CMC Decisions in Drug Development Drive Value
Rondaxe, one of LifeSciences BC's newest Bronze Sponsors, hosted an event on December 2, 2010 with Helsinn on Drug Development. This half-day workshop took place at Discovery Parks Vancouver and featured experts from both Rondaxe and Helsinn presenting on API development and manufacturing as well as other important aspects of CMC. The team highlighted strategies and approaches relevant to the current economic climate and described practical project paths. Guests were invited to join the speakers for lunch and networking after the workshop.
Click on the links below to view the presentations:
Cross-Border Collaborations Require Strategy and Understanding of Legal Framework
LifeSciences BC Gold Sponsors, McCarthy Tétrault LLP, hosted a seminar on November 26, 2010 addressing issues for companies wishing to enter cross-border licenses or collaborations. Alliances are expanding and becoming more significant making it increasingly important to understand the legal framework for international licensing agreements, finance terms and various tax issues. Going Global: Key Considerations in Cross Border Licenses and Collaborations specifically looked at following issues:
- The legal framework to international licenses: contractual choices of law and foreign laws that cannot be contracted out of;
- Earning money on international licenses: royalty structures, factors affecting royalty rates and tax issues;
- Risk mitigation strategies: contractual terms, reducing risk and international arbitration; and
- US-specific differences affecting licenses, such as jointly held intellectual property, patent misuse and intellectual property grant backs.
Life Science Ambassador Programme Updates: Lundbeck Neuroscientists Explore Opportunities in Vancouver
On January 17, 2011, Danish company Lundbeck, specializing in Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, met with Vancouver researchers to explore research and licensing opportunities.
Dr. Jan Egebjerg and his team of R&D neuroscientists from Copenhagen were hosted by Dr. Matthew Farrer, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neurogenetics and Translational Neuroscience and Senior Scientist at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and Dr. Max Cyndader, Director of the Brain Research Centre at UBC. Dr. Farrer had previous connections to Lundbeck during his time at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
In addition to visits to the UBC University Industry Liaison Office, the Centre for Drug Research and Development and LifeSciences BC, the Lundbeck team took part in a full day program at The Brain Research Centre where they were introduced to the many ongoing research projects in the areas of stroke, neuroprotection, LTD-inhibitors for prevention of memory-loss and addiction, Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, LRRK2 Parkinsonism and more.
Lundbeck is a founding member of the Medicon Valley Alliance with whom LSBC shares the Life Science Ambassador Programme and looks forward to future collaborations with Vancouver's CNS researchers.
For more information on Lundbeck's visit or other collaborations with Scandinavian researchers, please contact Morten Faester, Life Science Ambassador in Vancouver at mfaester@lifesciencesbc.ca.
BC Clinical Research Infrastructure Network Launched to Attract Significant Investment in Clinical Research in British Columbia
Through a new innovative collaboration, British Columbia is positioning itself to attract a greater portion of the more than half billion dollars a year spent on clinical trials in Canada. In 2008, an estimated $540 million was invested in clinical research activity in Canada, but almost 89% of this research and developmentspending was in Ontario and Quebec. In order to therefore build a 'friendlier climate' and more streamlined process to attract an increased proportion of this investment, the BC Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (BCCRIN) has now been launched. BCCRIN will assist in firmly establishing British Columbia as a global leader for clinical research, ultimately attracting increased investment to BC.
Wireless Health Technologies Behind the Future of Personalized Medicine
Michael Bidu, President of DigiBC, moderates the panel discussion at BC Wireless Health Forum III
On October 28, 2010, DigiBC, in cooperation with LifeSciences BC hosted BC Wireless Health Forum III - The Future of Personalized Medicine: From Genomics to Sensors. This is the third installment of a series of events hosted by DigiBC and LifeSciences BC on the convergence of wireless and health technologies.
The breakfast session was opened by the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Science and Universities. Minister Chong spoke about the provincial government's interest in the field and their commitment to removing barriers for those who are interested in investing in BC; she believes that the future of BC's healthcare lies in wireless health technologies.
Shauna Turner from Strategic Incite gave an overview of wireless health and discussed how it is quickly shaping personalized medicine using examples of electronic health records and iPhone applications which transmit data from blood glucose meters in diabetics.
Rich Howlett from Genome BC touched on the importance of genomics in personalized medicine and presented some of the funding opportunities available to researchers with genomics technologies.
CDRD Nano Medicines Research Group's Director, Dr. Pieter Cullis gave examples of how nano research is able to deliver personalized therapeutics. With nano medicine, a diagnosis can be made at the molecular level which allows for special, personalized medicines to be created for any given patient. Challenges remain with clinical trials for this type of therapy in that there is a challenge in performing these trials using drugs meant for an individual person.
Dr. Mark Ansermino, Director Pediatric, Anesthesia Research at BC Children's Hospital discussed how sensors and incorporating wireless technology will play a major role in the way doctors can assess patients remotely. A simple pulse oximeter test is useful for so many conditions and the ability to transmit this data wireless to a physician can be life-saving.
