Life Sciences BC News, January 16, 2025

In addition to the main J.P. Morgan conference, there was much more activity happening around San Franciso during the week. LSBC hosted a 200+ person networking reception which was a boundless networking opportunity for BC companies to meet international investors and global pharmaceutical scouts. Over 40 BC companies attended the week, which included events such as RESI, the Biotech Showcase, and BIO Partnering at JPM. We also participated in Business France, California Life Sciences, Cozen O'Connor, and Mintz networking events. 

We’re excited to host one of the BC’s largest life sciences career events of the year. There is still room to register for our annual Career Connect Day; be inspired, connect with employers, and get hired! Get tickets today. 

Access to Innovation is just over a month away and we’re thrilled about this year’s program. Join us for a full day of conversations about BC and Canada’s life sciences sector. Hear from VCHRI’s Teresa Tsang, Dr. Peter Zandstra, and Abdera’s COO, Lana Janes, to name a few of the speakers we have lined up. Stay tuned for session announcements soon. Register here.

This initiative was the result of the work of many important players, including partners at the Government of BC’s Department of Jobs, Economic Development and Growth, the Government of Canada through PacifiCan, CASTL’s industry partners, academic partners, and ecosystem players, including LSBC. With CASTL leading the training operations at this state-of-the-art facility, they mark a milestone with their third biomanufacturing training facility in Canada, bringing their operations from coast to coast.

Member Highlights 

Rakovina Therapeutics announces key milestone in cancer drug innovation in collaboration with Variational AI. Rakovina announced the successful shortlist of AI-generated molecules targeting ATR (Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein) with specific designs for central nervous system penetration. Read more.

Johnson & Johnson strengthens neuroscience leadership with acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. Acquisition includes CAPLYTA® (lumateperone), the first and only U.S. FDA-approved treatment for bipolar I and II depression as an adjunctive and monotherapy; also approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Read more.

IQVIA and NVIDIA collaborate help realize the potential of AI in healthcare and life sciences. Read more. 

AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming announce partnership to develop a novel trispecific antibody candidate in multiple myeloma. Read more. 

AbCellera expands collaboration with AbbVie to develop novel T-Cell engagers for oncology. Read more.

Lexaria’s oral DehydraTECH-Tirzepatide reduces side effects by half with comparable efficacy versus Eli Lilly’s Injectable GLP-1/GIP drug Zepbound®. Read more. 

WAT Medical Enterprise collaborated with Concordia University and Mitacs Canada to conduct a study using ObeEnd, the neuromodulation device designed for weight and health management. The study revealed that electroacupuncture may help improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. Read more.

Industry Highlights

New Fort St. James hospital to open for patients on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Read more.

People in the East Kootenay region are one step closer to improved oncology and renal health services at East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) as the province moves ahead with an approved business plan for a new two-floor building expansion in Cranbrook. Read more.

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), announces the launch of The Canadian SHIELD Institute, focused on Securing Homegrown Innovation, Economic Leadership, and Defence. This new policy institute will act as a catalyst for bold ideas, fostering collaboration among expert public policy leaders, government, and industry pioneers to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity and resilience. Read more.

Kudos

Dr. Marco Marra has been appointed a University Killam Professor, the highest honour UBC can confer on a faculty member. He has demonstrated the pivotal role that genomics can play in human health and disease research. His research has uncovered new cancer mutations, candidate biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Congratulations! Read more.

People on the Move

Lumira Ventures announces promotion of Suman Rao to Principal. Read more.

Santis Health expands to Atlantic Canada with the appointment of Everton McLean as Vice President. Read more.

Applications Open

Apply to Eureka Network’s Eurostars funding program for international collaborative R&D and innovation projects. Project applications must be led by an innovative SME and can include project partners. Applications are open now. Learn more.

Applications open for Stem Cell Network’s J. Andrew McKee Fellowship Program in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This program calls for post-doctoral scientists entering their professional career in the T1D research field. Learn more.

Looking for skilled graduate students to support your organization? The Digital Health Stream of the MBiotech program at the University of Toronto offers a tax-deductible internship with well-equipped biotechnology students. Job postings are due by January 21, 2025. Learn more.

Are you a biotech or pharmaceutical sciences company looking for interns? UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is offering unpaid practicums for 4th-year Pharmaceutical Sciences students. Connect with motivated students eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to your organization's success. Apply by January 19, 2025. Learn more.

University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering is offering four-, eight-, 12- or 16-month internships for Schulich’s biomedical engineering students who are equipped with specialized skills and industry knowledge. Apply now for free job postings, recruitment assistance, performance evaluation follow-ups, and more. Learn more or email ecc@ucalgary.ca.

Join British Columbia’s Life Sciences Trade Delegation in Medical Fair India 2025 on March 27-29, 2025. Explore the growing Indian life sciences market, establish business connections, and gain insights into regulations and market strategies. The deadline to join is January 21, 2025. Learn more or contact Salima.Jethani@gov.bc.ca or Prateek.Bhatia@international.gc.ca

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

Member Spotlight

Sonic Incytes Medical Corp. - Sonic Incytes is committed to enhancing patient care through innovative diagnostic solutions. The company's flagship product, Velacur™, equips physicians with an advanced liver imaging tool to help manage the growing epidemic of fatty liver disease. Velacur offers real-time, AI guided quantification of the two key markers for fatty liver disease: liver stiffness and attenuation. With real-time results, a low up-front cost and AI guidance, VELACUR makes liver imaging at the point of care affordable and accessible. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

January 24 - Life Sciences BC 6th Annual Career Connect Day

This dynamic full-day event brings together life sciences employers from across the sector, post-secondary students, and job seekers.

