October 30, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers!

This week:

• Invest in BC Highlights
• The late Dr. Julia Levy is inducted into the BC Laureates Hall of Fame
• Augurex achieves FDA breakthrough designation
• The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) Expands its Mandate
• Reminder: Early-bird Pricing for our Bio Essentials Course ends November 1st

We hosted nearly 100 investors and over 300 attendees from at least eight different countries at our tenth Annual Invest in BC. Kicking off the week with an investor dinner on Monday co-hosted by our partners at Amplitude Ventures, Mintz and RBCx, and concluding today with the UBC Innovation & SBME Industry Breakfast.

We heard 31 company pitches and four reverse pharma pitches, along with remarks from the Government of BC, adMare BioInnovations, Mintz, and our pitch and event sponsors and partners, including our presenting sponsor Lumira, who has been with us since the beginning. Congratulations to Variational AI for earning a spot to pitch at the BIOTECanada Whistler Summit this year.

To close the final day of programming, antibody pioneer John Babcook joined Stuart Barnscher from Zymeworks to share the journey from founding ImmGenics in the late 1990s to Amgen’s $2.2 billion acquisition of Abgenix in 2005. Following the acquisition, Amgen BC chose to maintain its local operations, recognizing BC's exceptional talent and innovation.

After his time at Amgen, John went on to contribute to several companies, including Kairos, Zymeworks, and Evolved Therapeutics. His story illustrates how a strong life sciences ecosystem fosters the recycling of talent, expertise, and the creation of multiple successful ventures. Now in the antibody and ADC space we also have AbCellera, Abdera, and DCx Bio, to mention a few more leading and emerging companies.

The late Dr. Julia Levy is inducted into the BC Laureates Hall of Fame

Another pioneer in BC’s biotech sector, the late Dr. Julia Levy was recently inducted into the BC Laureates Hall of Fame. She was a Canadian scientist and entrepreneur whose work transformed biotechnology. After earning her PhD in London at 23, she became UBC’s first female professor in Microbiology and Immunology, paving the way for women in science and business. She co-founded QLT Inc. in 1981, discovering Visudyne, a landmark therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Levy’s legacy of innovation also earned her the Order of Canada and fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada. Read more.

Augurex achieves FDA breakthrough designation

Congratulations to Augurex for achieving FDA breakthrough designation for SPINEstat®, its first-in-class diagnostic test for axial spondyloarthritis. Read more.

“Receiving FDA Breakthrough Designation for SPINEstat® marks a major milestone for Augurex and an important step forward for patients living with inflammatory back pain,” said Neil Klompas, Chief Executive Officer of Augurex Life Sciences. “This recognition from the FDA underscores the potential of SPINEstat® to close a long-standing diagnostic gap for this debilitating condition by providing patients and physicians with a new objective and specific tool to differentiate axSpA from mechanical back pain and access the appropriate medical care.”

The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) Expands its Mandate

Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is expanding its mandate to apply genomics innovation across health, climate, and environmental stewardship. Building on its global leadership in medicine, the GSC will now advance research in forestry, marine science, agriculture, and climate resilience—broadening its impact on biodiversity, sustainability, and BC’s life sciences economy.

“The expanded mandate of the Genome Sciences Centre reinforces British Columbia’s position as a world leader in genomics,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By extending this expertise beyond health to areas like forestry, marine science, and climate resilience, we are ensuring that innovation in genomics benefits not only patients, but also our environment and economy.”

Reminder: Early-bird Pricing for our Bio Essentials Course ends November 1^st

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Earn a micro-credential from BCIT with this two-day introductory course on December 3–4, covering the science behind biotechnology with new Canadian and BC-focused examples. Gain a foundation in key biotech concepts and how they connect science, health, and business in BC’s innovation ecosystem. 

Early-bird registration ends November 1. Learn more and register here.

Member Highlights 

The Terry Fox Research Institute announces that four research teams across Canada have received a total of $14.5 million through the 2025 Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants, supporting projects that explore new frontiers in cancer research. Read more.

Ecosytem Highlights

Novo Nordisk has submitted an unsolicited rival bid to acquire obesity biotech Metsera, potentially disrupting Pfizer's agreed takeover. The fierce competition for Metsera underscores industry confidence in the biotech's pipeline, which centers on injectable and oral peptides for weight loss. Metsera's platform enables monthly dosing—a significant improvement over the weekly administration required by currently approved weight loss therapies.. Read more. (article from Pharmaceutical Technology).

Kudos

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) has received $145 million to advance health research and innovation across British Columbia with grant recipients including, Dr. Peter Black, Dr. David Huntsman, and Dr. Torsten Nielsen, reinforcing VCHRI’s commitment to pioneering research and improving patient care. Read more

Applications Open

The New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) webinar on November 19, 2025, helps Ontario companies new to exporting prepare for entry in the US market. Participants will learn about the US immigration and tax requirements, customs documentation, logistics and market-entry strategies from industry experts, gaining practical tools to expand their business across the border. Read more.

The Trade Commissioner Service – Life Sciences VC Bootcamp is a series of webinars and meetings focused on fundraising and improving participating companies’ fundraising capabilities. Early-stage life sciences companies looking to do their first or an early Seed raise and have raised under $1 million of non-grant funding to date are invited to participate. Application deadline: November 10, 2025. Learn more.

The Michael Smith Health Research BC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Research Trainee Competition, offering a salary support up to $60,000/ year for up to three years) to post-doctoral and health-professional researchers in British Columbia. Read more

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

Member Spotlight

We are Magnetic—a boutique PR and communications agency with deep expertise in science. We work with clients who are taking science into new realms and advancing discoveries that will improve lives for generations. Our clients include start-ups, academia, research institutes, non-profits, government entities and mature companies in Canada and the United States. Learn more

Until next week!

