Life Sciences BC News, March 20, 2025 | | Last week we wrapped up our 2025 Investor Readiness Program with a celebration for our graduates and 5 years of IRP with our alumni! The Investor Readiness Program has now graduated 50 companies - fostering innovation, knowledge, and connections on the investment journey for BC life sciences startups. | | |
Congratulations to the graduates of our 2025 Investor Readiness Program! Over the past 6 months, 10 BC life sciences SMEs paired up with 10 Entrepreneurs in Residence for an immersive experience filled with mentorship and coaching, educational sessions, goal-setting, and networking. You have all demonstrated tremendous dedication and we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the future.
Thank you to NRC IRAP for supporting the program for the past five years, McCarthy's for hosting this year’s graduation and alumni event, and to the IRP alumni and everyone who joined us! It is inspiring to see the growing network of innovation and talent within BC's life sciences ecosystem. Learn more about the IRP program here.
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As we are all experiencing, the current geopolitical and economic climate is creating a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability. In January, to support BC’s strong tariff response and ensure actions are swift, responsive, and coordinated, Premier Eby has established a Trade and Economic Security Task Force bringing together business, labour and Indigenous leaders. The Life Sciences sector is represented on the task force through Wendy Hurlburt, LSBC’s President & CEO.
We will be sharing information and resources through this newsletter that are available to support organisations.
For more information about Canada's response to the U.S. tariffs:
The Financial Post has an on-going tariff tracker that provides a high-level overview of the measures and countermeasures to date.
The federal government has published an extensive list of U.S. imports that are subject, and are intended to be subject to retaliatory tariffs:
We strongly encourage everyone, especially those businesses that will be impacted to take part in the federal consultation through this form.
For any businesses that will be impacted by Canadian imposed tariffs, the federal government has established a remission framework for requesting remission of tariffs under specific circumstances. Remission allows for relief from the payment of tariffs, or the refund of tariffs already paid. The federal government will consider remission requests in instances where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically or reasonably from non-U.S. sources, or in other exceptional circumstances that could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy. Find out more here.
| | Join us in Victoria on April 2, 2025, for our Showcase Series to learn about the exciting developments on Vancouver Island. Hear from researchers and industry experts about some of the innovative work that is moving the sector forward. Get your tickets here. | | |
Is your startup ready to take the next step? Applications are now open for the Web Summit Vancouver Startup Program, designed to accelerate early-stage startups by connecting them with global industry leaders and investors.
Web Summit Vancouver provides a dynamic platform for companies to network, learn, and grow. Whether seeking investors, innovation, or professional expansion, this event is a must-attend. Companies investing in participation will gain strategic advantages and position themselves at the forefront of technological advancements and market trends.
Start-ups accepted into the program will receive three tickets to Web Summit Vancouver, gain exclusive access to Investor-to-Startup meetings, and have the opportunity to apply for PITCH competition, Startup masterclasses, Mentor Hours, and more. Take this incredible opportunity to advance your startup. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
| | Congratulations to STEMCELL for receiving $49.9 million in investment from the federal government through the Strategic Innovation Fund. This investment will support the company’s $222 million project to establish large-scale production of essential inputs used to develop and manufacture vaccines, therapies and diagnostic technologies. It will also help create 460 jobs and 900 four-month co-op positions for students. Read more. | | |
Biogen announces Health Canada approval of SKYCLARYS™ (omaveloxolone) for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia. This marks an important milestone making SKYCLARYS the only treatment in Canada to specifically target the underlying mechanisms of this rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease. Read more.
Pfizer announces that IXIFI® (infliximab for injection) will be available in Canada as of April 1. IXIFI® is a biosimilar to Remicade® (infliximab.) Read more.
Getinge announces the launch of its latest innovation in ICU ventilation – Neural Pressure Support (NPS) – available for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Read more.
Merck announced that Health Canada approved KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA® as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Read more.
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Government of British Columbia is expediting credential recognition and launching a coordinated recruitment campaign to attract more U.S. doctors and nurses. Read more.
Government of Canada invests $60 million in a biomanufacturing project in Boucherville, Quebec, increasing the capacity to manufacture sterile injectables. Read more.
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Congratulations to Evonik for winning the category “Best Bioprocessing Supplier: Cell Culture Media Ingredients” in the Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2025. Read more.
