July 24, 2025 - Hello BioLinks Readers!

This week:

• BioTalent Canada Launches 53 National Occupational Standards
• $2.83M Boost for Digital Pathology in BC
• AI Adoption Survey for Businesses
• Early-bird Tickets for LSBC Awards Gala End July 31

National Standards to Help Life Sciences Sector Support Growing Talent Gap

BioTalent Canada’s release of 53 National Occupational Standards (NOS) and 23 summary profiles marks a significant step forward for Canada’s growing bioeconomy. These standards define the key skills, education, and credentials required for roles across the sector, from lab and manufacturing technicians to regulatory and quality assurance professionals. These standards are critical and timely as BC’s life sciences sector is the fastest growing in Canada and is facing a significant increase in its skilled talent gap by 2027. 

By aligning training and hiring with national benchmarks, NOS directly supports the life sciences sector’s ability to scale sustainably and competitively. Read more.

Province Invests $2.83M to Advance Digital Pathology and Improve Diagnostic Access

Through the Province’s Integrated Marketplace (IM) program, led by Innovate BC, $2.83M has been awarded to four projects aimed at advancing digital pathology tools and expanding a provincial cloud-based solution. The goal is to support timely access to diagnostic services for British Columbians, such as for those living with diseases like cancer. These four projects underscore BC's commitment to tackling health care challenges with made-in-BC solutions that create good jobs and grow our economy. Read more.

Share Your Voice: BC Government Launches AI Adoption Survey for Businesses

The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth launched a survey to gather insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted across BC businesses and industries. If you’ve worked with or explored AI in your organization, this is an opportunity to share your experience and help shape future AI initiatives and direction. An anonymous survey is available here.

Only One Week Left for 2025 LSBC Awards Gala Early-bird Tickets 

We are thrilled to honour outstanding innovators at the 2025 LSBC Awards Gala on October 2 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Read more about the recipients in our press release from earlier this month. 

Join us in celebrating all these leaders and the strength of BC’s growing life sciences sector by attending the 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards. Early-bird pricing ends on July 31, 2025. Get your tickets here.

Member Highlights 

AstraZeneca announced that Health Canada has approved Fasenra® (benralizumab injection) as an add-on treatment for adults with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a rare, immune-mediated inflammatory disease. The decision offers a new option for patients in Canada. Read more.

Ondine Biomedical Inc. announced the completion of a groundbreaking intensive care unit (ICU) study using Steriwave® nasal photodisinfection technology, evaluating its use as a non-antibiotic nasal decolonization therapy in the ICU setting. Read more.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Canada has received Marketing Authorization from Health Canada for ALYFTREK, a once-daily next-generation CFTR modulator for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). This therapy is intended for patients with CF, who are six years and older and have at least one F508del mutation or another responsive mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. Read here.

Eyam Health has partnered with Medicines for Malaria Venture to develop a next-generation, long-acting malaria prevention shot that could cost less than $1 per dose. Read more.

Industry Highlights

Government of BC is restricting sales of Mounjaro and Trulicity to protect supply for those with diabetes. Read more.

Dr. Rae Yeung has been appointed Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA), starting October 1, 2025. Read more.

Kudos

Congratulations to the UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers who were awarded more than $40M through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Read more.

Clinical Trials BC, part of Michael Smith Health Research BC, announces Dr. Paul Anthony Keown and Stephania Manusha as recipients of the 2025 Clinical Trials BC Awards. Congrats! Read more.

Kudos to Amanda Driver, Dr. Lindsay Mackay and Dr. Iain McCormick for being the recipients of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Team Grant Awards. Read more.

Applications Open

Showcase your innovative technologies as part of the MedTech Conference Company Presentations, an opportunity to get in front of industry leaders, potential partners, and investors. Applications are open to companies at all stages. The deadline is July 25, 2025. Learn more.

Applications are open for Lab2Market Validate, a curated 16-week experience of funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts that gets your ideas into the entrepreneurial landscape. The winter 2026 cohort application deadline is on August 22, 2025. Learn more.

Nominations for the 2026 Canada Gairdner International Award are now open. Recognize researchers whose scientific contributions have increased the understanding of human biology and disease. The deadline is October 1, 2025. Learn more.