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.

Lexaria’s Human GLP-1 Study #5 Receives Independent Review Board Approval

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. announces that it has received the necessary independent ethics board approval required for its contract research organization to begin to implement and execute human pilot study GLP-1-H25-5...Read more.

New Drug Application Initiated with U.S. FDA for TAR-200, the First and Only Intravesical Drug Releasing System for Patients with BCG-unresponsive High-risk Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Johnson & Johnson announced it has initiated the submission of an original New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for TAR-200...Read more.

Lexaria’s Oral DehydraTECH-Tirzepatide Reduces Side Effects by Half with Comparable Efficacy Versus Eli Lilly’s Injectable GLP-1/GIP Drug Zepbound®

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. announces partial final results showcasing the tolerability and glycemic control efficacy findings from human study GLP-1-H24-3...Read more.

COCOON Study Meets Primary Endpoint Demonstrating Statistically Significant and Clinically Meaningful Reduction in Dermatologic Reactions with Easy-to-use Prophylactic Regimen for Patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC

Phase 2 COCOON study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that an easy-to-use and readily available regimen significantly reduced the frequency of moderate-to-severe skin and nail side effects...Read more.

HEALWELL AI Receives Written Shareholder Approval for Pending Acquisition of Orion Health and Related Financing

HEALWELL AI is pleased to announce that it has obtained shareholder approval for its $55 million bought deal private placement financing and for itsacquisition of Orion Health Holdings Limited...Read more.

Rakovina Therapeutics Announces Key Milestone in Cancer Drug Innovation in Collaboration with Variational AI

Rakovina Therapeutics Inc. is pleased to announce the successful achievement of a shortlist of AI-generated molecules targeting ATR with specific designs for central nervous system (CNS) penetration...Read more.

Johnson & Johnson Strengthens Neuroscience Leadership with Acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.

Johnson & Johnson and Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all outstanding shares of Intra-Cellular Therapies...Read more.

IQVIA and NVIDIA Collaborate to Transform Healthcare and Life Sciences Through Advanced Agentic AI Solutions

IQVIA announced a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to help realize the potential of AI in healthcare and life sciences...Read more.

AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming Announce Partnership to Develop a Novel Trispecific Antibody Candidate in Multiple Myeloma

AbbVie and Simcere Zaiming, a subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd announced an option to license agreement to develop SIM0500, an investigational new drug candidate...Read more.

AbCellera Expands Collaboration with AbbVie to Develop Novel T-Cell Engagers for Oncology

AbCellera announced that it has expanded its existing collaboration with AbbVie Inc. to include the discovery of T-cell engagers (TCE) in oncology...Read more.

Dr. Marco Marra Appointed to UBC’s Highest Faculty Honour: University Killam Professor

The University Killam Professorship recognizes exceptional teachers and researchers who are leaders in their fields, and who have received international recognition for their talents and achievements...Read more.

Neuromodulation Wristband ObeEnd Reduces Heart Rate and Perceived Exercise Exertion

WAT Medical Enterprise collaborated with Concordia University and Mitacs Canada to conduct a study using ObeEnd, the neuromodulation device designed for weight and health management...Read more.

Vertex and Zai Lab Announce Strategic Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Povetacicept in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan Region and Singapore

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Zai Lab Limited announced an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of Vertex’s povetacicept...Read more.

Lumira Ventures Announces Promotion of Suman Rao to Principal

Lumira Ventures is pleased to announce the promotion of Suman Rao, Ph.D., to the role of Principal...Read more.

BIOTECanada Welcomes New President & CEO

Chairman Oliver Technow is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Zatylny as the incoming President & CEO of BIOTECanada, representing the biotechnology ecosystem in Canada…Read more.

Santis Health Expands to Atlantic Canada with the Appointment of Everton McLean as Vice President

Joining Santis Health as Vice President of Atlantic Canada, Everton McLean, a senior communications leader, will drive the firm’s expansion to the East Coast, building on the successful Western Canada launch two years ago...Read more.

Labcorp and Inspira Health Announce Strategic Agreement For Lab Operations

Labcorp, a global leader of innovative and comprehensive laboratory services, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Inspira Health to manage the daily operations of the health system’s hospital laboratories...Read more.

Lithuania’s Life Sciences Sector Maintains Momentum

Lithuania continues its rise as a life sciences powerhouse in Europe. From impressive GDP contributions to groundbreaking infrastructure projects, the country is setting the pace for innovation and growth in the region...Read more.

Operations Manager

Kirke Management Consulting is looking for an Operations Manager that establishes the appropriate internal processes required to increase efficiency, better communication and increased quality in the delivery of our services...Learn more

Regulatory Affairs Associate

We are currently seeking for a dynamic Regulatory Affairs Associate who will be responsible to register and maintain regulatory approvals in the global markets that the RAMP products are sold in to support the core purpose of saving lives globally through providing tools that aid in diagnosis in acute care settings...Learn 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

[Individual] Mike Cunningham - Mike is a government relations consultant with over 30 years of political and consulting experience. He provides government advocacy, stakeholder relations and communications expertise to clients, with a particular focus on the health care sector, working with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and technology companies. Learn more.

Idorsia - The purpose of Idorsia is to discover, develop, and commercialize innovative medicines to help more patients.

We have more ideas, we see more opportunities, and we want to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Learn more.

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

Follow LSBC on Social Media