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This week:
- PacifiCan-funded projects are encouraged to buy and use Canadian
- Growth Catalyst Program: First-Time Founders feature
- AbCellera hosts Budget 2026 consultation roundtable
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Taking Action to Make Canada its Own Best Customer
The Government of Canada is encouraging the use of Canadian materials (steel, aluminum, and wood products) and content (goods and services produced domestically) in PacifiCan-funded projects where Canadian options are reasonably competitive and available.
For new projects under PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity, Regional Innovation Ecosystems, and Community Economic Development and Diversification programs, PacifiCan will gather information about how applicants and funding recipients will use Canadian materials and content in their projects. For new projects under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and Regional Defence Investment Initiative, PacifiCan will also gather information on the use of Canadian materials and content.
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Growth Catalyst Program: First-Time Founders Feature
Every life sciences company begins with a first step—a brilliant, out-of-the-box concept that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and caregivers. Innovating in the life sciences requires grit, adaptability, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to navigate risk. Across British Columbia, first-time founders are bringing fresh ideas and bold ambition to some of the sector’s most complex challenges.
Meet some first-time founders in our Growth Catalyst Program (GCP), and read the stories of the founders that are building the next chapter of BC’s life sciences ecosystem. This issue features Dr. Ivan Klyuzhin, CEO & Co-Founder of Ascinta Technologies; Rita Zhao, CEO & Founder of Ediccare, Dolma Tsundu, Founder of Flutter Care, Chris Tam, CEO & Co-Founder of Integrated Nanotherapeutics; and Karolina Valente, CEO of VoxCell. Learn more about GCP here.
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AbCellera Hosted a Budget 2026 Consultation Roundtable
The honourable François-Philippe Champagne joined a roundtable at AbCellera on consultations leading to the upcoming budget. Great to see this conversation happening in Vancouver around how to support Canadian innovation, how to keep our talent and scaling businesses in Canada, and how to compete in the global economy. Read more.
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Merck and Moderna announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 trial evaluating intismeran autogene, a novel investigational mRNA-based individualized neoantigen therapy being jointly developed by Merck and Moderna, in combination with KEYTRUDA®. The trial met its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival and a key secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival. This represents the first positive Phase 3 readout for an individualized neoantigen therapy and for an mRNA-based cancer therapy. Read more.
Genome British Columbia announces three projects are putting personalized care into practice; each translating genetic insights for specific medical uses. Read more.
“We see a lot of research advancements in our funded projects, but true positive impact comes from genomic technologies being made available to the people who need it,” says Sally Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Public Affairs at Genome BC.
| | The Government of Canada is investing $6.6 million to improve mental health and wellness services for youth in Yukon, including a new youth services hub and mobile support for rural communities. Read more. | | Congratulations to the Bausch Health 2026 Gastrointestinal Health Scholars Program Winners. Each recipient will receive $10,000 scholarship to support their higher education while living with gastrointestinal condition. Read more. | | Congratulations to Josie Osborne, Ravi Kahlon and Brenda Bailey on their new cabinet appointments with the Government of British Columbia as Minister of Finance, Minister of Health and Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. Read more. | | |
Amanda Malone is stepping into a new leadership position at GuideStar Medical Office as Chief Operating Officer. Read more.
| | Congratulations to BD’s Gary Sorsher as he steps into a new role as Chief Quality Officer. Read more. | | |
Applications are open for the One Six 8 Ventures Global MedTech Showcase, bringing together leading MedTech companies with industry leaders from Abbott, Stryker, Johnson & Johnson, Philips, Hologic, and Stanford School of Medicine on September 29, 2026. Selected companies will have the opportunity to pitch and gain exposure to investors and industry leaders. Apply to pitch by August 20, 2026. Learn more.
Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC) alongside the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) at the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, is organizing a Canadian Life Sciences Mission to Mexico from November 3-5, 2026, focused on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology subsectors. The mission will allow participating companies to raise their profile in Mexico, building strategic partnerships, and exploring commercial, investment, and R&D collaboration opportunities with leading Mexican stakeholders. Participation in this initiative will require in-person travel to Mexico at your own expenses. Learn more.
CASTL Elevate is four-week training program combining flexible online learning with four days of hands-on technical training in Montreal or Charlottetown. No science or biomanufacturing background is required. Learn more.
| | See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
| Hologic is a global leader in women's health, dedicated to advancing early detection and treatment of diseases such as breast and cervical cancer. With a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, Hologic provides a comprehensive suite of diagnostic solutions, imaging systems, and surgical products that empower healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. Learn more. | | |
Until next week!
LSBC Team
| | 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. | | November 3-4 - Life Sciences BC is pleased to announce the 11th annual Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures. This highly anticipated event serves as a premier gathering for life sciences innovators in British Columbia, connecting them with investors and potential partners locally, nationally, and around the world. | | |
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argenx Announces Positive Topline Results from Phase 3 ALKIVIA Trial of Efgartigimod in Autoimmune Myositis
argenx shared positive Phase 3 results for efgartigimod, showing improvements in muscle strength and daily function for people with autoimmune myositis. The findings could support a new treatment option for patients living with this rare muscle disease… Read more.
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Johnson & Johnson Announces MONARCH™ QUEST 3, Advancing the Latest in Robotically-Assisted Bronchoscopy
Johnson & Johnson introduced MONARCH™ QUEST 3, a robotic system designed to help doctors more precisely reach lung nodules and support earlier lung cancer detection… Read more.
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BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation, and The Max Foundation Renew Partnership to Expand Access to BRUKINSA® for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
BeOne Medicines and its partners have renewed their program to expand access to BRUKINSA®, helping more people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in low- and middle-income countries… Read more.
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Nucala (mepolizumab) receives a positive reimbursement recommendation from CDA-AMC for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Nucala has received a positive recommendation for public funding in Canada, potentially giving more adults with COPD access to the treatment… Read more.
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Roche Canada and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) successfully complete negotiations for Perjeta® (pertuzumab) for the neoadjuvant treatment of aggressive early stage breast cancer
Roche Canada has reached an agreement that could help expand public access to Perjeta® for people with aggressive, early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer… Read more.
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BC health research pursues precision, genetics-based care for three conditions
Genome BC is supporting three projects using genetics to improve personalized care for medications, diabetes, and blood cancers…Read more.
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Labcorp and NACHC Launch Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Health Center Leadership and Advance Community Health
Labcorp and NACHC are partnering to strengthen health center leadership and improve community healthcare… Read more.
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U.S. Recruitment for Ohio State University Study Evaluating EmeTerm in Adults With Chronic Nausea and Vomiting
Ohio State University is recruiting adults for a U.S. study testing EmeTerm, a wearable device designed to help manage chronic nausea and vomiting… Read more.
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Merck and Moderna Announce Phase 3 INTerpath-001 Trial of Intismeran Autogene Plus KEYTRUDA® Met Endpoints of Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) and Distant Metastasis-Free Survival (DMFS) in Patients With Completely Resected Stage IIB-IV Melanoma
Merck and Moderna shared positive Phase 3 results showing that their personalized mRNA cancer therapy, combined with KEYTRUDA, helped patients with high-risk melanoma stay cancer-free longer and lowered the risk of the cancer spreading… Read more.
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