrough Wins for Canada’s Life Sciences Sector

The federal budget introduces new measures to strengthen Canada’s life sciences sector, including increased support for research, innovation, and investment to help drive growth and competitiveness... Read more

Marketing & Communications Specialist (Co-op Student)

The Marketing & Communications Co-op Student supports social media, website updates, and marketing campaigns that promote B.C.’s life sciences sector. Ideal for creative, organized Communications or Business students. $18/hour, hybrid in Vancouver, apply by November 11, 2025... Learn more

Chief Business Officer

This role involves leading TRIUMF’s commercialization and partnership strategy, guiding technology transfer, licensing, and new venture development. The Chief Business Officer will build industry and government relationships to translate research into real-world impact and support long-term organizational growth... Learn more

Knowledge Mobilization Specialist

The role translates research into accessible formats, develops communication strategies, and connects researchers with communities and stakeholders. This role enhances the impact of scientific work through clear messaging, engaging materials, and inclusive collaboration... Learn more

Research and Innovation Manager, Mining and Energy

This role requires leading genomics and biotechnology projects in the mining and energy sectors, managing partnerships, securing funding, and guiding research from concept to commercialization to drive sustainable innovation at Genome BC... Learn more

Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry

This role involves developing and validating analytical methods for small-molecule drug development, including dissolution and impurity testing, while collaborating with CMC teams to support formulation and quality control at Xenon Pharmaceuticals... Learn more

Senior Software Engineer – Platform Technology

HTuO Biosciences is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop high-performance software for molecular modeling and drug discovery. The role includes building scalable platforms, optimizing algorithms, and improving system performance. Requires expertise in C++, Python, and CUDA.... Learn more

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