Kudos to GlycoNet’s board members, Karimah Es Sabar and Dr. Jason Acker, for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Read more.
Dr. Ly Vu from UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences received the Journey Award BC. Congratulations! Read more.
| | Véronique Dugas has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of CQDM. Read more. | | |
Applications are open for the New Ventures BC Competition, designed to help startups accelerate their growth. This is an opportunity to increase your startup's visibility, secure funding, and connect with BC’s top investors and entrepreneurs. The application deadline is March 31, 2025. Learn more.
Apply to Global Outreach’s Horizon Europe and Canada Online Matchmaking Event: Bridging the Atlantic – Health 2025. A virtual matchmaking program that connects health sector leaders and participants with the right partners to secure Horizon Europe grants. Apply before March 27, 2025. Learn more.
Apply for a funding opportunity in cancer prevention research in The Team Grants: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention. Collaborate in research teams to develop and disseminate evidence-based solutions that improve cancer prevention. The deadline is April 1, 2025. Learn more.
Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for CanExport funding to receive up to $50,000, covering 50% of export-related costs to low-sales regions. This program offers a valuable opportunity to expand into global markets and unlock new business opportunities. The deadline is May 31, 2025. Learn more.
Apply to European Space Agency (ESA) Call for Proposals for an AI-assisted point-of-care testing (POCT) device. Canadian companies engaged in AI-powered health diagnostics, space health solutions, or medical technology development are invited to submit proposals and receive funding. The deadlines are April 15 and April 22, 2025. Learn more.
| See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website. | | |
The Terry Fox Research Institute - Since its inception, the TFRI has invested in groundbreaking scientific projects that accelerate discoveries for the benefit of cancer patients. Today, this investment expands beyond our flagship basic science and translational research programs. With support from partners across the country, including the Government of Canada, we now lead two innovative projects that embody Terry Fox's spirit and unite our country to improve the lives of cancer patients through precision medicine: the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and the Digital Health and Discovery Platform. Learn more.
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[Individual] Andre Beaulieu - Andre Beaulieu, CEO of AEGIS Medical Innovations Inc. has served as a senior Executive and General Counsel to public, private and government entities, with over 30 years expertise in managing personnel and departmental activities including securities, contracts, employment, insurance, M&A, marketing, privacy and compliance. Learn more.
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[Individual] Elyse Hope - Elyse is a Vancouver-based scientific consultant and research manager with a Ph.D. in Genome Sciences. She has broad experience in portfolio management, landscape analysis, workshop facilitation, and multidisciplinary partnership development from her work in research funding at Genome BC and the Science Philanthropy Alliance. Learn more.
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Until next week!
LSBC Team
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March 27 - Join us for Road to Web Summit Vancouver: Media and Spokesperson Training Session
In partnership with Innovate BC, we’re launching Road to Web Summit Vancouver, Powered by Innovate BC (R2WSV) – an exclusive program series designed to help B.C. startups enhance their skills in communication strategies, pitch preparedness and investor readiness. This initiative will equip participants with the tools and insights needed to maximize their Web Summit Vancouver experience.
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April 2 - Attend the Life Sciences BC Showcase Series: Vancouver Island event
The Life Sciences BC Showcase Series: Vancouver Island event offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest developments in the region and discover cutting-edge research and innovation happening on the Island. The event will feature sector-leading guest speakers from the life sciences ecosystem.
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Health Canada Approves KEYTRUDA® for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Primary Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma, in Combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel and then Continued as Monotherapy
Merck announced that Health Canada approved KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA® as a single agent...Read more.
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Federal Government Invests $49.9 million in STEMCELL Technologies Canada Inc.
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a $49.9 million investment through the Strategic Innovation Fund in STEMCELL Technologies Canada Inc...Read more.
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Lexaria’s DehydraTECH-tirzepatide Oral Capsules Achieve Comparable Levels in Bloodstream as Eli Lilly’s Injectable Zepbound®
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. is pleased to announce positive pharmacokinetic (“PK”) results from Human Study #3 or GLP-1-H24-3, comparing an oral version Zepbound® to conventional injected Zepbound®...Read more.
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Getinge Introduces Neural Pressure Support for the Servo-u Ventilator System
Getinge announces the launch of its latest innovation in ICU ventilation – Neural Pressure Support (NPS) – available for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation...Read more.
