June 4, 2026 - We’ll see you at our Summer Social tonight!

This week:

• Wendy speaks at 25th Annual Research Money Conference
• CASTL seeks industry engagement
• Apply to pitch at Invest in BC

Wendy Joins Speakers at 25th Annual Research Money Conference

The conference took place on June 3-4, 2026, in Ottawa and explored themes of health system transformation and translating sciences research into better economic and health outcomes. Speakers highlighted Canada’s pivotal moment in defining sovereignty, security and future prosperity that depend on strategies that turn our national strengths into competitive advantages. Read more.

CASTL Is Looking for Industry Partners to Engage Students

From the week of June 22-26, 2026, CASTL (Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training

in Life Sciences) welcomes life sciences companies to engage with their student cohort. Types of opportunities include in-person or virtual lunch and learns, lab tours, and employee speaking engagements. Contact Mauricio at mauricio@castlcanada.ca to learn more. 

Invest in BC Returns on November 3-4: Apply to Pitch!

Invest in BC, this year as part of Life Sciences Investment Week will welcome 100 Canadian and global Investors to Vancouver. If you’re looking for strategic partners and/or investment, apply to pitch by July 6, 2026. Please note that this year there is a presentation fee for selected companies. Learn more.

Member Highlights 

Bold Therapeutics presents clinical data on neuroprotective potential of BOLD-100 as a combination treatment for advanced gastrointestinal cancers. BOLD-100 is advancing through Phase 2 clinical trials in Canada, the EU, and South Korea. Read more.

Jade Biosciences announces positive interim Phase 1 results for JADE101 demonstrating potential best-in-class profile in IgA Nephropathy. Read more.

Ecosystem Highlights

Fraser Health has upgraded its interventional radiology suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, helping patients access advanced, minimally invasive treatments closer to home with shorter recovery times. Read more.

Brain Canada is funding new research platforms in BC and Alberta to help improve brain health, support new discoveries, and advance treatments for neurological and mental health conditions. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to Augurex for being selected as a finalist for the Disruptive Technology Award. Read more.

Congratulations to the recipients of Stem Cell Networks 2026 Summer Studentships Awardees, the program will support 16 senior undergraduate students from across Canada as they undertake summer research placements at Canadian academic institutions under the mentorship of leading regenerative medicine researchers. Read more.

People on the Move

BIOTECanada has appointed five new members to their Board of Directors, Anthony Cheung, François Ravenelle, Owen Roberts, James Guy & Nikhil Thatte. Together, they will bring a strong mix of leadership experience across Canada’s biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem, with expertise spanning company growth, investment, commercialization, and global partnerships. Read more.

Congratulations to the appointment of Dr. Rhonda McEwen as she steps into the role as UVic’s president and vice-chancellor. Read more.

Applications Open

Bio-Europe offers an opportunity to put companies in front of influential investors, partners, and industry leaders. Submit applications by July 31 for a priority review and a chance to showcase innovation to a global audience. Learn more.

The Trade Commissioner Service has opened applications for the Oncology Accelerator in France, taking place from September 21–24, 2026. This mission is designed for innovative Canadian SMEs and scale-ups in oncology looking to accelerate their expansion into the French and European markets through meetings with leading pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and key players in the French ecosystem. Applications are open until June 21, 2026. Learn more.

The 2027 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition is inviting healthcare, technology, and innovation leaders to submit proposals. With more than 125 educational sessions planned, selected speakers will have the opportunity to share insights, connect with a global audience and contribute to conversations driving the future of health and care. Proposal deadline: June 30, 2026. Learn more.

Recognize an exceptional member of the Pharm Sci alumni community. Submit a nomination for UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Agent of Change Award and celebrate the individuals whose achievements are making a lasting impact. Deadline to receive nominations is June 14, 2026. Learn more.

Build a deeper understanding of drug development, biomanufacturing and therapeutic innovation through CASTL’s BioInnovation Scientist (BIS) Program, designed to prepare participants for opportunities across the life sciences sector. Learn more.

The Gold Leaf Awards are one of Canada’s premier recognitions for excellence in biotechnology, celebrating the people and organizations driving innovation and growth across the sector. Submit nominations by July 10, 2026, and help recognize those making a last impact on Canada’s biotech system. Learn more.

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

Membership Spotlight

Azor Biotek are engaging valuable, underexploited drug targets with the most clinically relevant training data. They design novel small molecules to address any treatment needs, specializing in microRNA-targeted, and other multimodal drugs with the potential for profound treatment response. Learn more.

Painsense Solution Inc. is developing an AI-powered digital health platform designed to support older adults living with chronic low back pain. By combining wearable technology, intelligent mobile applications, and data-driven health insights, Painsense aims to help users better understand posture, movement patterns, mobility, and daily activities while encouraging proactive self-management and long-term well-being. Learn more.

