February 5, 2026 - Hello BioLinks readers!

This week:

• Congratulations to BC companies at OBIO
• Zymeworks' made-in-Canada medicine available in Canada
• Help shape workforce solutions for BC's life sciences economy
• Last chance to apply by Feb 9: strategy sessions for early-sta companies

Congratulations on a Successful OBIO Investment Summit



This week, our team travelled to Toronto for the OBIO Investment Summit. Congratulations to the companies representing BC out East including: AbCellera, CereCura, HtuO, Kapoose Creek, Optigo Biotherapeutics, Sustained Therapeutics, Total Flow, Variational AI, ViewsML, and VoxCell.

Zymeworks' Made-in-Canada Therapy Receives Health Canada Approval

Congratulations to Zymeworks and partners on the Health Canada approval of HER2-targeted therapy for the treatment of adults with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. It’s great to see Made-in-Canada medicines made available to Canadians. Read more.

Survey: Help Shape Workforce Solutions for BC’s Life Sciences economy

BioTalent Canada is inviting employers across BC’s life sciences sector to share their insights through a short survey that takes about 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Your knowledge will build a better understanding of the skills gaps, credential and training needs and barriers to hiring and retaining talent, including immigrant talent across the province.

Please take the survey and help shape the future of our life sciences sector.

Round Table Opportunity: BioTalent Canada, is hosting a facilitated, in-person roundtable discussion in Vancouver on March 6, 2026. For more information on participating, please contact Colleen Hayes at chayes@biotalent.ca . 

Last Chance - Apply by February 9: Strategy Sessions for Pre-seed and Seed Companies

In collaboration with Innovate BC, we are hosting two Road to Web Summit sessions. This cohort-style program will include two strategic virtual sessions to build capacity and visibility by connecting early-stage companies with expert mentors, investors, and peers. Companies will receive tools and feedback related to fundraising and market expansion, and an invitation to an exclusive networking event during Web Summit.

Session 1: Investment Readiness | March 4, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT

Session 2: Market Expansion | April 9, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT

Apply here by February 9, 2026 (5:00 pm Pacific Time). Applying companies must be available for both virtual sessions and plan to attend Web Summit in May.

Member Highlights 

UBC research shows that a BC-developed surgical procedure dramatically reduces rates of the most lethal gynaecological cancer. A prevention strategy developed by BC researchers reduces the risk of the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer by nearly 80 per cent. Read more.

UBC researchers have engineered gut bacteria that dim their fluorescent glow in the presence of illness. The current gold standard methods for peering into the gut involve invasive procedures that can only provide a single snapshot of gut health. The UBC-developed biosensor, currently tested in mice, establishes a new technology that can provide non-invasive, continuous monitoring through stool samples. Read more.

GSK announces that Quebec is the first province to publicly reimburse Jemperli plus chemotherapy for treatment of endometrial cancer. Historical outcomes for advanced endometrial cancer treated with chemotherapy alone have been poor, with median overall survival often reported as less than three years. Read more.

Ecosystem Highlights 

The Government of Canada has introduced legislation aimed at building a more connected health-care system by improving the secure sharing of digital health information across providers and regions. Read more

"Timely and secure access to personal health information is critical to saving lives and improving care for Canadians. The Connected Care for Canadians Act is about empowering Canadians to securely access their own health data, so patients and those involved in their care have the information they need to make the right decisions at the right time. This legislation is a critical step towards a more connected health care system..."

-       The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health of Canada

Kudos

UBC School of Biomedical Engineering researchers have received CIHR Project Grant Funding, supporting innovative health research led by Dr. Anna Blakney, Dr. Sarah Hedtrich, Dr. Fabio Rossi, and Dr. Lyndia Wu. This recognition highlights their contributions to advancing biomedical innovation and health research in Canada. Read more

PHC Ventures has been recognized as one of CVCA’s 50 Influential Venture Capital Leaders for 2026, highlighting its role and impact in Canada’s life sciences and healthcare investment landscapes. Read more

BD has received three 2026 Best KLAS Awards, further strengthening its leadership in connected medication management and highlighting its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in safer and more efficient healthcare delivery. Read more

