Life Sciences BC News, January 30, 2025

There’s still time to apply for an immersive educational opportunity in Business Development & Licensing - applications close on January 31, 2025! Join our new course Biotech Business Development & Licensing Masterclass: Blueprint for Success on March 3-5. Gain essential skills from industry experts and leverage them to strengthen strategic partnerships. There is no other opportunity like this in BC to work closely with leading global pharmaceutical companies like AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, and Novo Nordisk. Learn more and apply today. The course is offered in partnership with Novateur Academy.

This course is targeted at biotech companies who are interested in partnerships and licensing with biotech/pharma companies as part of their business strategy. Firms should be working with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) through an Industrial Technology Advisor.

How do policies impact innovation? Join the conversations on February 26, 2025 from 8:00AM - 6:30PM PT at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. We’re excited to announce another panel for our annual Access to Innovation conference. Hear from Peter Cowan, Andrew Booth, and Lana Janes in the discourse of “IP Policies to Advance Innovation.” The panel will be moderated by Christina Kwok. This, and other policy debates, will help to shape the life sciences sector of tomorrow. Get your tickets here.

Member Highlights 

SFU and partners secure $22.9 Million in NSERC funding to expand the national Invention to Innovation (i2I) Network. Read more.

UVic Concussion Lab advances research on traumatic brain injuries. Read more.

Johnson & Johnson announced The Lancet Neurology has published results from the pivotal Phase 3 study of nipocalimab, an investigational FcRn blocker. Read more.

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute led a recent study to test the viability of a selection of image-to-image synthesizing technologies used to generate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from ultrasound scans of prostate cancer. Like the popular OpenAI generative artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that can create images and transform images into other images, synthetic image generation is a sophisticated AI computer algorithm. Read more.

Biogen announces FDA approval of LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) IV maintenance dosing for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s Disease. Read more.

Providence Health Care Ventures is investing $100K in MyTrials.ai, a company founded by Dr. Zachary Laksman, an in-house entrepreneur and clinician with Providence Health Care. MyTrials.ai is at the forefront of revolutionizing clinical trial recruitment. Read more.

Industry Highlights

Masimo, a US medical tech firm, has cancelled its Vancouver expansion plans. The 100,000 sqft office space is still available and offers convenience for medical practitioners and patients by being close to the new St. Paul’s Hospital. Read more.

The Government of Canada has announced a bilateral agreement investing over $535 million to expand access to new and existing drugs for rare diseases, while also enhancing early diagnosis and screening. Read more.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) is launching The 3% Challenge, a campaign that targets 3% annual economic growth and requires a collaborative effort between government, businesses, and citizens in hopes of promoting a pro-growth environment. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to Dr. Stacy Malaker on the recognition of the International Glycoconjugate Organization (IGO) Young Glycoscientist Award. Read more.

Kudos to Dr. Jessica McAlpine, a gynecological oncologist and researcher at BC Cancer, for being one of the recipients of the Health Care Unburdened Grant program. Read more.

Labcorp has been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies™, a recognition of the most respected and reputable companies globally. Congratulations! Read more.

Congratulations to UBC for being named Best in the World for Medicine and Health, rising into the top 30 globally. Read more.

People on the Move

The International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Vanek, PhD, as the new ISCT Chief Commercialization Officer. Read more.

Applications Open

Registrations open for the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, on June 16-19 in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Register now for the early bird rate and hotel room availability. Learn more.

Apply for the Start-Up Stadium for the chance to present your innovative solutions at BIO International Convention 2025. Pitch to a panel of investor judges, gain valuable feedback, and make your mark in the biotech community. The application deadline is February 13, 2025. Learn more.

Register now to attend BIO Korea 2025, an international life sciences convention. Join the Canadian business delegation for networking, market insights, and business connections. The application deadline is February 21, 2025. Learn more.

Submit a nomination for the 2025 Bloom Burton Award, an award recognizing a leader who made the greatest impact on Canada’s innovative healthcare industry in the last year. Learn more or submit by March 31, 2025 to kli@bloomburton.com.

Apply to GlycoNet’s Research Pipeline Grant to have up to $75,000 for your early or mid-stage glycomics project. The funding helps gather preliminary data for future funding applications. The registration deadline is January 31, 2025 and full application deadline is February 20, 2025. Learn more.

Are you an undergraduate student interested in stem cells and regenerative medicine research? Apply to Stem Cell Network’s Summer Studentship program to support your project with $5000 and the chance to present at the Stem Cell Network summer studentship symposium. The application deadline is March 12, 2025. Learn more.

See our expanded list of current life sciences opportunities on our website.

Member Spotlight

InMed Pharmaceuticals - InMed is a leader in the manufacturing, development and commercialization of rare cannabinoids. Our manufacturing technologies produce several rare cannabinoids for pharmaceutical development and consumer products. Learn more.

