June 11, 2026 - Hello BioLinks readers

This week:

• FIFA World Cup kicks off in Vancouver this Saturday
• Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
• Last week for Investor Readiness Program Applications!
• Dr. Pieter Cullis turns 80
• Tomorrow - Seawall Walk with Relentless Ventures

Go Team Canada! FIFA World Cup Kicks Off on Saturday at BC Place

With the first World Cup game, Australia vs.Turkey this Saturday, the province is seizing the moment as all eyes will be on Vancouver to build business and attract strategic investments. We will be co-hosting BC Business House, a place where during the games, critical connections that help move our sector forward will be strengthened and made.

Next Friday, June 19, there are two sessions that will highlight the life sciences sector:

From 3:30-5:00 PM, Invest Vancouver will host a panel moderated by LSBC’s President & CEO, Wendy Hurlburt, titled From Breakthrough to Global Scale: Where Life Sciences Wins Next. Learn more and register here.

Then from 5:30-8:00 PM, we are partnering with the government to bring a Life Sciences Sector Showcase and networking event to BC Business house. Whether you are looking to fundraise, partner, or scale, this is the room to be in. Learn more.

Note that you must register your interest in both events above, as they have separate registration processes.

Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

On June 8, 2026, Wendy Hurlburt presented on behalf of the life sciences sector to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Every year, the committee holds a public consultation on the next provincial budget where British Columbians are invited to share their thoughts, ideas and priorities. The Committee reviews all input and makes recommendations to the Legislative Assembly for the next provincial budget.

Last week for Investor Readiness Program Applications!

A reminder that applications for our Investor Readiness Program will close on June 19, 2026. If you are an early-stage company looking to hone your investor story, this program may be for you. Gain insights through invaluable 1-on-1 mentorship from experienced fundraisers, connect with a cohort of ambitious companies and expand your network, and level-up through our targeted programming. Learn more.

Celebrating 80 years of Dr. Pieter Cullis

Some people leave an impact; others leave a legacy. Happy birthday to Dr. Pieter Cullis, who created his first UBC spin-off, Lipex Biomembranes, in the early 1980s. Since then, Dr. Cullis has been a catalyst for multiple companies, and his students now play leading roles at some of BC’s most innovative life sciences ventures. Read more.

Meet us Tomorrow Morning for a Seawall Walk with Relentless Ventures

Member Highlights 

UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers, working with scientists at UBC Okanagan and BC Cancer have developed a groundbreaking AI model that can help identify breast cancer patients who may face a double-threat of both cancer and cardiovascular disease. Read more.

UBC Researchers co-invented a genomic test that can help millions of breast cancer patients safely avoid chemotherapy. Developed through two decades of research led by Dr. Nielsen and collaborators, the test analyzes the activity of 50 genes within a breast tumour. The results can then be used to help guide treatment decisions providing critical insights on how likely a patient is to benefit from chemotherapy. Read more.

Johnson & Johnson to acquire San Francisco based Firefly Bio to expand oncology pipeline with novel degrader antibody conjugate platform. Acquisition adds a proprietary degrader antibody conjugate platform designed to overcome key limitations of existing therapeutic approaches. Read more.

Ecosystem Highlights

Simon Fraser University’s new School of Medicine has received a landmark $40 million donation from Ratana and Arran Stephens, the largest gift in the university’s history. The funding will help advance medical education, research, and student training as the school prepares to welcome its inaugural class in August 2026. Read more.

Communities across British Columbia will receive provincial funding through the Age-friendly Communities Program to help improve the quality of life of older adults and Elders. The investment will support local projects that promote accessibility, social connection, safety, and healthy aging. Read more.

The Government of Canada and its partners are investing over $10 million in research to help build stronger public health systems. The funding will support projects that improve health services, inform decision-making and help communities better address public needs. Read more.

Canada has launched a new national advisory committee to support preventive health care. The group will provide expert advice on ways to prevent illness and improve overall health, helping people stay healthier and reducing the need for future medical treatment. Read more.

Kudos

People on the Move

AbCellera has appointed Dr. Victor Sandor to its Board of Directors as an independent director. Dr. Sandor currently serves on the board of directors at ADC Therapeutics SA, Kymera Therapeutics Inc., and Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated. He also served on the board of Merus N.V. prior to its acquisition by Genmab A/S in 2025. Read more.

Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Bond who has been appointed as WELL Health’s Chief Health Officer and Head of Public Sector, where he will lead clinical governance and performance, government relations, and growth in public sector solutions. Read more.  

Congratulations to Ian Bell who has taken on the role of Associate Director at Innovation UBC. Read more.

Alexander Rotman will be joining Santis Health as a Senior Consultant, where he will strengthen Santis’ ability to support clients navigating Ontario’s evolving health and life sciences landscape. Read more.

Applications Open

The Health Research Foundation is accepting nominations for the Diversity and Equity in Research Award, recognizing researchers helping improve health equity and access to care for diverse communities. Nominations are open until July 14, 2026. Learn more.

Individuals passionate about advancing RNA innovation are invited to explore opportunities with raiseAReNA. The organization is seeking engaged leaders and collaborators who want to help strengthen Québec’s RNA ecosystem, foster industry connections, and support the growth of the sector both locally and internationally. Learn more.    

CQDM is currently recruiting for several positions across its team. These opportunities offer the chance to contribute to collaborative research initiatives and support the development of innovative health technologies that advance the life sciences sector and improve patient outcomes.Learn more.

