June 5, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers!

This week:

• Only 10 Days to Apply for the IRP and Build Your Investor Strategy
• LSBC’s Co-led Mission to Hong Kong
• Zymeworks Expands Zanidatamab Access to China
• Wendy Shares the Stage at VCHRI Health Summit

At LSBC, we know that translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact takes more than innovation. Smart capital and strong investor connections are critical. That’s why we created the Investor Readiness Program, to address a much-needed gap for founders. Thanks to the support of NRC IRAP, this six-month program is offered at no cost to participants and provides hands-on training, expert mentorship, and pitch coaching to help BC life sciences companies scale with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your business and investor strategy. Apply by June 15, 2025, and take your venture from discovery to market.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP) buzzes with the quiet intensity of innovation. Home to over 15,000 R&D professionals and an impressive roster of 13 unicorns, this sleek, modern campus is a powerhouse of discovery. Last week, LSBC President & CEO Wendy Hurlburt had the opportunity to explore this world-class facility firsthand as part of a Canadian life sciences mission to Hong Kong.

Photo captured by Josh Aberant



Co-led by Life Sciences BC and the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC), the mission brought together a dynamic Canadian delegation, including representatives from LSBC members uBrigene, NZ Technologies, and Rehabtronics. Thank you to Martin So for his vital role in organizing the visit, and to Patrick Lyu, British Columbia’s Trade and Investment Representative in the region.

The mission aligned with the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), where Wendy spoke on emerging opportunities in global health innovation. The delegation explored concurrent medical and hospital fairs and engaged with Vice Consul & Trade Commissioner Janet MacPhee, building stronger connections between government and industry stakeholders. The visit highlighted an ample opportunity for deeper scientific collaboration and strategic partnerships between Hong Kong and British Columbia.

Big news from Zymeworks! The company has received conditional approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for Zanidatamab, a treatment for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. This marks a meaningful advancement for patients with limited treatment options and historically poor outcomes. The approval in China was secured through Zymeworks’ partner, BeOne Medicines Ltd. (formerly BeiGene), which will now make a $20 million milestone payment to Zymeworks. The company also remains eligible for up to $144 million in additional development and commercial milestone payments. Congratulations to the Zymeworks team on this major achievement, which builds on the successful FDA approval of Zanidatamab in November 2024. Read more.

Last week, we applauded Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) on the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art clinical trials unit, a major step forward in advancing patient-centred research. On June 2, LSBC President and CEO Wendy Hurlburt took the stage to moderate a thought-provoking panel at the VCHRI Research Summit: "Navigating the Future of Health Care: Research Innovations for Improved Patient Care." She was joined by thought leaders Dr. Danielle Lavallee, Ian Rongve, Anne Stevens, Dr. Teresa Tsang, and Dr. Peter Zandstra, who shared insights on how cutting-edge research is reshaping the future of health care delivery.

Member Highlights 

AbCellera advances two therapeutics to clinical trials. AbCellera has received authorization from Health Canada to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for ABCL575, marking another major milestone for the team. This announcement comes just two weeks after news that another of AbCellera’s lead candidates is also heading into clinical trials, highlighting the company’s strong momentum and commitment to homegrown innovation. Congratulations to the entire AbCellera team on achieving not one, but two groundbreaking milestones. Both trials are expected to begin in Q3 of 2025. Read more about ABCL575 and ABCL635.

STEMCELL Technologies announces acquisition of Cellular Highways. Cellular Highways is a biotechnology company based near Cambridge, UK, that specializes in advanced cell sorting technologies. The acquisition brings the fastest GMP-ready cell sorter available on the market under STEMCELL’s portfolio of advanced instruments. Read more.

Mapmygenome cements global leadership in genomics with strategic acquisition of Canada’s Microbiome Insights. Microbiome founders, Dr. Brett Finlay, Dr. William Mohn, and Malcolm Kendall, are recognized global experts. Microbiome Insights will maintain its role as a premier CRO, empowering global research. Simultaneously, Mapmygenome will introduce its integrated genomics and microbiome testing services to North America, making holistic, data-driven health solutions more accessible. Read more.

WELL Health reports HEALWELL AI and WELLSTAR subsidiaries are selected for Canada Health Infoway’s Vendor Innovation Program. The Vendor Innovation Program is designed to accelerate the development, clinical implementation and adoption of interoperability in healthcare settings across Canada. Read more.

Industry Highlights

A new immunotherapy drug tested at Royal Jubilee Hospital is showing promising results, with some late-stage cancer patients achieving full remission. The treatment, part of a national clinical trial, helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Read more.

The Province is launching an ease-of-doing-business review. This is your chance as a BC-based business to have your voice heard on challenges and offer ideas and suggestions to the government. The review will focus on four areas: policy, legislation and regulation, funding and infrastructure, and taxes and fees. Read more.

Alouette Homes, a designated mental-health facility in Maple Ridge, will provide 18 involuntary care beds for individuals eligible under the Mental Health Act who are living with severe and persistent mental-health disorders that affect their behaviour and safety. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to VoxCell BioInnovation on winning the Life Sciences BC and Nimbus Synergies Pitch Competition, as well as the New Ventures BC Startup All-Stars Pitch Competition at Web Summit Vancouver. Read more.