Garde Biosciences - Garde Bioscience Inc. is an advanced cancer diagnostics biotechnology startup. Founded in Vancouver, GARDE Bioscience is a pioneering startup co-founded by Dr.Martin Tenniswood (CSO), and Robert Tenniswood (CEO) to bring precision tools to cancer diagnostics. The company focuses on advancing non-invasive diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring tests for prostate cancer and other solidtumors and is developing novel tools for conditions that currently lack reliable non-invasive tests. Learn more.

Jade Biosciences - Jade Biosciences is developing a pipeline of potentially best-in-class therapies aimed at transforming the standard of care for patients living with autoimmune diseases. Their programs build on discovery-stage assets licensed from Paragon Therapeutics, an antibody discovery engine founded by Fairmount.

Jade’s lead asset, JADE-001, targets the anti-A Poliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) pathway for immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, with Investigational New Drug-enabling studies underway and first-in-human trials expected to initiate in the second half of 2025. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

February 13 - Life Sciences BC's Preparing for Growth: IP Considerations and Methods of Going Public.

This event focuses on intellectual property (IP) in the growth of a company and how the strategic management of IP assets can advance the outcome and valuation of a deal. Learn more about IPs and taking your life sciences company to public from esteemed speakers, Lisa Thorne and Tara Amiri.

February 26 - Join us for our 10th Annual Access to Innovation conference.

This premier full-day gathering welcomes life sciences leaders and trailblazers from academia, research, health institutions, government, and industry to engage in insightful discussions on the ever-evolving trends, developments, and policies shaping British Columbia’s thriving sector.

Bringing Research Closer to Home

Clinical trials are crucial for making sure that new drugs, treatments, and medical devices are safe and effective. But people living in rural and remote areas, such as northern BC, are often unable to participate...Read more.

ISCT Announces Dr. Phil Vanek as next Chief Commercialization Officer

The International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Vanek, PhD, as the new ISCT Chief Commercialization Officer...Read more.

Acuitas’ CSO Co-Authors Article in Molecular Therapy With Scientists From Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine

Acuitas’ Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Ying Tam, collaborated with scientists to determine whether messenger RNA lipid nanoparticles (LNP) can improve outcomes of hematopoietic stem cells...Read more.

Labcorp Named One of the World’s Most Admired Companies™ by FORTUNE® Magazine

Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, has once again been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies™...Read more.

Making Life-Saving Clinical Trials Accessible to Patients

PHC Ventures is investing $100K in MyTrials.ai, a company founded by Dr. Zachary Laksman, an in-house entrepreneur and clinician with Providence Health Care, and three biomedical engineers...Read more.

UBC Among Best in the World for Medicine and Health, Rising into Top 30 Globally

UBC is among the best universities in the world for Medical and Health disciplines, rising into 28th position globally and second in Canada…Read more.

FDA Approves LEQEMBI® (lecanemab-irmb) IV Maintenance Dosing for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Supplemental Biologics License Application...Read more.

The ‘Everyone Problem’: How the UVic Concussion Lab is Advancing Research on Traumatic Brain Injuries

It’s an injury that’s as unique as a snowflake yet as ordinary as a drop of rain. Concussions are most often talked about in sports, but they’re extremely common and not just an issue for athletes...Read more.

Findings from Pivotal Nipocalimab Phase 3 Study in a Broad Antibody Positive Population of People Living with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) Published in The Lancet Neurology

Johnson & Johnson announced The Lancet Neurology has published results from the pivotal Phase 3 study of nipocalimab, evaluated in a broad population of antibody positive adults with generalized myasthenia gravis...Read more.

European Commission Approves LAZCLUZE®▼ (lazertinib) in Combination with RYBREVANT®▼ (amivantamab) for the First-line Treatment of Patients with EGFR-mutated Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved a Marketing Authorisation (MA) for LAZCLUZE®▼(lazertinib), in combination with RYBREVANT®▼...Read more.

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) Approved in the U.S. as the First and Only Monotherapy for Adults with Treatment-resistant Depression

Johnson & Johnson announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray...Read more.

SFU and Partners Secure $22.9 Million in NSERC Funding to Expand National Invention to Innovation (i2I) Network

The groundbreaking program provides innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship training for students, researchers and highly qualified personnel in STEM and healthcare fields...Read more.