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Pfizer’s IXIFI® Will Be Available in Canada as of April 1, 2025
Pfizer Canada is pleased to announce that IXIFI® (infliximab for injection) will be available in Canada as of April 1. IXIFI® is a biosimilar to Remicade® (infliximab.)...Read more.
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SKYCLARYS™ (omaveloxolone) Approval by Health Canada Ushers in a New Era for Friedreich’s Ataxia Treatment in Canada
Biogen Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that Health Canada has approved SKYCLARYS™ (omaveloxolone) for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) in patients 16 years of age and older...Read more.
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ELAHERE® (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) Shows Consistent Survival Benefit in Long-Term Analysis for Certain Ovarian Cancer Patients
AbbVie announced the final analysis of the confirmatory Phase 3 MIRASOL trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ELAHERE® in women with folate receptor alpha (FRα)-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer...Read more.
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Phyton Shares New Article Published by iScience that Demonstrates that QS-21 Produced via Plant Cell Culture for Saponin-derived Vaccine Adjuvants Can Be Commercially Produced in a Sustainable Way
Phyton Biotech is pleased to announce a recent publication by iScience showcasing the successful application of its plant cell fermentation platform to derive an important compound...Read more.
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GlycoNet Board Members Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal
GlycoNet is proud to congratulate two of our esteemed board members, Karimah Es Sabar and Dr. Jason Acker, on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Canada...Read more.
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Enhanced Cardiovascular Care Available to New Brunswick Patients Thanks to Horizon, Amgen Canada Research Partnership
Horizon Health Network and its New Brunswick Heart Centre, together with Amgen Canada Inc., are proud to announce a groundbreaking research project aimed at improving outcomes for New Brunswick patients...Read more.
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Evonik Receives Best Bioprocessing Supplier Award for Cell Culture Solutions
Evonik has won in the category “Best Bioprocessing Supplier: Cell Culture Media Ingredients” in the Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards 2025...Read more.
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Laboratory Technician
The Laboratory Technician will conduct accurate diagnostic specimen testing and reporting, reinforcing our position as a pioneer in autoimmune diagnostics. This role demands meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality and efficiency to uphold our high standards...Learn more.
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Vice President, Business Development
This is a senior role in the Business Development team and will take a leading role in partnering Eupraxia’s products and technology, commercial, strategic and portfolio planning, alliance management, financial analysis and modelling, and business development operations...Learn more.
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Principal Scientist, CMC, Drug Product
The candidate will be responsible for leading the development of suitable formulations for the in vivo assessment (including for GLP toxicology studies) of novel chemical compounds originating from our Discovery team...Learn more.
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Program & Partnerships Coordinator
This role will assist with preparations and execution of International Conferences and Invest in BC. They will lead on member reach out and recruitment for these conferences. Another key role will be tracking on global investors and companies in the Catalyst Growth Program...Learn more.
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Engineer I
The Engineer I is responsible for supporting engineering, production, and shop activities within the Process Equipment Design group. This includes the assembly, testing, packaging, and inventory management of LIPEX® products and equipment...Learn more.
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Director of Formulation & Process Development
The Director will drive Vancouver Laboratories (VAN) activities in support of contract lipid-based drug product development. Will lead multifunctional teams ensuring the successful delivery of complex customer projects...Learn more.
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Senior Scientist – Structural Biology
The Structural Biology laboratory provides 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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Scientist – Immunology
The candidate will be responsible for leading a small team in the development of novel mRNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease...Learn more.
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Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, you will provide strategic vision, leadership, and influence to drive Health Research BC’s mission forward. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will engage with a diverse range of partners to enhance the province’s health research ecosystem...Learn more.
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Partnerships Specialist
You will be responsible for identifying and negotiating partnerships with external organizations. In this role, you will establish and nurture relationships with funding partners, proactively seek new opportunities, and ensure compliance with partnership agreements...Learn more.
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Analytical Chemistry Manager – up to 18-month Maternity Leave Replacement
This position reports to the Vice President of CMC and is responsible for the management of technical operations related to analytical services of existing operations for the supply of existing and new sustained release drug products...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 EARN a free repost on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish. After your first five posts, you will also receive 25 per cent off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? Contact talent@lifesciencesbc.ca.
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