May 28, 2026 - Hello BioLinks readers | | |
This week:
- Congrats to those who earned a new BCIT micro credential
- BIO San Diego on the horizon, download the app
- Growth Catalyst Program feature: first time founders
- BC's patent box consultation closes June 24
- Introducing LSBC's new Manager, Sponsorships & Memberships
| | |
BCIT Micro credential in Foundational Science
Participants in our new Bio Essentials course dove into science this week and walked away with a micro-credential from BCIT. This course provided an overview of the foundational science that underpins the biotech industry, offering an accessible introduction for professionals in the sector without a science background. It was an engaging two days, filled with questions, hands-on DNA extraction, and a guest talk from Tom Frohlich, CEO of Jade Biosciences.Thank you to Supipi Duffy for leading the course, and to BCIT for their partnership in bringing this program to life.
| | The App You Will Need at BIO San Diego | | |
As many of us prepare for BIO in less than a month, one useful app you will want to download is bioRSVP brought to us by Novateur Ventures. What started as a Guide to JPM now supports year-round discovery across flagship events that shape biotech. Learn more and download here.
| | First-Time Founder Spotlight: Growth Catalyst Program | | |
First-time founders are innovating in BC's life sciences ecosystem. This spotlight feature from our Growth Catalyst Program showcases some of the new founders whose companies are on the frontiers of precision medicine, autoimmune diseases, fetal monitoring, and more. Learn more.
| | | |
Weigh in on BC’s Patent Box Consultation
Patent boxes are a policy tool governments can use to encourage innovation by offering tax incentives on income derived from intellectual property. The Province is engaging stakeholders to explore whether adopting a patent box could support the growth of BC’s life sciences sector and help encourage the commercialization of intellectual property within the province. The consultation is open until June 24, 2026. Learn more.
| | Meet LSBC’s New Manager of Sponsorships & Memberships | | |
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Sarah Richards, the Manager of Sponsorships & Memberships to Life Sciences BC Team!
Sarah brings her years of multi-sector experience—ranging from early-stage startups to multinational businesses—to her role, helping organizations leverage impactful sponsorship and membership opportunities.
Learn more about Sarah here.
| | |
Canary Medical has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for the Canary Revision Tibial Extension. This designation recognizes the potential of Canary’s smart implant technology to address critical unmet needs in revision knee replacement care through objective, continuous postoperative monitoring. Read more.
Jade Biosciences has announced the start of Phase 1 clinical trials for JADE201 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Read more. Jade has also launched Phase 2 clinical trials for JADE101 in IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys. Read more. Interim data for both trials are expected in 2027.
Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI® is the first Pfizer therapy to receive priority access under Ontario’s FAST Program, accelerating treatment for Canadians with metastatic colorectal cancer. Read more.
| | The BC government has updated online resources for companies interested in starting, managing and growing, or closing a business. Explore what resources are available here. | | |
InBC and Simon Fraser University have launched a new $20 million venture fund to help grow BC companies rooted in SFU research and discoveries. The fund will support early-stage companies in life sciences, deep tech, and clean tech, helping accelerate commercialization, job creation, and economic growth across the province. Read more.
Canada and Mexico have concluded a successful trade mission on May 6-8, 2026, which focused on strengthening investment and economic collaboration across North America. More than 10 agreements were signed across sectors including life sciences. Read more.
The Government of Canada is investing nearly $10 million to support 73 health research projects across Canada. The funding will help researchers, communities and health care partners to research into practical solutions that improve care, mental health support, health equity and school food programs. Read more.
| | Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Novartis Oncology Young Canadian Investigator Awards (NOYCIA) recognized at ASCO, for their outstanding contributions to advancing oncology research and innovation across Canada. Read more. | |
Congratulations to Derek Clark for stepping into the role as WELL Health Technologies Chief Operating Officer, where he will enhance operational execution, scalability, integration, and enterprise performance management across the Company’s portfolio of healthcare and digital health assets. Read more.
| | Congratulations to Dr. Jan Lünemann, a world-renowned neurologist, neuroimmunologist and clinician-scientist, who has joined UBC as the inaugural UBC Chair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Neurology Research. Read more. | | |
The Trade Commissioner Service is inviting Canadian life sciences companies to participate in BIO Asia-Taiwan 2026, taking place on July 15-19 in Taipei. The event offers opportunities to connect with global biotech leaders, investors, and partners across the Asia-Pacific region. Register by June 22, 2026. Learn more.