People on the Move

Lu Han, partner at Lumira Ventures, has been appointed to the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA) Board of Directors. Read more.

Ryan St. Germaine has started his position as a Board Member at Innovate BC. Read more.

Applications Open

Applications are now open for the Digital Health Innovation Fund, supporting the advancement of cutting-edge research programs. With a focus on oncology, neurology, and health and AI, eligible projects may receive up to $5 million in funding. The expression of interest deadline is July 15, 2025. Learn more.

CanExport Innovation is offering up to $75,000 in funding to support research and development (R&D) of a single technology. Innovators from Canadian organizations are invited to apply and explore international collaboration opportunities. Learn more.

Apply now for the Gairdner Early Career Investigators Competition, an exciting opportunity for faculty and professionals at the Assistant Professor level (or equivalent) to showcase their research during Gairdner Week events. Select a Gairdner laureate aligned with your research focus and submit a proposal. The submission deadline is July 11, 2025. Learn more.

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

Until next week!

LSBC Team

June 25 - Join us for Summer Social

LSBC’s most anticipated event of the summer is the Annual Summer Social! It’s a lively evening of relationship-building with different teams, past colleagues, business partners, and friends. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet people and expand networks. The spirit of collaboration in BC continues to set us apart from other clusters, and this occasion is a chance to gather as a community. We celebrate the life sciences sector and kick off the summer together.

May 27-30 - Join us for our 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards

This distinguished occasion brings together British Columbia’s vibrant life sciences community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our peers and recognize the tireless efforts of those who have devoted their careers to advancing health innovations.

STEMCELL Technologies Announces Acquisition of Cellular Highways

STEMCELL Technologies, Canada’s largest biotechnology company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cellular Highways Ltd from TTP Group Ltd...Read more.

NervGen Pharma Reports Positive Topline Data from the Chronic Cohort of its Phase 1b/2a Clinical Trial Evaluating NVG-291 in Spinal Cord Injury

NervGen Pharma Corp. announced positive topline results from the chronic cohort of its Phase 1b/2a clinical trial evaluating its lead drug candidate, NVG-291, as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury...Read more.

Zymeworks Announces NMPA Approval of Zanidatamab in China for Adults with Previously Treated, Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-high expression (IHC3+) Biliary Tract Cancer

Zymeworks announced the National Medical Products Administration in China has approved zanidatamab for the treatment of patients with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive biliary tract cancer...Read more.

AbCellera Receives Authorization from Health Canada to Initiate a Phase 1 Clinical Trial of ABCL575

AbCellera announced it has received a No Objection Letter from Health Canada authorizing its Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for ABCL575 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis...Read more.

Mapmygenome Cements Global Leadership in Genomics with Strategic Acquisition of Canada’s Microbiome Insights

Mapmygenome, an AI-driven leader in genomics and personalized health, announced the strategic acquisition of Microbiome Insights, a global leader in microbial sequencing...Read more.

WELL Health Reports HEALWELL AI and WELLSTAR Subsidiaries Are Selected for Canada Health Infoway’s Vendor Innovation Program

​WELL Health is pleased to announce that HEALWELL AI Inc., and WELLSTAR Technologies Inc. subsidiaries have been selected by Canada Health Infoway as recipients of the 2025 Vendor Innovation Program...Read more.

Scientist – Chemoinformatics & Computational Chemistry

This position includes responsibilities such as lead data pipeline automation, benchmarking, and platform parameterization for drug design, while managing a data science team and cross-functional collaboration....Learn more.

Associate Director, AI and Advanced Analytics, VCHRI

The Associate Director, AI and Advanced Analytics, is a visionary leader who will establish and direct our artificial intelligence (AI) research program, positioning VCHRI as a national leader in healthcare AI innovation...Learn more.

Plant Engineer

This position is responsible for providing facility and process engineering support for the manufacturing of drug products. This role is part of the Site Engineering department at Vancouver whose responsibilities include maintaining and strategic improvement planning for plant and assets...Learn more.

Manager, Fianacial Planning & Analysis

You will be a key contributor to the budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes, delivering actionable insights to drive business performance. You will partner cross-functionally to support financial decision-making, prepare executive-level reports, and analyze financial trends...Learn more.

Corporate Relations Manager – Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

This role is one of the main cross-functional points of contact for: the agricultural and natural resources industries and corresponding provincial government representatives, as well as Genome BC Research & Innovation Director(s)...Learn more.

Scientist II, Discovery Biology

The successful candidate will play a key role in leading biological strategies and lab activities supporting platform development and preclinical drug discovery programs...Learn more.

Manager/Senior Manager, Quality Assurance, GMP

The selected candidate will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and ensure adherence to GMP regulations and regulatory requirements in support of Xenon’s clinical development programs and NDA preparation...Learn more.

Director, IR and Corporate Communications

Responsible for the co-ordination & execution of all internal and external communication for the company. Key stakeholders include financial regulators, potential investors, shareholders, Board Members and employees...Learn more.

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