October 23, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers! | | |
This week:
- Team BC takes on Bio Europe in Vienna
- Wendy Hurlburt joins Thought Leadership Panels
- Invest in BC is next week!
- CASTL Trainee interviews are now on Oct 29
- Work in Life Sciences without a Science Background? Take Bio Essentials!
| | As we gear up for Bio Europe on November 3-5, we want to wish LSBC member companies a productive time in Vienna. Over 25 member organizations will be attending the conference, with about 70% being BC-based. | | |
Our participation in Bio Europe this year is timely with developments south of the border and the newly announced Canada and European Union industrial policy dialogue, launched June 23 of this year.
“At this pivotal moment, Canada is committed to deepening its partnership with the European Union as we diversify supply chains and enhance trade ties. Together, we are strengthening a trans-Atlantic alliance that will enhance our economic competitiveness and protect critical industries and technologies.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
| | Wendy joins Thought Leadership Panels | | This week, on Conversations Live, LSBC President & CEO Wendy Hurlburt joined Stuart McNish, and other thought leaders for a lively discussion on BC’s innovation sector. Opening Canada’s doors to talent was central to the conversation, as well as BC’s X factor and what we need to do to continue to build here in BC. Stay tuned for clips of the conversation! | | Photo L>R: Stuart McNish of Conversations Live | Lisa Sparrow of Corix | Sue Paish of Digital | Allen Eaves of STEMCELL Technologies | Wendy Hurlburt of Life Sciences BC | Karn Manhas of Terramera | Marc Low of KPMG Canada | | Wendy also took to the stage at The Next Metro Vancouver Event on October 20, 2025. She moderated a panel discussion on scaling innovation in health care, looking at the strategies and ecosystems required to grow world-class tech companies and keep them in Metro Vancouver, BC and Canada | | |
Invest in BC is Next Week!
If you haven't secured your conference pass yet, tickets will close tomorrow. The agenda is also live on our website. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to make the right connections to build your business. Investors and strategic partners from around the world will be landing in Vancouver next week! Last chance for tickets.
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CASTL Trainee interviews are now on Oct 29
On the job biotech CASTL trainees available for 4-week job placements at no cost. Trainee interviews October 29 at the BCIT Richmond campus. To learn more or to register, please contact Mauricio Romero, CASTL BC Training Administrator, at mauricio@castlcanada.ca
| | Work in Life Sciences without a Science Background? Take Bio Essentials! | | |
Earn a micro-credential from BCIT with this two-day introductory course on December 3-4 that will provide an overview of the basic science that underpins the biotechnology industry. The course now includes new Canadian context and BC-specific examples.
Why Attend
Participants will gain a solid understanding of key biotechnology concepts and the knowledge to engage with scientists, regulators, and investors in meaningful discussions.
What You Will Learn
- The building blocks of life: cells, DNA, RNA, and proteins
- How genes influence health and disease
- The science behind biotechnology and its real-world applications
- The connection between science, business, and innovation in BC’s biotech ecosystem
Outcome
By the end of the course, you’ll confidently be able to apply the language of science and gain an insight into how BC’s life sciences community connects science, health, and business to drive the future of innovation. Learn more and register here.
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CASTL responds to biomanufacturing industry demand with additional PEI reskilling cohorts. The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), Canada’s biomanufacturing training partner, announces the launch of the tenth and eleventh cohorts of the PEI Bioscience Reskilling Program—now in its fourth year of delivery. Read more.
Pfizer Canada announces Health Canada approval of ABRYSVO® for adults. With the approval of ABRYSVO® for adults aged 18+, there is now a way to help protect against RSV in a population that previously did not have vaccination options. Read more.
HTuO Biosciences announces a strategic research collaboration with Micrographia Bio, a UK based biotechnology company. The collaboration, funded partially by the Governments of Canada and the UK, will aim to develop a next-generation small molecule osteoporosis drug. Read more.