Pfizer has announced its 2025 grant recipients, awarding funding to a range of projects across bladder, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer that aim to advance specialized care, diagnostics, education, and treatment strategies. Read more

UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences researchers have received CIHR funding, supporting innovative health research led by Dr. Peter Loewen, Dr. Brent Page, Dr. Robert Pammett, Dr. Femke Hoekstra, Dr. Wei Zhang, and Dr. Nicholas Bansback. The funded projects focus on advancing stroke prevention, developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, improving access to medications in rural Indigenous communities, and strengthening sustainable pharmaceutical care models. Read more

People on the Move

 Congratulations to Joanne M. Wagner as she steps into her new role as the Executive Director Scientific Communications at Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. Read more

Laurence Madera has stepped into a new position as the Principal Scientist and Group Lead, Target Validation at Zymeworks Inc. Read more

Applications Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Bloom Burton Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and impact across Canada’s healthcare and life sciences sector. Finalists will be announced at the 2026 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference, with submissions open until March 27, 2026. To submit a nomination, please send a one-page letter to: Catherine Shaw at markcom@bloomburton.com. Learn more

The Boston Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) helps Canadian life sciences and technology companies scale into the U.S. market through the Boston/ Cambridge innovation system. Running April-November 2026, the program offers mentorship, market entry support, pitch coaching and connections to industry leaders, partners and investors. Registration is due February 27, 2026. Learn more

A Japanese chemical company is looking to partner with startups and academic groups to license or co-develop near-market diagnostic and testing technologies. Areas of interest include AI-enabled diagnostics, genetic testing, NGS, digital pathology, and non-animal testing methods, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and investment. For more information, contact: Nicole.VanHove@international.gc.ca

 BioTalent Canada has announced the 2026 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers, recognizing organizations driving real impact through inclusive, equitable and accessible workforce practices in biosciences. Learn more

BioTalent Canada has opened the applications for the Winter 2026 term Student Work Placement Program, which allows employers to have access, support, and hire students for a paid internship and provide on-the-job experience for young talent. Learn more

CanExport SMEs Program funding is now open for applications, which helps support the global trade environment, evolving government parties, and emerging business realities. Applications are open from February 4 - May 29, 2026. Learn more

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

Member Spotlight

Founded in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 825 attorneys practicing internationally in 30 cities across North America and Europe. We are a full-service firm with award-winning practices in litigation, business law, and government relations, and our attorneys have experience operating in all sectors of the economy. Our diverse client list includes global Fortune 500 companies, middle-market firms poised for growth, ambitious startups, and high-profile individuals. Learn more

Nick Shah is a scientific leader with a track record of translating novel therapeutics into clinical reality, successfully driving six discovery programs into clinical trials across neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. He has held executive and scientific leadership roles at multiple successful biotech companies. Nick is passionate about mentorship and advises startup companies through multiple accelerators. Nick has a PhD from the University of Toronto and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. Learn more

Until next week!

LSBC Team

February 25 - The 11th Annual Access to Innovation conference brings together leaders from industry, research, government and health care to discuss how BC’s life-sciences innovations move from discovery to real-world impact. This year focuses on trends shaping the sector, including the growing role of AI, and offers talks, panels and networking opportunities.

BD and Envetec Demonstrate Closed-Loop Recycling Solution for Laboratory Plastics in Health Care

BD and Envetec demonstrated a closed-loop recycling solution that turns used laboratory plastics into reusable materials, helping reduce healthcare waste and support more sustainable lab operations... Read more

Turner Breaks Ground on Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital in Florida

Turner Construction has broken ground on the new Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital in Florida, a major project that will expand hospital capacity and support growing community healthcare needs... Read more

Idorsia to present long-term lucerastat data and kidney biopsy results at WORLDSymposium

Idorsia will share long-term data on lucerastat and kidney biopsy results at the World Symposium, highlighting new insights from ongoing research in rare disease treatment... Read more

Johnson & Johnson receives CHMP positive opinion for AKEEGA® (niraparib and abiraterone acetate dual action tablet) for the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) with BRCA1/2 mutations