Administrative Coordinator

The Administrative Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the efficient and smooth operation of the office including supporting shipping, receiving, courier activities, and providing broad support to the Genevant team as required...Learn more

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Nanomedicine or Chemical Biology

The major focus of this position will be the development of a cutting-edge, externally-funded, world-class research program. Other responsibilities will include teaching nanomedicine/drug delivery or chemical biology and other related topics...Learn more

Center of Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunogenecity Mitigation and Immunopeptidomics

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with previous training in immunology and biochemistry to help develop the next generation of screening tools to identify and quantify the presence of immunogenic sequences, motifs, and structures in candidate therapeutic molecules...Learn more

Detector Product Engineer

In this position you will have a hands-on role in ensuring we fully understand our detector performance. The duties and responsibilities include production validation and application engineering, product verification, problem solving, and more...Learn more

R&D Process Development Engineer

Join our R&D Process Development team in a hands-on position where you will work with semiconductor manufacturing tools, execute advanced data and root cause analyses to develop novel techniques that advance our technology development...Learn more

Hardware Test Engineer

This role is crucial in designing test hardware, maintaining production equipment, troubleshooting issues, and conducting user training to ensure a robust and reliable test system infrastructure...Learn more

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

As a member of the Manufacturing Engineering team, you will be expected to have a wide breadth of knowledge of all production processes and act as the first point of contact for any feedback or problems raised by the manufacturing team...Learn more

Manager, Supply Chain

We are seeking a Manager, Supply Chain, who will be working directly with our VP Commercial Operations in leading Augurex’s manufacturing operations, optimizing supply chain processes and ensuring compliance with our Quality Management System...Learn more

Director, Diagnostics Manufacturing

The Director, Diagnostics Manufacturing will be a key driver of Augurex’s commercial success, positioning the company as a leader in autoimmune diagnostics...Learn more

Director, Finance

This role is a steppingstone to the senior leadership team, and an ideal role for an ambitious, hands-on finance professional with a breadth of skills and desire to apply their financial and business acumen in a rapidly growing company...LLearn more

Senior Research Associate II, In Vitro Biology

The In Vitro Biology group is responsible for the in vitro functional characterization and advancement of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapeutic candidates and platform technologies...Learn more

Procurement manager

The Procurement Manager will be responsible for overseeing the sourcing and purchasing of critical materials, services, and technologies. The candidate will be responsible for managing relationships with Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and other critical vendors...Learn more

Post Doctoral Fellow

We are seeking a Biologist with experience in immunology, oncology and/or molecular biology to work across multiple program areas for the development of novel therapeutics...Learn more

Animal Care Technician

Reporting to the Scientist, In Vivo, you will play a crucial role in supporting various research programs by providing essential technical support and expertise...Learn more

Associate, Histology

Reporting to the Scientist II, you will conduct routine histology, perform immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays and analyze histological images to support our various preclinical programs...Learn more

Associate II, In Vivo

Reporting to the Director, In Vivo Sciences, you will be responsible for performing surgical procedures and ensuring the highest level of animal care. This role offers the exceptional chance to broaden your technical expertise in animal surgery...Learn more

Senior Scientist, Cryopreservation Process Development

In this pivotal role, you will develop and optimize packaging processes, with a key focus on cryogenic preservation, formulation, stability, and shipping logistics to ensure the integrity and viability of our BTTs across all stages of operation...Learn more

Manager, Quality Control Microbiology

Reporting to the CTOO, you will oversee and execute essential activities to ensure microbial control across materials, environments, and processes for Aspect’s bioprinted tissue therapeutics...Learn more

Senior Health Economist

In this role, you will conduct critical economic analyses, quantitative/qualitative health economics and health services research, develop and execute analytic models for economic evaluation, use research and design tools, and prepare and present your reports...Learn more

Indigenous Pathways Project Coordinator (Contract Position)

The Indigenous Pathways Project Coordinator is responsible for leading project management of Indigenous pathways into genomics programs, coordinating projects and portfolio efforts related to SING Canada initiatives, and managing Indigenous governance initiatives...Learn more

Research Associate, Translational Biology & Pharmacology

The successful candidate will help design, plan, execute and analyze in vivo studies for target validation and preclinical research activities. Candidates will rely on their organizational skills and expertise to manage multiple pharmacology activities...Learn more

Research Associate I, In Vitro Biology

The In Vitro Biology is responsible for the in vitro functional characterization and advancement of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapeutic candidates and platform technologies. The candidate supports pipeline program advancement and contributes to platform technology improvements and innovation...Learn more

Senior Site Reliability Engineer

Design, develop, and maintain tools, pipelines, and infrastructure to streamline continuous software delivery for internal scientific software, support computing clusters and web applications, oversee research-supporting software, and manage standardized development environments...Learn more

Research Assistant – Lab Coordinator

The role primarily focus on maintaining the daily operational functions of the laboratory, ensuring the delivery of consistent and reliable lab services. The candidate will assist with the recruitment and enrolment of ongoing industry, grant funded and Investigator-initiated clinical trials...Learn more

If you haven't already, sign-up for this and our weekly events newsletter

Follow LSBC on Social Media