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Molecular You has been selected for the Fast Company 2025, “Next Big Things in Tech” list for its innovative multi-omic platform that analyzes over 250 biomarkers from a single blood draw and uses AI to deliver personalized health insights. Read more
Dr. Lori West, recognized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, has transformed organ transplantation through her groundbreaking ABO-incompatible research. Supported by GlycoNet, her company GlycoBead, is developing a diagnostic tool to further expand these life-saving innovations. Read more
Congratulations to Dr. Heather Gainforth on being named a Canada Research Chair (CRC), for her leadership in advancing community-engaged research that improves the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. This recognition celebrates her impactful contributions to collaboration, knowledge translation, and evidence-based practice at iCORD. Read more
Dr. Nozomu Yachie has been renewed as a Canada Research Chair in Synthetic Biology, recognizing his innovative work in developing DNA recording technologies that help scientists track how cells change over time and advance research in cancer and rare diseases. Read more
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Dr. David A. Wood has been appointed as the first Chief Scientific Officer of Dilawri Cardiovascular, effective October 22, 2025. In this role, he will guide the institute's research strategy and foster collaborations to advance cardiovascular science and patient care across Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and its partners. Read more
InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed John Bathery to its Board of Directors. With over 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience and a strong background in global business development and strategic partnerships, he will support InMed’s growth as the company advances programs in Alzheimer’s disease and age-related macular degeneration. Read more
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Applications for Health Research BC Research Trainee Program open on October 30, which supports early-career post-doctoral and health professional researchers. The program provides up to $60,000 per year for three years to help advance your research career and contribute to the future of health innovation in BC. Read more
Biotalent, in partnership with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), is offering Canadian Bioscience employers up to a 70% discount on technical and essential skills to help small and medium-sized companies strengthen workforce skills and boost productivity. Read more
JETRO’s Japan Entry Acceleration Program (JEAP) 2025 invites startups in regenerative medicine, cell and gene therapy and related fields to apply for tailored support to enter the Japanese market. Running from September 2025 to March 2026, the program offers mentoring, business matching day and a Demo day in Tokyo for about five selected startups. Applications are open from September 8 to October 31, 2025. Read more.
The Export to Market: Germany and Ontario webinar on October 28, 2025 (9:30 am -11:30 am EST) offers insights into trade and investment opportunities between the two regions. Participants will learn about economic conditions, expert strategies, and resources to support cross-border business growth. Read more.
| | See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
| Axolotl Biosciences provides turn-key reagents such as functional bioinks, 3D tissue models, and consulting services in the field of 3D bioprinting. Our goal is to improve human health through novel 3D printing technologies. We incorporated in March 2020. Our initial product is a highly optimized bioink formulation for 3D printing neural tissues using stem cells. Our novel neurobioink is capable of printing delicate stem cells while maintaining a high-level cell viability and function. Learn more | | |
Until next week!
LSBC Team
| | December 3-4 - This two-day introductory course makes biotechnology clear, relevant, and exciting for professionals without a science background. You’ll gain a practical overview of how biotech drives healthcare, sustainability, and business innovation across British Columbia and beyond. |
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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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AbbVie Completes Acquisition of Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' Bretisilocin
AbbVie has acquired Gilgamesh’s Phase 2 antidepressant candidate, bretisilocin, expanding its neuroscience portfolio... Read more
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Fuse Vectors Establishes R&D for Gene Therapy Development in the Netherlands
Fuse Vectors has opened an R&D hub at Leiden Bio Science Park in the Netherlands to further develop its innovative cell-free AAV platform for gene therapy production, supported by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and InnovationQuarter... Read more
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Rapid Recap: LTC Staff-Up & Labour Mobility Moves
Ontario is streamlining licensing for out-of-province health workers, allowing temporary practice for six months, and investing $1.92 billion to increase staffing and direct care hours in long-term care homes... Read more
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Vertex Announces Progress in Povetacicept Development Program and Presentation of New Data at American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week
Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported new data on its investigational therapy Povetacicept at ASN Kidney Week 2025 and initiated a Phase 2b/3 trial in primary membranous nephropathy, marking continued progress in its kidney disease program... Read more
