July 10, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers! | | |
This week:
• We’re Thrilled to Announce the 2025 LSBC Awards Winners
• adMare Institute Report: Does Canada Own its Life Sciences Future?
• LSBC President & CEO Wendy Hurlburt Named BIV BC500
| |
We’re Thrilled to Announce the 2025 LSBC Awards Winners
These are the trailblazers and ecosystem leaders that have made a big impact this year. Read the press release announcement and please join us on October 2, for a memorable evening at our Awards Gala! Early bird pricing ends on July 31, 2025, get your tickets here.
| |
adMare Institute Report: Does Canada Own its Life Sciences Future?
In its second white paper, the adMare Institute looks at the trajectory of many Canadian therapeutics companies and how the flow of capital influences domestic anchor company creation.
“The growth of Canada’s life sciences sector—particularly in therapeutics—has been remarkable. Therapeutics represent 42% of all Canadian life sciences companies and command an impressive 78% of total venture capital deal value”. The report shows that more than 75% of the investors benefiting from the top 20 exits are international. The trend shows increasingly that economic returns and intellectual property are leaving the country.
Canada and BC are home to world-class science, but how can we keep the value created from these high-performing, innovative companies within our borders? As BC's life sciences sector continues to grow, these findings highlight the importance of developing stronger domestic capital markets and investment capacity. Read more.
| | |
LSBC President & CEO Wendy Hurlburt Named BIV BC500
Congratulations to LSBC President & CEO Wendy Hurlburt and the other life sciences leaders including LSBC Board members, on being listed in the BC500 by BIV this year. We applaud Wendy on her tireless efforts as a life sciences ecosystem champion and changemaker. For everyone in our ecosystem that made the BC500 this year, thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your dedication!
| | | |
AbbVie and Ichnos Glenmark Innovation announce exclusive global licensing agreement for ISB 2001, a First-in-Class CD38×BCMA×CD3 trispecific antibody. Multispecifics including trispecific antibodies represent a new frontier in immuno-oncology with the potential to deliver deeper, more durable responses by engaging multiple targets simultaneously. AbbVie will receive exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize ISB 2001 across North America, Europe, Japan and Greater China. Read more.
Acuitas Therapeutics and researchers at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrate enhanced T Cell Immunity with IL-12 mRNA-LNP adjuvant. A new study in Science Immunology shows that addition of the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to mRNA vaccines increases the immunity against infectious agents. Read more.
CereCura Nanotherapeutics, in partnership with RNA Technologies and Therapeutics is embarking on an exciting collaborative research project. This initiative, valued at $1.46 million, aims to test a promising new RNA-based therapy targeting debilitating brain conditions. Read more.
| | Western Canada’s first menopause clinic supports more people in BC. Women and gender-diverse people who are experiencing complex menopause symptoms can now access specialized care at BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre’s new Complex Menopause Clinic, a first of its kind in Western Canada. Read more. | | |
Congratulations to all newly appointed members of the Order of Canada, including several outstanding health researchers whose work has shaped health and well-being across the country. We’re especially pleased to see Drs. Stephen Lucas, Theresa Tam, Bonnie Henry, and Lorraine Greaves, recognized for their leadership in public health, health equity, and research excellence. Read more.
Kudos to Farris Partner R. Hector MacKay-Dunn, KC on listing in the Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences 2025. Read more.
Congratulations to the 2025 Top Doctoral Student and Rising Star Award recipients as announced by VCHRI: Aysha Allard Brown, Jennifer Cooper, Jordan Bird, Dollina Dodani, and Kerim Yavuz. Read more.
| | |
The DHDP is launching a Request for Applications for the Digital Health Innovation Fund. A total of up to $25 million will be available until March 2027 through the Government of Canada’s Innovation, Science, Economic, and Development (SIF, Stream 4) fund. Eligible projects will have a cost between $1-5 million. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) by July 15, 2025. Learn more.
The Michael Smith Health Research BC-Mitacs industry-based funding opportunity supports graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across British Columbia to gain experience working within BC’s life sciences sector. Submit your Letter of Intent (LOI) from June – December 31, 2025. Learn more.
| | See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
| Farris LLP – Since our inception, Farris’ objective has remained the same: to be British Columbia’s pre-eminent law firm. Through dynamic, enduring partnerships with our clients, Farris has developed a well-established national reputation and is the legal partner of choice for leading technology and biotechnology companies. Learn more. | | |
| eSense Health is a digital health company dedicated to closing the care gap in women’s sexual health. Rooted in evidence-based science and developed by leading experts in clinical psychology and sexual medicine, eSense delivers self-guided, digital therapy grounded in gold-standard Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Learn more. | | |
| PhaseLab – We are an innovative and driven team of mathematicians and engineering physicists motivated by solving difficult and meaningful problems. We have built phaseLab on our core technology that solves the problem of designing electromagnetic fields for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. We share the vision of using our knowledge and dedication to create something good. Learn more. | | |
Until next week!