MyData-TRUST is a global privacy, data governance, and compliance partner dedicated exclusively to the life sciences industry. We support biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, and contract research organizations (CROs) in navigating complex data protection requirements across North America, Europe, APAC, and other global markets. Our expertise spans the full life sciences value chain, including clinical research, commercialization, corporate operations, human resources, information technology, and vendor management. Learn more.

Annie Wang is a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. She is an expert in cancer biology and stem cell research who focus in analyzing cytokine dynamics and immune cell behavior. She is a bilingual professional biologist that performs well in fast-paced and complex laboratory environments. Learn more.

Justin Karasick is a senior communications and public affairs leader with 21 years inside one of Canada's most complex health-care systems. As Corporate Director at Providence Health Care, he led all communications, media relations, public affairs, government relations, internal communications, and digital strategy and AI across a multi-site research and teaching hospital system. He is known for turning complexity into clarity. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

June 22-25 - The BIO International Convention will be held in San Diego, US for four exciting days of networking, programming, and partnering opportunities that will shape the future of our industry and celebrate the scientific discoveries transforming our world.

September 9 - The 28th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards is a distinguished occasion that 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.

Bold Therapeutics’ Clinical-Stage Anticancer Agent BOLD-100 Demonstrates Neuroprotective Potential when Utilized in Combination with FOLFOX for the Treatment of Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancers

Bold Therapeutics reported new data showing that BOLD-100 may help reduce chemotherapy-related nerve damage when used with FOLFOX for advanced gastrointestinal cancers, potentially improving patients' quality of life… Read more.

New analysis of Idorsia’s Aprocitentan demonstrates Significant and Sustained reduction in Albuminuria in patients with uncontrolled/resistant Hypertension

A new analysis from Idorsia shows that aprocitentan reduced signs of kidney damage in people with uncontrolled resistant hypertension, supporting its potential to improve long-term kidney health… Read more.

Idorsia reports new Positive results with its breakthrough C. Difficile Vaccine – underscoring the Unique Potential of its Glycan technology

Idorsia reported positive results for its experimental C. difficile vaccine, supporting its potential to help prevent serious bacterial infections… Read more.

Jade Biosciences Announces Positive Interim Phase 1 Results for JADE101 Demonstrating Potential Best-in-Class Profile and Every-12-Week Dosing in IgA Nephropathy

Jade Biosciences reported positive early results for JADE101, highlighting its potential as a long-lasting treatment for IgA nephropathy with dosing every 12 weeks… Read more.

RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) plus LAZCLUZE® (lazertinib) demonstrates prolonged clinical benefit as a first-line treatment for atypical EGFR-mutated non-small Cell Lung Cancer

RYBREVANT® plus LAZCLUZE® showed lasting benefits for patients with a rare form of lung cancer, supporting its potential as a first-line treatment option… Read more.

Labcorp Supports Multi-Institution Trial to Expand Genetic Testing in Colorectal Cancer

Labcorp is supporting a study to expand genetic testing for colorectal cancer, helping more patients access personalized treatment options… Read more.

First participant at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit helps advance medical science

The first participant has joined Mount Saint Joseph Hospital’s new Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit, helping advance early-stage medical research and future treatments… Read more.

Sino Biological’s Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Supports Tencent AI for Life Sciences Lab’s Protein Design Study Published in Nature Communications

Sino Biological supported a study published in Nature Communications that used AI to design improved proteins. The research highlights how AI and lab testing can work together to speed up biotechnology and drug discovery… Read more.

Vertex Announces US FDA Acceptance of Biologics License Application for Accelerated Approval of Povetacicept in IgA Nephropathy

Vertex announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted its application for povetacicept, a potential treatment for IgA nephropathy. The therapy will now move forward in the FDA review process… Read more.

Getinge Launches Vasoview Hemopro 3, Advancing Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting

Getinge has launched VasoView HemoPro 3, a new surgical system designed to make vessel harvesting during bypass surgery more precise and efficient… Read more.

AI is helping Identify Heart Health risks for people with Breast Cancer

AI is helping identify breast cancer patients who may be at higher risk of heart problems, supporting earlier and more personalized care… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson presents new Data further Reinforcing the role of Nipocalimab in lowering the Autoantibodies driving Sjögren’s disease

Johnson & Johnson presented new data showing that nipocalimab may help reduce the harmful antibodies that drive Sjögren’s disease, supporting its potential as a new treatment option… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson Late-breaking Results Show Nipocalimab Significantly Reduced Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Disease activity in a Phase 2 Study

Johnson & Johnson shared Phase 2 results showing that nipocalimab helped reduce disease activity in people living with lupus, supporting its potential as a new treatment option… Read more.

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