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

Member Spotlight

HTuO Biosciences is a computational biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, developing advanced molecular simulation software capable of accurately predicting the behaviour of molecules to accelerate drug optimization and expand the range of druggable targets. The core technology, the AtomForge force field, is powered by a novel physics algorithm and utilizes a machine learning approach to go beyond the limits of current computer-aided drug design tools. Please visit www.htuobio.com. Learn more.

[Student] Jolanda Peters is the Founder of Lab 915 Technologies Inc., an early-stage Vancouver-based MedTech start up working on a novel solution to improve treatment of plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy. The innovative class I medical device enables sufferers to recover more quickly and easily. Learn more.

Until next week!

LSBC Team

October 2 - Join us for our 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards

This distinguished occasion 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.

October 28 - 29 - Join us for our 10th Annual Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures

Life Sciences BC is pleased to announce the 10th annual Invest in BC presented by Lumira Ventures. This highly anticipated event serves as a premier gathering for life sciences innovators in British Columbia, connecting them with investors and potential partners locally, nationally, and around the world.

Qu Biologics Completes Enrolment of a Unique Study Testing a Novel Immunomodulator to Restore Immune Function in the Elderly

Qu Biologics Inc. report the completed enrolment of all 72 participants in the RESILIENCE Study, a randomized placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial to restore innate immunity in people 65 years of age and older...Read more.

Vertex Announces Marketing Authorization in Canada for ALYFTREK, a Once-Daily Next-Generation CFTR Modulator for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced that Health Canada has granted Marketing Authorization for ^PrALYFTREK^TM (vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor), a new triple combination therapy for patients living with cystic fibrosis...Read more.

Groundbreaking ICU Study Completed Using Steriwave® Nasal Photodisinfection Technology at Royal Columbian Hospital

Ondine Biomedical Inc. is pleased to announce completion of the world’s first ICU clinical study evaluating nasal photodisinfection in critically-ill patients...Read more.

New Drug Research Partnership Aims to Deliver $1 Malaria Prevention Shot

Eyam Health and Medicines for Malaria Venture announce a strategic research partnership to discover and evaluate next generation monoclonal antibody-based approaches for affordable, long-acting malaria therapies...Read more.

Health Canada Approves Fasenra® (benralizumab injection) as an Add-on Treatment for Relapsing or Refractory Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Health Canada has granted a Notice of Compliance (NOC) for Fasenra® (benralizumab injection) as an add-on treatment of adult patients with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis...Read more.

Eyam Health Advances Partnership in Companion Animal Therapeutics

​Eyam Health announced the advancement of its partnership with a leading animal health company, entering the next phase of a joint development program focused on antibody-based therapeutics...Read more.

Senior Biopharmaceutical Statistician

We are seeking a sharp, flexible, and innovative Senior Biostatistician to lead the statistical strategy for our clinical development programs and oversee data management. This is a hands-on, high-impact role...Learn more.

Procurement Specialist (Part-Time Contract)

This role is essential in managing procurement processes for capital expenditures, accessories, and consumables while establishing supplier relationships and ensuring smooth operations...Learn more.

Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Biologics

Abdera Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and skilled leader in antibody discovery with a proven track record of antibody campaigns. This position will provide an exciting and dynamic opportunity to positively contribute to and lead research programs and teams...Learn more.

Analytical Chemist

Pharma Inventor, Inc. is seeking an energetic, result-oriented individual with proven track records of success to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive experience in Analytical Chemistry to work independently within a team structure, design and execute analytical testing and troubleshoot when needed...Learn more.

Research Associate – Medicinal Chemistry

Pharma Inventor, Inc. is seeking energetic, result-oriented individuals with proven track records of success to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive experience in modern organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry...Learn more.

Scientist/Senior Scientist, Translational Biology & Pharmacology

You will leverage their kidney disease biology expertise to support the advancement of specific programs and/or exploratory projects, proactively representing the Translational Biology & Pharmacology team on cross-functional project teams...Learn more.

Research Associate II, Bioconjugation Chemistry

The key responsibilities for this position will be synthesizing and analyzing protein-oligonucleotide conjugates including antibodies, antibody fragments, and other target-binding scaffolds...Learn more.

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