The Canadian Technology Accelerators program supports Canadian companies with market-ready technologies or products looking to grow internationally by providing access to 12 global tech hubs. There's no cost to join, other than your travel and accommodation. Search for a program and learn more.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is seeking public input to help inform Canadas 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan. The consultation focuses on future immigration priorities, workforce and regional needs, and how immigration can support communities and economic growth across the county. Learn more.
| | See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
| Polymorphic BioSciences Inc. is a life sciences company focused on translational R&D and incubation of early stage technologies or concepts prior to spinning them out as private entities. The company has multiple initiatives in applications related to lipid nanoparticle RNAs and personalized healthcare. Learn more. | | |
| The Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM) is a strategic initiative within the UBC Faculty of Medicine, created to accelerate health innovation. Canada produces world class discoveries and actively invests in life science, manufacturing, clinical trial infrastructure and regulatory modernisation. But without an orchestration layer, ensuring interdisciplinary integration, Canada exports the downstream economic and health value of its scientific discoveries. The Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM) addresses this gap by aligning innovation with regulatory, reimbursement, and implementation requirements from the earliest stages of development. Learn more. | | |
| Felix Kraus is a molecular scientist applying clinical spatial-proteomics to pediatric CNS malignancies at BCCHR. Previously a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School, he led large-scale multi-omics programs decoding molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration with special focus in Parkinson's disease. As Project Manager of an international research consortium, he coordinated multi-site discovery programs across the US and Germany. PhD in Biochemistry with expertise in mass spectrometry, ML-assisted imaging, and translational data systems. Learn more. | | |
| Based across Vancouver and Shanghai with prior experience in England, Shuhan Li specializes in cross-border life sciences deals, leveraging global networks to advance the development and commercialization of innovative therapies worldwide. Their experience spans M&A and licensing across APAC, North America, and Europe, with a focus on CGT, CDMOs, and clinical-stage biotech. Learn more. | | |
Until next week!
LSBC Team
| | June 4 - Summer Social LSBC’s most anticipated event! 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. | | 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. | | |
| |
Hologic to Present New Data at ASCO 2026 Demonstrating the Clinical Impact of the Breast Cancer Index Test on Extended Endocrine Therapy Decisions
Hologic will present new data at ASCO 2026 showing how its Breast Cancer Index test can help doctors make more informed decisions about extended breast cancer treatment and support more personalized patient care...Read more.
| | |
| |
Jade Biosciences Announces First Participant Dosed in Phase 2 JUNIPER Clinical Trial of JADE101 in IgA Nephropathy
Jade Biosciences has launched its Phase 2 JUNIPER trial, with the first participant now dosed to evaluate JADE101 as a potential treatment for IgA nephropathy… Read more.
| | |
| |
NervGen Announces Positive Independent, Blinded Biomechanical Gait Analyses Demonstrating Genuine Neural Recovery with NVG-291 in Phase 1b/2a CONNECT SCI Study
NervGen shared positive new study results showing that NVG-291 may help improve movement and support neural recovery in people with spinal cord injuries… Read more.
| | |
| |
Most Detailed Map of Breast Tissue Changes Reveals role of Menopause in Cancer Susceptibility
Researchers have created the most detailed map of breast tissue to date, uncovering how menopause-related changes may increase the risk of breast cancer… Read more.
| | |
| |
Jade Biosciences Announces First Participant Dosed in First-in-Human Phase 1 Clinical Trial of JADE201, a Novel Half-Life Extended Afucosylated Anti-BAFF Receptor Monoclonal Antibody
Jade Biosciences has dosed the first participant in its Phase 1 clinical trial of JADE201, a novel antibody therapy being developed for autoimmune diseases… Read more.
| | |
| |
Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI® Becomes First Pfizer Therapy to Receive Priority Access Under Ontario’s FAST Program, Accelerating Treatment for Canadians with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Pfizer’s BRAFTOVI has received priority access through Ontario’s FAST program, helping patients with metastatic colorectal cancer access treatment sooner… Read more.
| | |
| |
New UBC Research Facility aims to Transform Brain Health using Blood Tests
A new UBC research facility is using blood-based testing to support earlier detection and better monitoring of neurological diseases… Read more.
| | |
| |
Labcorp Launches Expanded DPYD Test to Identify Cancer Patients at Risk for Severe Chemotherapy Side Effects
Labcorp has launched an expanded DPYD genetic test to help identify cancer patients who may be at risk for serious side effects from certain chemotherapy treatments, supporting more personalized care… Read more.
| | |
| |
Head of RNA Chemistry
This role will oversee the design, synthesis, conjugation, purification, bioanalysis and SAR activities of RNA-based conjugates. They will develop, acquire, integrate and optimize techniques and technologies required to rapidly advance a portfolio of antibody-RNA conjugates… Learn more.
| | |
| |
Technical Program Manager
This role requires being the lead of cross-functional execution across early-stage product development programs including pre-clinical, clinical and investigative studies… Learn more.
| | |
| Post a Job on the LSBC Website | |
LSBC Membership Discounts on Job Postings
As an LSBC member, your first five job postings can be reposted on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish. Want more info? Contact membership@lifesciencesbc.ca
| | If you haven't already, sign-up for this and our weekly events newsletter | | Follow LSBC on Social Media | | | | |