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

Membership Spotlight

Innovative Targeting Solutions Inc. (ITS) is engaged in the discovery of next generation biologics using a novel, proprietary, protein engineering technology. ITS’ technology is unlike any existing approach to making fully human mAbs and other biologics. ITS’ platform, because it exploits the human V(D)J recombination system, is capable of “de novo” antibody generation; and, for the first time, allows for mammalian display repertoires of >10^9 to be exploited effectively Learn more.

Chubb is a global insurance company that provides a broad range of property and casualty insurance products and services for businesses and individuals. It is known for serving commercial clients, high-net-worth individuals, and specialty markets, with offerings that can include commercial property, casualty, professional liability, cyber, marine, accident and health, and personal insurance lines. Learn more.

Jason Hamlin (PhD) operates in multiple fractional leadership, corporate advisory, and consulting roles. He currently consults for early-stage biotechnology companies, helping them develop products and services for the preclinical cell-based iPSC and neuroscience markets. His commercial strategy is backed by a McGill neuroscience background and ten years of industry experience. Learn more.

Laura James maintains a corporate and commercial law practice, frequently advising health, health tech, and life sciences companies. Her expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, fund formations, complex reorganizations, shareholder disputes, divestitures, and venture capital, serving private companies, fund sponsors, investors, and not-for-profits. Learn more.

Sara Vujakovic is a Microbiology BSc graduate and PhD candidate in the Kronstad lab (Michael Smith Laboratories) investigating pathogen-host interactions, morphogenesis, and the drivers of host-microbe symbiosis. She’s driven by a passion for science communication and inspiring the next generation of scientists through teaching. Learn more.

Thomas Digby is a US/Canadian intellectual property (IP) and transaction attorney with 30+ years’ experience in global IP asset management. His clients are R&D stage life-science startups and their venture investors. He practiced 10+ years at Novartis in Cambridge (MA) and Basel, Switzerland. Learn more.

TrialStat’s EDC Platform consists of our fully unified product offering including EDC, eConsent, ePRO, Randomization, IWRS & Supply Management, Medical Coding, AE/SAE Management, and integrated Imaging Workflow Platform. We stand alone in the industry with such an all-compassing suite of capabilities for conducting simple to complex clinical trials in any therapeutic area. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

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.

September 9 - The 28th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards is a distinguished occasion that brings together British Columbia’s vibrant life sciences community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our peers and recognize the tireless efforts of those who have devoted their careers to advancing health innovations.

New Progress Toward Public Reimbursement of SKYCLARYS™ for People Living with Friedreich Ataxia in Quebec

Quebec is moving closer to publicly funding SKYCLARYS®, a treatment for Friedreich ataxia, helping improve access for people living with this rare disease… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Firefly Bio, Inc. to Expand Oncology Pipeline with Novel Degrader Antibody Conjugate Platform

Johnson & Johnson is acquiring Firefly Bio to expand its cancer treatment pipeline with new technology designed to target cancer more effectively… Read more.

Health Canada authorizes Lunsumio® (Mosunetuzumab) for the Treatment of relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma after two or more Systemic Therapies

Health Canada has approved Lunsumio® for certain patients with follicular lymphoma, providing a new treatment option for this type of blood cancer… Read more.

Genomic Test Co-invented by UBC Researchers can Help Millions of Breast Cancer Patients Safely Avoid Chemotherapy

A genomic test co-developed by UBC researchers can help identify breast cancer patients who may safely avoid chemotherapy, reducing unnecessary treatment and its side effects… Read more.

Bausch Health, Canada Inc. and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance sign Letter of Intent for Public Drug Plan Coverage of PrOKEDI® (Risperidone for extended-release injectable suspension) for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Bausch Health Canada has taken a key step toward making PrOKEDI®, a long-acting schizophrenia treatment, available through public drug plans across Canada, helping improve access for patients who need it… Read more.

Nucala (mepolizumab) approved in Canada for Use in Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Nucala® has been approved in Canada for adults with COPD, providing a new treatment option that may help reduce flare-ups and improve symptom control… Read more.

Self-sufficient, Mobile Pediatric Heart Clinic Performs Groundbreaking Surgeries in Burundi

A mobile pediatric heart clinic has completed groundbreaking heart surgeries in Burundi, helping more children access life-saving cardiac care… Read more.

Lexaria’s Animal Study Examining Next-Generation GLP-1 drugs is Underway

Lexaria has launched a new animal study to test next-generation GLP-1 treatments, helping advance potential new options for managing obesity and related health issues… Read more.

Stopping The Deadly Spread of Glioblastoma

New research is uncovering ways to slow the spread of glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future… Read more.

Getinge Launches Vasoview Hemopro 3, Advancing Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting

Getinge has launched VasoView HemoPro 3, a new surgical system designed to make vessel harvesting during bypass surgery more precise and efficient… Read more.

AI is helping Identify Heart Health risks for people with Breast Cancer

AI is helping identify breast cancer patients who may be at higher risk of heart problems, supporting earlier and more personalized care… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson presents new Data further Reinforcing the role of Nipocalimab in lowering the Autoantibodies driving Sjögren’s disease

Johnson & Johnson presented new data showing that nipocalimab may help reduce the harmful antibodies that drive Sjögren’s disease, supporting its potential as a new treatment option… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson Late-breaking Results Show Nipocalimab Significantly Reduced Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Disease activity in a Phase 2 Study

Johnson & Johnson shared Phase 2 results showing that nipocalimab helped reduce disease activity in people living with lupus, supporting its potential as a new treatment option… Read more.

Contracts and Budgets Specialist, VCH Research Institute

This role requires supporting the (VCHRI) Office of Clinical Trials Administration providing contractual interpretation, negotiations, advice and support to ensure VCH’s and VCHRI’s compliance with the complex legal and regulatory framework for research on human subjects. Learn more.

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