April 16, 2026 - Hello BioLinks readers!

This week:

• ALL IN Talks West: BC AI and Tech Event
• LSBC's Showcase Series heads to Prince George
• Innovative Medicines Canada brings together ecosystem partners

Discussion on BC’s AI and Tech Sector at ALL IN Talks West

On April 15, Wendy Hulburt joined ALL IN Talks West for a thought-provoking session exploring how we can better translate world-class research into global commercial success here in BC. Moderated by Business in Vancouver’s Daisy Xiong, the panel featured Wendy Hurlburt, Handol Kim (Variational AI), Angelica Lim (Simon Fraser University), and Jenny Yang (RiSC Capital) and discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration across sectors, accelerate commercialization, and position BC as a global hub for applied innovation and AI adoption. Read more.

LSBC’s Showcase Series Heads to Prince George

This week, LSBC’s Director of Partnerships and Events, Ryan Butt travelled to Prince George to get an update and discuss with our partners about what’s happening in life sciences in Northern BC. The City of Prince George received a $500,000 grant from the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program last year. Together, the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Northern Health, and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) are working to understand the economic impact of building a life sciences economy in northern BC. Read more.

Innovate Medicines Canada Hosts Dialogue in Vancouver 

Innovative Medicines Canada's Stakeholder Day brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia for forward-looking dialogue. Conversations focused on advancing clinical trials, improving data sharing, and scaling digital innovation amid global policy shifts affecting access and investment. Momentum is building and collaboration remains key to strengthening the system and improving patient outcomes. Read more.

Member Highlights 

Bold Therapeutics, shares new Phase 2 clinical data on its lead asset, BOLD-100, to be protective against peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. BOLD-100 plus standard chemotherapy improves overall survival and progression-free survival in patients. Read more.

"These clinical findings are promising given the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among patients undergoing chemotherapy," said Mark Bazett, Senior Director of Preclinical Development, Bold Therapeutics.

AstraZeneca announces Health Canada approval for treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The treatment was observed to significantly reduce disease activity and limited long-term organ damage for those living with SLE. Read more.

Ecosystem Highlights

A new urgent primary care centre in South Surrey is expanding access to team-based care, helping more people get same-day treatment and ongoing support close to home. The goal is to reduce pressure on emergency departments and improve access to timely, connected care. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to Kapoose Creek Bio’s CEO Dr. Eric Brown, who has been awarded the Arthur Wynne Gold Medal by the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences - Société canadienne des biosciences moléculaires — the Society's highest honour. Read more.

Augurex Life Sciences has been named a semi-finalist in the 2026 Disruptive Technology Award competition presented by the Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM). Read more.

Congratulations to IKOMED’s co-founder Lindsay Machan, MD, FSIR, on receiving the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 2026 Gold Medal. Read more.

Congratulations to STEMCELL Network’s Dr. Xiang-Jiao Yang and Dr. Gilda Stefanelli, the latest recipients of the SCN-RDMM Catalyst Grant. Read more.

People on the Move

Congratulations to Dr. Teresa Tsang, who has been appointed Executive Lead and Scientific Director of Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Read more.

The Stemcell Network (SCN) has welcomed a dynamic group of new members to its Research Management, Early Career Researcher, Trainee Communications and Training and Education committees. These experts will help shape SCN’s research program, strengthen support for early career scientists and guide training initiatives across Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine sector. Read more.

Applications Open

Applications are now open for Lab2Market Discover, a 10-week online program designed to help researchers explore entrepreneurship and unlock the potential of their ideas. Apply by April 22 to gain practical skills, mentorship, and connections to turn academic research into real-world impact. Learn more.

BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, is a paid internship initiative that connects post-secondary students with hands on-experience in the bio-economy. The program helps students build job-ready skills while supporting employers with wage subsidies to create meaningful work placements and develop future talent. Learn more.

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is an event focused on bringing together business and community leaders for timely discussion and networking. The sessions offer insights into key economic and industry trends while creating space to connect with peers and across sectors. Learn more.

BC’s Capital Raising Index, an initiative by New Ventures BC, highlights fundraising companies and connects them with investors. Apply by April 28 to be considered for the May edition. Learn more.

The BC–Africa HealthTech Innovation Dialogue, is a curated half-day exchange connecting leaders across digital health, research and policy from British Columbia and Africa. Taking place April 21 at the Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver the session will explore opportunities for collaboration in connected care and health innovation. Register by April 14 to confirm participation. Learn more.

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

Membership Spotlight

Lonza is one of the world’s largest companies for contract development and manufacturing, recognized for our reliable, high-quality services, regulatory track record, global footprint, innovative technology platforms and over 35 years of experience in mammalian cell culture. Learn more.

