September 25, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers! | | |
This week:
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Variational AI signs a US$349M deal with Merck
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Moderna’s Made in Canada Vaccines Available in Canada
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J&J in Vancouver for Invest in BC
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Biotech Trainees Ready – Employers Register to Be First in Line
| | Big Congratulations to Variational AI on its US$349M deal with Merck. We look forward to celebrating this on Oct 2 as we recognize Variational AI as the 2025 LSBC Emerging Biotech Company of the Year. Variational is also a member of our Growth Catalyst Program, among 25 high-growth life sciences companies. Variational AI will use its Enki™ platform trained on Merck’s proprietary data to generate and optimize small molecule candidates. This deal validates generative AI in drug discovery as Merck aims to harness AI to improve efficiency, speed, and quality of candidates earlier in the discovery continuum. Read more. | | Moderna’s Made in Canada Vaccines Available in Canada | | |
The conversation, and often frustration is that made-in-Canada innovations ultimately do not become available to Canadians. Moderna announced the first mRNA vaccines fully manufactured in Canada are being shipped to provinces and territories.
This milestone advances Canada's domestic vaccine production capacity and strengthens national health security. Read more.
| | J&J in Vancouver for Invest in BC | | |
We’ve partnered with Johnson & Johnson to offer extended opportunities for LSBC members and Invest in BC attendees to connect with global pharma leaders. One-on-one meeting requests with J&J are now open and will be held on October 27, the day before the Invest in BC Conference. If you work in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, respiratory, data science, or new drug modalities—and are already planning to attend the conference—we strongly encourage you to apply by September 29. Learn more.
Invest in BC will bring global pharmaceutical companies and over 100 international investors to Vancouver this year. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with strategic partners—brought to you by Life Sciences BC. The one-on-one partnering system is now open for meeting requests. Secure your tickets today.
| | Biotech Trainees Available for Entry Level Jobs – Companies Can Register to be First in line For Interviews | | |
LSBC is partnering with the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) to support the new CASTL Elevate BC Bioscience Reskilling Program.
The program provides biotech skills and on-the-job training for BC youth. Six weeks of academic training focuses on preparing trainees to be job ready in the following areas:
- Laboratory Techniques & Aseptic Practices
- Bioprocessing & Manufacturing Operations
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Analytical & Technical Skills
Biotech employers can take trainees for a four-week on-the-job entry level training component at no-cost to the employer, which will further develop biotech skills building in areas essential to our sector. Trainees will then be available for hire, and the first cohort will be available mid to late October. For more information or to register for interviews contact Mauricio Romero CASTL BC’s Training Administrator.
The program is supported by the provincial and federal governments.
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Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals completed a US$80.5 million public offering to support the development of its clinical pipeline, including EP-104GI for eosinophilic esophagitis, extending its operational funding into early 2028. Read more.
Simon Fraser University has launched Canada’s fastest academic supercomputer with an $80 million upgrade, accelerating genomics research led by Dr. Fiona Brinkman, a Genome BC award recipient. Read more.
VCHRI researcher Dr. David Wood, in honour of Heart Valve Disease Week, shared insights on its symptoms, risk factors, and life-saving prevention strategies. Read more.
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BC is seeing a surge in U.S. health-care professionals applying for jobs, with over 1,400 applications and 140 hires since May 2025, helping address staffing shortages. Read more.
BC is also recruiting U.S.-trained health professionals and relaxing licensing rules to help fill staffing gaps in its public healthcare system. Read more.
A new 12-bed treatment centre in Surrey, Healing House, q’ay’tl’et ew’xw, now provides specialized support for female, female-identifying, and non-binary youth facing substance-use and mental-health challenges. Read more.
Canada is investing nearly $20 million through CIHR to strengthen pandemic preparedness, supporting research on disease surveillance, diagnostics, and public health response. Read more.
Nearly $17 million will be invested to expand French-language health programs in Western Canada, increasing bilingual health professionals for Francophone communities. Read more.
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Danielle Walker, Strategic Partnerships Manager at UBC SBME, was honoured with the President’s Staff Award for Leadership for her innovative contributions to programs, mentorship, and partnership development. Read more.
Dr. Nika Shakiba, UBC Assistant Professor, received the 2025 Gairdner Early Career Investigator Award for her research on how stem cells interact to influence survival and fate, using systems and synthetic biology to advance stem cell therapies. Read more.