LSBC Team

November 27 - The Life Sciences BC “McCarthy Spotlight Speaking Series” at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Vancouver highlights innovative life sciences companies recognized as Companies to Watch, featuring their growth stories and future plans while fostering connection and collaboration across the sector.

December 3-4 - This two-day introductory course makes biotechnology clear, relevant, and exciting for professionals without a science background. You’ll gain a practical overview of how biotech drives healthcare, sustainability, and business innovation across British Columbia and beyond.

Icotrokinra Long-Term Results Affirm Promise of Targeted Oral Peptide with High Rates of Durable Skin Clearance and Favorable Safety Profile in Difficult-to-treat Scalp and Genital Psoriasis

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Vertex Announces Progress in Povetacicept Development Program and Presentation of New Data at American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week

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Vertex Presents New Data Across Portfolio of Cystic Fibrosis Medicines Including ALYFTREK® at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Vertex Pharmaceuticals unveiled data showing ALYFTREK® delivers improved results for cystic fibrosis patients over existing therapies... Read more

Labcorp to Offer First FDA-Cleared Blood Test to Rule Out Alzheimer’s-Related Amyloid Pathology in Primary Care Settings

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Sonus Microsystems and Providence Health Care Ventures Advance Partnership With New Investment To Accelerate Clinical Validation Of Wearable Cardiac Ultrasound Technology

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Health Canada Grants Authorization for LEQEMBI® (lecanemab) for the Treatment of Early Alzheimer’s Disease

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Mentorship and Care Shaping the VCHRI Research Challenge

A recent ENCOMPASS study found major gaps in psoriasis care, revealing that both patients and dermatologists strongly prefer effective oral treatments with good safety profiles... Read more

DNA-guided Platform Paves Way for More Precise Cancer Treatments

VCHRI’s new DNA-guided platform advances personalized cancer care by linking tumor genetics to customized treatment options... Read more

RheumNow’s ACR 2025 Coverage Highlights Augurex’s Data on Anti-14-3-3eta Multiplex Immunoassay Test

Augurex’s Anti-14-3-3eta Multiplex Immunoassay Test was featured at ACR 2025, showing promise for improving diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis... Read more

Augurex Life Sciences Granted FDA Breakthrough Designation for SPINEstat®, its First-in-Class Diagnostic Test for Axial Spondyloarthritis

The FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Augurex Life Sciences’ SPINEstat, an innovative diagnostic test that improves early detection of axial spondyloarthritis... Read more

Allergan Aesthetics and Girls Inc., in Partnership with SkinSpirit, Inspire Future Women Leaders in STEM

Allergan Aesthetics, Girls Inc., and SkinSpirit joined forces to encourage young women to explore STEM careers through mentorship and community-driven initiatives... Read more

AbbVie Announces Positive Topline Results from Phase 3 Pivotal Studies Evaluating Upadacitinib (RINVOQ®) in Adults and Adolescents with Vitiligo

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ELAHERE® Receives Positive Reimbursement Recommendation by Canada’s Drug Agency for Certain Types of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancers

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Rakovina Therapeutics Showcases Potent AI-Developed ATR Inhibitors with CNS Penetrance at AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference

Rakovina Therapeutics presented AI-developed ATR inhibitors capable of penetrating the CNS, offering potential for more effective brain tumor treatments... Read more

$14.5 million will Move Research in Sarcomas, Bladder Cancer and High-risk Brain Cancer Beyond One-size-fits-all Cancer Care

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ENHERTU® Approved in Canada as the First and Only HER2-directed Therapy for Patients with HR-positive HER2-low or HER2-ultralow Metastatic Breast Cancer, Following Disease Progression After One or More Endocrine Therapies

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GlycoNet and the Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE) Enter Agreement to Advance Global Glycomics Collaboration

GlycoNet and CIC bioGUNE have partnered to advance global glycomics research through shared resources, researcher exchanges, and joint project development... Read more

Marketing & Communications Specialist (Co-op Student)

The Marketing & Communications Co-op Student supports social media, website updates, and marketing campaigns that promote B.C.’s life sciences sector. Ideal for creative, organized Communications or Business students. $18/hour, hybrid in Vancouver, apply by November 11, 2025... Learn more

Knowledge Mobilization Specialist

The role translates research into accessible formats, develops communication strategies, and connects researchers with communities and stakeholders. This role enhances the impact of scientific work through clear messaging, engaging materials, and inclusive collaboration... Learn more

Research and Innovation Manager, Mining and Energy

This role requires leading genomics and biotechnology projects in the mining and energy sectors, managing partnerships, securing funding, and guiding research from concept to commercialization to drive sustainable innovation at Genome BC... Learn more

Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry

This role involves developing and validating analytical methods for small-molecule drug development, including dissolution and impurity testing, while collaborating with CMC teams to support formulation and quality control at Xenon Pharmaceuticals... Learn more

Senior Software Engineer – Platform Technology

HTuO Biosciences is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop high-performance software for molecular modeling and drug discovery. The role includes building scalable platforms, optimizing algorithms, and improving system performance. Requires expertise in C++, Python, and CUDA.... Learn more

Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry

This position develops in-house analytical methods for small molecule drug candidates and supports preformulation studies. Based in Vancouver, BC, the Research Scientist 2, CMC, Analytical Chemistry reports to the Principal Scientist and contributes to multiple development programs... Learn more

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