Seido Capital is an investment firm focused on backing high-potential companies at the intersection of technology, science, and innovation. We specialize in identifying and supporting ventures in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced software, where breakthrough ideas have the potential to reshape industries. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

May 11-14 - The Web Summit is one of the worlds largest and most influential technology gatherings. In collaboration with our partners, Life Sciences BC is supporting and initiating a range of activities around Web Summit Vancouver to facilitate connection, visibility, and engagement across the life sciences sector.

June 22-25 - The BIO International Convention will be held in San Diego, US for four exciting days of networking, programming, and partnering opportunities that will shape the future of our industry and celebrate the scientific discoveries transforming our world.

Saphnelo® Subcutaneous approved in Canada for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is now approved in Canada as a subcutaneous injection for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This new option offers a more convenient way to receive treatment, while helping reduce disease activity with a safety profile consistent with the existing IV version… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson Showcases New Clinical Data for TECNIS PureSee IOL at ASCRS 2026 Demonstrating Excellent Contrast Sensitivity and Extended Range of Vision

Johnson & Johnson shared new data on its TECNIS PureSee lens, showing strong vision at multiple distances, improved contrast, and fewer visual disturbances, with many patients needing glasses less… Read more.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Labcorp Announce a Collaboration to Accelerate Access to Advanced Pediatric Diagnostics Nationwide

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Labcorp are partnering to expand access to advanced pediatric diagnostics. The collaboration aims to deliver faster, more accurate testing for children nationwide… Read more.

Avantor® Enhances U.S. Biomanufacturing Infrastructure with Expanded Stability and Microbial Testing Facility

Avantor has expanded its U.S. facility to boost microbial and stability testing, helping speed up biomanufacturing timelines and improve efficiency… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson Advances Pulsed Field Ablation Portfolio with the Launch of VARIPULSE Pro in Europe

Johnson & Johnson has launched its VARIPULSE Pro system in Europe, expanding its pulsed field ablation portfolio for treating atrial fibrillation. The new platform supports more efficient procedures and consistent results… Read more.

Bausch Health’s Dermatology Business, Ortho Dermatologics, Announces the Launch of Biafine®, an Iconic French Skincare Product, Through Convenient Online Ordering

Bausch Health and Ortho Dermatologics have launched Biafine, a well-known French skincare product, now available online in the U.S. It helps hydrate, soothe, and protect sensitive skin, making it easier for consumers to access a trusted formula… Read more.

Labcorp Introduces AI-Powered Real-World Data Platform with AWS and Datavant to Accelerate Alzheimer’s Research

Labcorp has launched an AI-powered data platform with AWS and Datavant to accelerate Alzheimer’s research. It helps turn large health data into insights faster, supporting quicker studies and clinical trials…Read more.

Labcorp Launches FDA-Cleared Fentanyl Test Delivering Results in 10 Minutes

Labcorp has launched a rapid fentanyl test that delivers results in 10 minutes, helping healthcare providers quickly detect exposure and respond faster… Read more.

Lexaria’s New Animal Study Aims to Expand Valuable Intellectual Property

Lexaria is starting a new animal study to test improved drug delivery using its DehydraTECH platform. The goal is to strengthen performance and expand its intellectual property… Read more.

New Survey Shows HPV Awareness Isn’t Keeping Pace with Certain HPV-Related Cancer Trends in Canada

A new survey shows HPV awareness in Canada isn’t keeping up with rising cancer trends. The results highlight a need for stronger education and prevention… Read more.

Bold Therapeutics’ Clinical-Stage Anticancer Agent BOLD-100 Demonstrates Protective Effects Against Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

BOLD-100 is being studied as a cancer treatment that may also reduce nerve damage from chemotherapy, with early results suggesting it could improve patient comfort and help people stay on treatment longer… Read more.

Sales Representative, IVD Products

The role requires a mid-level professional who wants to build a career in the IVD raw material and diagnostic kits manufacturing space. The candidate must demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a strong a ‘get-things-done’ attitude... Learn more.

Manager, Memberships & Sponsorships

The role also oversees membership operations, including CRM management and sponsorship delivery. Ideal candidates have 5–7 years of experience, strong Salesforce skills, and a proven ability to build partnerships within a fast-paced environment... Learn more.

Research Scientist, Biology

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of cell signaling and extensive hands-on experience, design and execute laboratory experiments to support target identification and validation, compound screening, and lead identification and characterization in both in vitro and in vivo settings... Learn more.

Business Development and Sales Associate

This role requires supporting client outreach, build partnerships, and help grow business opportunities within the life sciences sector... Learn more.

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