LSBC Team
| | |
May 27-30 - Join us for our 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards
This distinguished occasion 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.
|
| |
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.
| | | | |
Bio-economy employers to have access to new practical training to address workplace harassment
Employers in Canada’s bio-economy will gain support with a new initiative addressing workplace sexual harassment. BioTalent Canada’s latest project, Building a safer bio-economy: Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, is funded in part by the Department of Justice Canada...Read more.
| | |
| |
AbbVie and Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI) Announce Exclusive Global Licensing Agreement for ISB 2001, a First-in-Class CD38×BCMA×CD3 Trispecific Antibody
AbbVie and IGI Therapeutics SA announced an exclusive licensing agreement for IGI’s lead investigational asset, ISB 2001, developed using IGI’s proprietary BEAT® protein platform, for oncology and autoimmune diseases...Read more.
| | | | |
New adMare Institute Report Examines Capital Flows in Canadian Life Sciences and the Urgent Need to Capture Domestic Economic Value
Canada has developed a world-class life sciences sector, but without stronger domestic investment, much of the economic value and intellectual property it generates is flowing abroad...Read more.
| | |
| |
Eupraxia Doses First Patient in Phase 2b Placebo-Controlled Portion of EP-104GI RESOLVE Trial in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the first patient dosed in the Phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled portion of the RESOLVE clinical trial evaluating EP-104GI, an investigational treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (“EoE”)...Read more.
| | |
| |
Labcorp and NOWDx Collaborate to Expand Access to Rapid Syphilis Testing
Labcorp announced a new initiative with NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx), a leader in developing over-the-counter (OTC) and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests, to expand access to rapid syphilis testing...Read more.
| | |
| |
Acuitas Therapeutics and Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Demonstrate Enhanced T Cell Immunity with IL-12 mRNA-LNP Adjuvant
Acuitas Therapeutics announced the publication of a new study in Science Immunology, titled “An IL12 mRNA-LNP adjuvant enhances mRNA vaccine-induced CD8 T cell responses.”...Read more.
| | |
| |
Abdera Therapeutics Appoints Rachael Brake, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer
Abdera Therapeutics Inc. announced the appointment of Rachael Brake, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer...Read more.
| | |
| |
Lonza Launches Next Generation 4D-Nucleofector® LV Unit PRO for Improved Electroporation in GMP Manufacturing
Lonza, one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), announced the launch of 4D-Nucleofector® LV Unit PRO, their next-generation large-scale electroporation unit...Read more.
| | |
| |
Clinical Supplies Manager
This role is responsible for coordinating the labeling, packaging, and global distribution of clinical trial materials to sites and depots across multiple countries, including both investigational medicinal products and ancillary supplies...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Head of HR
This position is responsible for shaping HR strategy, ensuring compliance with Canadian (including provincial) and US labour laws, supporting talent acquisition and development, driving employee engagement, and fostering a compliant and inclusive workplace culture...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Senior Biopharmaceutical Statistician
We are seeking a sharp, flexible, and innovative Senior Biostatistician to lead the statistical strategy for our clinical development programs and oversee data management. This is a hands-on, high-impact role...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Procurement Specialist (Part-Time Contract)
This role is essential in managing procurement processes for capital expenditures, accessories, and consumables while establishing supplier relationships and ensuring smooth operations...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Biologics
Abdera Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and skilled leader in antibody discovery with a proven track record of antibody campaigns. This position will provide an exciting and dynamic opportunity to positively contribute to and lead research programs and teams...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Analytical Chemist
Pharma Inventor, Inc. is seeking an energetic, result-oriented individual with proven track records of success to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive experience in Analytical Chemistry to work independently within a team structure, design and execute analytical testing and troubleshoot when needed...Learn more.
| | |
| |
Research Associate – Medicinal Chemistry
Pharma Inventor, Inc. is seeking energetic, result-oriented individuals with proven track records of success to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive experience in modern organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry...Learn more.
| | |
| Post a Job on the LSBC Website | |
LSBC Membership Discounts on Job Postings
As an LSBC member, your first five job postings EARN a free repost on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish. After your first five posts, you will also receive 25 off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? Contact talent@lifesciencesbc.ca.
| | If you haven't already, sign-up for this and our weekly events newsletter | | Follow LSBC on Social Media | | | | |