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Congratulations to Dr. Brad Nelson, BC Cancer scientist and professor, who was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada for his pioneering work in cancer immunotherapy, including developing CAR-T cell therapies. Read more.
| | The 2025 I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship recipients Thunder Crowshoe, Obiajulu Udemgba, and Ananya Patel, showcase resilience, leadership and vision while advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM. Read more. | | Congratulations to Dermot Kelly, who has been named Fraser Health’s new president and CEO, bringing over 20 years of leadership in BC’s health system. Read more. | | |
BioTalent Canada is accepting applications for the fourth annual I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Program, recognizing Canadian bioscience organizations that lead in promoting inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Learn more.
One Six 8 Ventures presents the Global MedTech Showcase (Virtual) on November 20, 2025 - connecting breakthrough medical technologies with international investors, healthcare leaders, and industry experts from around the world. We're seeking: Early-stage MedTech companies developing across AI Medtech, Surgical & Robotics, RPM, and Digital Health, Seed to Series A stage preferred. Global companies are welcome to apply! Apply to pitch by October 17, 2025 Learn more.
| | See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
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Ondine Biomedical Inc. is a Canadian life sciences company and leader in light-activated antimicrobial therapies (‘photodisinfection’) for the prevention and treatment of infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Ondine has a pipeline of investigational products, based on its proprietary photodisinfection technology, in various stages of development. Learn more
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CascaDTx is a Vancouver-based start-up developing oncology-first digital therapeutics (DTx) to transform cancer care. We are building AI-enabled, evidence-based software solutions designed to complement cancer treatments, improve outcomes, support families and clinicians, and advance equity in access to care. Learn more
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Bowen’s FX Therapeutics is developing a systemic protein replacement therapy to restore FMRP function in the body and brain. Learn more
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Until next week!
LSBC Team
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October 7 - Join us for Blakes Breakfast Speaking Series: Resilience: Current Uncertainty, and Forward Planning
This session brings together BC’s life sciences community for insight, strategy, and connection. The Blakes Breakfast Speaking Series will feature experts discussing market trends, resilience, and forward planning, with opportunities to engage both in person over breakfast and online via live chat.
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October 28 - 29 - Join us for our 10th Annual Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures
Life Sciences BC is pleased to announce the 10th 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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Vertex Announces CASGEVY® Reimbursement Agreement for the Treatment of Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease in Italy
Vertex Pharmaceuticals gained reimbursement in Italy for CASGEVY®, the first CRISPR/Cas9 therapy for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease, offering patients a one-time treatment option... Read more
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New Investments Focus on Biotherapeutics, RNA medicines, Cell Therapies and Policy Innovation to Prepare For the Future
New Canadian projects are advancing biotherapeutics, RNA medicines, cell therapies, and health policy to tackle health challenges and accelerate innovation... Read more
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Innovative Medicines Canada Launches Medicine Matters Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada launched Medicine Matters Canada, a national platform to improve patient access to new treatments, protect medicine coverage, and strengthen Canada’s life sciences sector...Read more
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Idorsia’s JERAYGO (aprocitentan) Approved in Switzerland for the Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
Idorsia’s JERAYGO (aprocitentan) was approved in Switzerland for treating resistant hypertension, offering a new option for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications....Read more
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Johnson & Johnson Receives Positive CHMP Opinion of Nipocalimab to Treat a Broad Population of Antibody-Positive Patients Living with Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
Johnson & Johnson’s nipocalimab received a positive CHMP opinion for treating antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis in patients 12 and older... Read more
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Lexaria’s Technology Supports Higher Levels of the GLP-1 Drug Semaglutide in Brain
Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology improves brain delivery of semaglutide, potentially enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects compared to standard formulations... Read more
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New Projects at Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub to Build a Smarter, Faster Health Response
New UBC-led projects at Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub aim to accelerate life-saving treatments by advancing RNA and cell therapies, gut-microbe-based solutions, and tools to speed health innovation adoption... Read more
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United Therapeutics Corporation to Review Data from the Successful TETON-2 Pivotal Study of Nebulized Tyvaso® in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
United Therapeutics’ TETON-2 study showed nebulized Tyvaso® improves lung function and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis... Read more
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BD and Henry Ford Health Sign Pharmacy Automation Partnership to Revolutionize Medication Storage and Prescription Delivery
BD and Henry Ford Health partnered to use BD Rowa™ Vmax pharmacy robots, improving medication storage, prescription access, and patient convenience... Read more
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IMC Congratulates C.D. Howe Institute on Timely Report Supporting Practical Pharmacare Solutions