Johnson & Johnson received a positive CHMP opinion for AKEEGA®, a dual-action tablet for treating patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with BRCA mutations... Read more

ME Therapeutics Scientific and Corporate Update

ME Therapeutics shared a scientific and corporate update, highlighting progress on its immune-based cancer therapies and plans to advance its programs toward the clinic... Read more

Real-world head-to-head analysis shows 51% reduction in risk of death for patients with Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate Cancer treated with ERLEADA® (apalutamide) versus Darolutamide without Docetaxel through 24 months

A Darzalex Faspro–based quadruplet therapy has been approved in the U.S. for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are not eligible for transplant, offering a new treatment option earlier in care... Read more

NPK & Molecular You Launch Collaboration in Precision Healthcare and Gut Health

NPK Molecular and YOU have launched a collaboration to advance precision healthcare and gut health through more personalized solutions... Read more

Sino Biological Expands Research Reagent Portfolio to Support Global Nipah Virus Vaccine and Diagnostic Development

Sino Biological has expanded its research reagent portfolio to support global efforts in developing vaccines and diagnostics for the Nipah virus, helping accelerate tools needed to fight the disease... Read more

Canadian Surgical Innovation cuts Ovarian Cancer risk by nearly 80 per cent

A Canadian surgical innovation has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk by nearly 80%, marking a major advance in prevention... Read more

Glowing Bacterial Sensors detect Gut Illness in Mice before symptoms Emerge

Researchers developed glowing bacterial sensors that can detect gut illness in mice before symptoms appear, opening the door to earlier diagnosis of gut diseases... Read more

Balloon-like Particles help reveal Hidden Sugar Signals in the Immune System

Scientists have created balloon-like particles that reveal hidden sugar signals in the immune system, helping researchers better understand immune responses... Read more

Quebec First Province to Publicly Reimburse Jemperli (dostarlimab for injection) plus Chemotherapy via RAMQ for the Treatment of all Adult Patients with Primary Advanced or First Recurrent Endometrial Cancer

Quebec is the first province to publicly reimburse Jemperli (dostarlimab) with chemotherapy for adult patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, expanding access through RAMQ... Read more

Phyton Biotech Successfully Completes Corallopyronin A Technology Transfer

Phyton Biotech has successfully completed the technology transfer of Corallopyronin A, a promising antibiotic compound, advancing its development and expanding capabilities to support future research and production efforts... Read more

Hologic Receives FDA Approval for Aptima® HPV Assay Primary Screening Option, Expanding Cervical Health Portfolio

Hologic has received FDA approval for its Aptima HPV Assay as a primary cervical cancer screening option, expanding its cervical health testing portfolio and offering a new tool for early detection and preventive care... Read more

Technical Support Specialist

The role provides scientific and technical support to customers, troubleshooting complex issues and offering solutions for cell and molecular biology products... Learn more

Full Stack Developer

This role involves working across frontend and backend systems, collaborating with machine learning engineers, and helping scale prototypes into production-ready applications in a fast-paced, innovative environment... Learn more

Machine Learning Engineer 

The role focuses on collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn research into scalable, production-ready solutions while optimizing model performance... Learn more

Lab Manager

A Lab Manager’s role requires technical knowledge of chemistry, as well as proficiency in equipment maintenance, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of laboratory safety and quality... Learn more

Account Executive

This role will drive revenue growth by selling ViewsML virtual biomarker staining solutions to biopharmaceutical companies, tissue banks, clinical laboratories, academic institutions, and CROs... Learn more

Process Development Scientist

This role will be responsible for developing manufacturing processes for novel solid and viscous liquid formulations in the Vancouver, Canada laboratory, including responsibilities for process scale-up and tech transfer to contract manufacturing facilities... Learn more

Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist

The Research Scientist/ Senior Research Scientist role requires a well-qualified and experienced scientist with strong expertise in E. coli/yeast expression and protein purification, as well as the potential to lead CRO projects... Learn more

Product Manager

The Product Manager’s role includes collaboration with cross-functional teams to define and prioritize product features, enhancements, and integrations that align with the needs of our commercial and R&D partners... Learn more

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

Follow LSBC on Social Media