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CASTL Responds to Biomanufacturing Industry Demand with Additional PEI Reskilling Cohorts
CASTL launched two new cohorts of its PEI Bioscience Reskilling Program to prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for careers in biomanufacturing through hands-on training and industry placements... Read more
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RINVOQ® (upadacitinib) Demonstrated Superiority Versus HUMIRA® (adalimumab) for Primary Endpoint in a Head-to-Head Study in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who Have Failed First TNF Inhibitor
RINVOQ (upadacitinib) has shown superior effectiveness compared to HUMIRA (adalimumab) in a head-to-head Phase 3b/4 study involving rheumatoid arthritis patients who had previously failed treatment with a TNF inhibitor... Read more
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BD Launches New AI-enabled Solutions to Drive Connectivity Across Healthcare Settings
BD launched the AI-enabled BD Incada™ Connected Care Platform and next-generation BD Pyxis™ Pro system to improve data connectivity, medication management, and operational efficiency across healthcare settings... Read more
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BeOne Medicines Presents New Data on TEVIMBRA in Lung Cancer at ESMO 2025
BeOne Medicines presented new ESMO 2025 data showing that TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab) delivers strong survival benefits in multiple forms of lung cancer, including non-small cell and small-cell types... Read more
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Johnson & Johnson’s INLEXZO™ (Gemcitabine Intravesical System) plus Cetrelimab Delivers Strong Pre-surgical Results in Patients with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Scheduled for Radical Cystectomy
Johnson & Johnson’s INLEXZO™ plus cetrelimab achieved strong pre-surgical results in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with a 38% complete response rate in the Phase 2b SunRISe-4 study... Read more
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AI-driven Disease Detection Levels-up Prostate Cancer Surgery
VCHRI researchers are using AI-driven stimulated Raman histology to assess prostate tissue in minutes during surgery, improving accuracy and reducing operating time... Read more
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Evonik Launches EUDRACAP® Colon functional Capsules in GMP Quality at CPHI Frankfurt
Evonik launched EUDRACAP® colon GMP-grade capsules at CPHI Frankfurt, designed for targeted ileo-colonic drug delivery of sensitive ingredients like biotherapeutics and RNA... Read more
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GSK’s $300,000 Investment Fuels Launch of Innovative Lung Wellness Clinic to Transform Respiratory Care in Nova Scotia
GSK Canada invested $300,000 to launch the Nova Scotia Lung Wellness Clinic in Halifax, expanding access to respiratory care through lung testing, smoking cessation, vaccinations, and inhaler support... Read more
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Pfizer Canada Announces Health Canada Approval of ABRYSVO® for Adults 18+
Pfizer Canada ULC has received approval from Health Canada for its vaccine ABRYSVO to help prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in adults... Read more
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BD Simplifies At-Home HPV Testing to Broaden Access to Cervical Cancer Screening Outside United States
BD has launched an at-home HPV self-collection test outside the U.S., allowing patients to collect samples for lab analysis through the automated BD COR™ system, expanding access to cervical cancer screening... Read more
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Dupixent® (dupilumab injection) Approved in Canada for Adults with Inadequately Controlled Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Dupixent (dupilumab) has been approved in Canada as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with inadequately controlled Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) associated with type 2 inflammation... Read more
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Marketing & Communications Specialist (Co-op Student)
The Marketing & Communications Co-op Student supports social media, website updates, and marketing campaigns that promote B.C.’s life sciences sector. Ideal for creative, organized Communications or Business students. $18/hour, hybrid in Vancouver, apply by November 11, 2025... Learn more
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Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
The role translates research into accessible formats, develops communication strategies, and connects researchers with communities and stakeholders. This role enhances the impact of scientific work through clear messaging, engaging materials, and inclusive collaboration... Read more
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Research and Innovation Manager, Mining and Energy
This role requires leading genomics and biotechnology projects in the mining and energy sectors, managing partnerships, securing funding, and guiding research from concept to commercialization to drive sustainable innovation at Genome BC... Learn more
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Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry
This position develops in-house analytical methods for small molecule drug candidates and supports preformulation studies. Based in Vancouver, BC, the Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry reports to the Principal Scientist and contributes to multiple development programs... 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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