Innovative Medicines Canada praised the C.D. Howe Institute’s report offering practical, evidence-based solutions to improve Canada’s pharmacare system without disrupting current coverage... Read more
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Global Expansion of Idorsia’s QUVIVIQ Continues as Simcere Launches in China
Idorsia’s QUVIVIQ (daridorexant) has launched in China through Simcere, marking a key step in the drug’s global expansion for treating adult insomnia... Read more
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Johnson & Johnson’s Investigational Seltorexant Shows Numerically Higher Response in Patients with Depression with Insomnia Symptoms, with Fewer Side Effects Compared to Quetiapine XR
Johnson & Johnson’s seltorexant showed similar or better effectiveness than quetiapine XR for depression with insomnia, with fewer side effects and higher treatment completion... Read more
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Innovating Epilepsy care: SFU Study Explores Advanced Brain Imaging for B.C. Patients
SFU is studying advanced magnetoencephalography (MEG) to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes in BC, helping identify more patients who could benefit from treatment... Read more
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A Gut Reaction: The Role of Microbiome Imbalance in Kidney Stones
Research from VCHRI shows that disruptions in the gut microbiome may increase the risk of kidney stones, highlighting gut health as a potential preventive strategy... Read more
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A Shared Vision for Better Health
The Shared Vision for Better Health initiative, led by UBC in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, improves eye care for Indigenous communities through culturally safe, community-driven programs.... Read more
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Moderna Announces First Made-in-Canada mRNA Vaccines Delivered to Canadian Provinces and Territories
The first Canadian-made mRNA vaccines from Moderna are now being distributed to provinces and territories, strengthening domestic production and health security... Read more
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Variational AI Enters Collaboration with Merck to Apply Generative AI to Drug Discovery
Merck and Variational AI have formed a collaboration, valued at up to US$349M, to leverage Variational’s Enki generative AI platform for drug discovery... Read more
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GSK and the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) Agree to a LOetter of Intent (LOI) for Ojjaara for the Treatment of Myelofibrosis in Adults Who Have Moderate to Severe Anemia
GSK and the pCPA have agreed on an LOI to support Canadian access to Ojjaara for adults with myelofibrosis and anemia... Read more
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Rapid Recap: Ontario Announces Second Round of Primary Care Expansion
Ontario is investing $250M to expand interprofessional primary care teams, aiming to provide care for an additional 500,000 residents across the province... Read more
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Kapoose Creek Bio – Partners with Terrain Life Science to Advance Study of Lead Compound KCB-100
Kapoose Creek Bio teams up with Terrain Life Science to further develop KCB-100 for depression and investigate its potential in neurodegenerative disorders... Read more
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Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Announces Closing of US$80.5 Million Public Offering Including Full Exercise of Underwriter Option
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals completed a US$80.5M public offering to fund its clinical pipeline, including EP-104GI, and extend operations into early 2028... Read more
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Flagship Protein A Resins from Cytiva Increase Flexibility and Accessibility for Clinical and Commercial Scenarios
Cytiva’s MabSelect SuRe 70 and PrismA X resins enhance efficiency and adaptability in antibody production for both clinical and commercial use... Read more
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Vertex Announces Key Advancements Across Kidney Portfolio
Vertex announces key kidney pipeline updates, including FDA Breakthrough Therapy status for povetacicept and ongoing trials for inaxaplin and VX-407... Read more
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Manager, Memberships & Sponsorships
This role will manage the portfolio of the members and sponsors. With responsibility for securing agreements, the Manager, Memberships and Sponsorships leads acquisition and retention strategies and the research of members’ and sponsors’ needs and opportunities...Learn more.
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Scientist - Structural Biology
This position supports comprehensive molecular insights and structure-based design for drug-target assessment, mechanism of action, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, as well as protein engineering to facilitate drug discovery across various therapeutic areas...Learn more.
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Research Assistant, In Vivo Pharmacology
Seeking an experienced research assistant to work in the Preclinical Group, reporting to the Senior Research Scientist, Preclinical. The research assistant will be responsible for conducting and supporting in vivo/in vitro studies to characterize the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics/distribution...Learn more.
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Administrative Assistant (Intermediate)
This role requires a resourceful and organized individual who can manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and support cross-functional teams to ensure smooth and efficient office operations...Learn more
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Scientist – CADD Data & Tools
HTuO Biosciences is hiring a Computational Scientist to develop CADD tools and data pipelines. The role requires Python expertise, knowledge of quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and CADD methods... Learn more
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Senior Software Engineer
This role requires developing high-performance scientific software, focusing on delivering high-quality, accurate code in a high-performance computing environment. Your work will be crucial in projects where the correctness of software output is paramount... Learn more
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| 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
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