Friday | May 28 2021
CEO MESSAGE
After a long weekend, which I hope was a relaxing one, we’re now looking eagerly to the province’s restart plan “based on the data, not the dates” for the summer.  

On Thursday, I represented the life sciences sector at the Canada – EU Tech Business Tech Conference organized by the EU-CAN Chamber of Commerce. Speaking for med-tech alongside clean-tech and agri-tech representatives, I was able to highlight the strength of the Canadian and BC life sciences sector.  As noted by EUCCAN (EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada), “there is a great opportunity for cooperation and partnerships between European and Canadian tech SMEs and ventures.” 
We are a few weeks away from the 2021 BIO Digital conference.  As in previous years, Life Sciences BC is leading the BC delegation to BIO. We will be hosting a virtual booth, promoting the BC Life Sciences sector through meetings and hosting a BC Showcase featuring seven BC Life Sciences Biotech companies.  If you are planning on attending the conference, please contact Ryan Butt, Director Partnerships and Events at rbutt@lifesciencesbc.ca  

If you missed our Canada and UK: Foundations for Innovation virtual conference last week, catch up with the event recordings on YouTube. 
• In Session 1: Mark Legault, (Pfizer Canada) reviewed the regulatory
process of how innovative medicines are launched in Canada,
remarking that new PMPRB rules add complexity.  

• Session 2 focused on national pharmaceutical policies currently
under review in a panel discussion moderated by Andrew Casey
(BIOTECanada). Declan Hamill (Innovative Medicines Canada),
Tracey Ramsay (AbbVie Canada) and Anne Stevens (AbCellera)
explored how this might impact the life sciences sector.   
• Session 3: Our final speaker, Sir John Bell (Regius Professor, Medicine, University of Oxford) gave
an overview of UK life sciences strategy, followed by a discussion with Dermot Kelleher (Dean,
Faculty of Medicine, UBC) on best practices that might be applicable to Canada.  This was an
excellent presentation with many learnings for BC as we advance our Life Sciences sector.

Congratulations to LSBC member, Zucara Therapeutics! The company has announced the successful completion of their Phase 1 study for their novel once-daily therapeutic to prevent insulin-induced hypoglycemia. They now move on to a Phase 1b proof-of-concept study in people with Type 1 diabetes. Congratulations to the Zucara Therapeutics team and partners.  

News of interest to members 

Wednesday, June 2 at 2:30pm-6:00pm PDT  
Online investor meeting. Wendy Hurlburt, CEO LSBC will host an expert panel including Jason Robertson (Nimbus Synergies Inc.), Ali Ardakani (Novateur Ventures Inc.), Geof Auchinleck (Claris Healthcare Inc.) and Gregory Block (Notch Therapeutics) on the future of Healthtech, followed by pitches from seed stage Healthtech ventures and networking. 
Details & Registration are here

The Kids Brain Health Network launches the Strategic Investment Fund: Call for Letters of Intent 
The Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is a national research network established under the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program that helps advance evidence-based solutions to improve outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.  In support of this goal, KBHN is pleased to launch the Strategic Investment Fund. This funding opportunity will provide $200K (over 2-years) and leverage support from engaged Health and Community organizations to bring near-term impact for children and youth. 
Learn More here   


The LSBC Team   
Platinum Sponsors
MISSISSAUGA, ON, — CNW — Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) is pleased to announce a joint initiative with BC Cancer and the Canadian Personalized Healthcare Innovation Network (CPHIN) to co-create a real-world evidence (RWE) framework in British Columbia known as the PRecision Oncology Evidence Development in Cancer Treatment (PREDiCT). READ MORE
Sonic Incytes Medical Corp. is pleased to host a live educational webinar on Advances in NASH Drugs & The Role of NITs. Join presenter Dr. Stephen Harrison, a Key Opinion Leader in NASH, to learn about the exciting progress of NASH drugs and non-invasive tests in addressing this emerging health crisis. Register here.
Zymeworks Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and Aurina Pharmaceuticals announced today that the companies will present at the upcoming Jefferies Virtual Healthcare Conference taking place June 1-4, 2021. With over 400 public & private healthcare companies and 3,000 leading executives, the conference will discuss the current trends driving the sector. Register here.
VANTEC Meeting: Investing in Life Sciences and HealthTech
The June VANTEC event will feature thought leaders who will provide some insights into the trends and future of the life and health sciences sector; followed by presentations from life sciences and healthtech companies. Join us for an afternoon of investor panels, pitches, and networking. Our CEO, Wendy Hurlburt will host an expert panel on the future of Healthtech, followed by pitches from seed stage Healthtech ventures and networking. 
June 16 | Day with the Inspectors from PSG Pharmaceutical Sciences Group.
A one-day virtual conference to better understand the Health Canada regulations, identify gap areas and become aware of the expectations from our Governing Body. A rare and unique opportunity to learn directly from the Health Canada GMP Inspectors plus participate in the much anticipated panel discussion.
Gold Sponsors
As one of Canada's top research universities, the Faculty of Science at SFU is working to uncover solutions to meet today's challenges. Their eight departments span the science spectrum and include over 30 undergraduate science programs.




Notch Therapeutics is an immune cell therapy company developing a next-generation pipeline of off-the-shelf, universally compatible, genetically tailored, T cell therapeutics derived from renewable stem cell sources for the treatment of high-impact diseases. The company has locations in Vancouver and Toronto. 

Silver Sponsors
PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL HEALTHCARE INNOVATION
What’s driving innovation in life science and healthcare? SVB is committed to serving the ecosystem by providing industry-leading reports featuring proprietary analysis and targeted outlooks to help companies and investors achieve their goals. Twice a year we publish deep-dive analyses describing fundraising, investment, M&A and IPO activity of private, venture-backed biopharma, medical device and diagnostic/tools companies. Our deep relationships with top life science and healthcare entrepreneurs and investors inform our insights and give us a vantage point unlike any other bank. To find out more about Silicon Valley Bank click here

Bronze Sponsors
Posting A JOB on the LSBC Website
LSBC Membership Discounts on Job Postings
 
As an LSBC member, your first five job postings EARNS a free repost on BioTalent Canada's The Petri Dish After your first five reposts, you will also receive 25% off all job postings on The Petri Dish. Want more info? CONTACT: Peter McLoughlin - talent@lifesciencesbc.ca