Additional Wireless Health Forums are being planned for next year so be sure to check our calendars regularly for more information.
View photos from BC Wireless Health Forum III
LifeSciences BC/FutureWorks Pilot Provides HR Tools for Start-ups
LifeSciences BC recently joined forces with FutureWorks, the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), and DigiBC in a pilot project to identify and address the human resources deficits and barriers impeding and curtailing growth in small to mid-sized businesses in new and emerging industries. This partnership is based on the shared interest in, and vision for, growing BC's economy by developing the human potential of small businesses in the technology, new media and life sciences industries. FutureWorks, the lead contractor of this pilot project has received funding from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development: Employment and Labour Market Services (Local Labour Market Partnerships).
In this pilot 10 companies with less than 35 employees were selected to receive 40 hours of expert HR support to help the organization move to the next level. HR metrics will be used to measure the results of the support. The HR metrics were created with assistance from Ian Cook of the Human Resources Association of BC. The results of the pilot were presented at a series of workshops hosted by partner associations in early Fall of 2010.
As a result of the project, a series of tools were developed that are available for free to LifeSciences BC Members and may be useful to smaller companies. Click here to access these tools.
For more information on this initiative, please contact:
Thavy Phonsavath, FutureWorks at 604.684.4176 or thavyp@fwt.bc.ca
Breakfast Speaking Series Features British Columbia Thought Leaders
LifeSciences BC recently had the honour of featuring two of BC’s most influential thought leaders as keynote speakers at our latest Breakfast Speaking Series events.
On October 15th, we were joined by Professor Stephen J. Toope, President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, and on November 10th, by Ms. Carole James, Leader of the Official Opposition for the Province of British Columbia. Each spoke of the important role that research and innovation currently play in British Columbia, but the need to still further bolster efforts to develop our knowledge-based economy.
Professor Toope painted his vision and role for UBC in this regard, and shared the findings of a recent economic impact study that details UBC’s contribution to the BC economy. This unique study and the first of its kind for any Canadian university, measured not only the economic impact of UBC’s activities as an employer and purchaser, but also the impact of their core business: higher education and knowledge creation. It is therefore the first study measuring the economic impact of new knowledge.
Particular points of interest include the fact that 37% of the research undertaken in British Columbia is carried at the universities and 70% of that research is done at the University of British Columbia. UBC’s total contribution to the economy of the Province last year is calculated at over ten billion dollars – roughly five percent of BC’s economy. To put this in perspective, that’s more than Mining, and Oil & Gas Extraction and slightly less than Construction. This $10 billion economic contribution was predicated on provincial investment of approximately $1 billion – demonstrating an economic multiplier of 10x provincial investment.
Professor Toope answers questions from the audience at the October 15 Breakfast Speaking Event.
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How To Value Carbon Credits for Your Business
LifeSciences BC, BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector, in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, organized a seminar in Richmond on Oct. 14, 2010 to share ideas and discussions regaring how carbon will impact research and business. Building upon the success of our last Carbon Business Forum (Dec. 2, 2009), LifeSciences BC was pleased to offer a second forum for further discussion on this new low carbon economy. The participants had an opportunity to better understand and maximize carbon offsets and credits with presentations by the BC Climate Action Secretariat, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and experts from Carbon Credit Corporation and Habitat Enterprises.
Jessica Verhagen, BC Climate Action Secretariat discusses emissions trading.
On July 29, 2010, the partner jurisdictions of the Western Climate Initiative unveiled a Carbon Cap & Trade policy. The policy noted that BC will reduce emissions by 15% by 2020, and emitters must buy carbon credits at approximately $33 per tonne by 2020. Jessica Verhagen, Acting Director of Business Development for the BC Climate Action Secretariat explained the emissions trading consultation process and plans for the completion of regulations by winter 2011. Paul Vickers, PricewaterhouseCoopers explained the audit process and the importance of providing evidence that can substantiate accuracy and verify claims. Carbon Credit Corp. and Habitat Enterprises outlined carbon credit and offset opportunities for business.
Click here to view presentations from the seminar.
LifeSciences BC National Biotechnology Week Activities Culminate in Introduction of New Chair and President
Nearly 400 British Colubmia life science community members participated in the 7th Annual National Biotechnology Week which ran from September 17 to 24. This week long campaign aims to celebrate and promote life science research and innovation in every province across the Country.
LifeSciences BC kicked off National Biotechnology Week with a special event hosted in partnership with Genome BC and incorporated the launch of the sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge – an annual biotechnology science competition for high school students.
The day-long event included a screening of the winning video of the inaugural Gene Screen BC competition (a joint initiative by Genome BC and the BC Clinical Genetics Network), a lecture on biotechnology and careers, and an information session on the sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge.
Don Enns, President of LifeSciences BC told the students, “Supporting these types of educational opportunities is core to the activities of both LSBC and Genome BC, and critical to ensuring we have the talent to continue growing the knowledge-based bio-economy for generations to come, here in BC and across Canada. You all are that future talent, so we’re relying on you.”
Students then had the opportunity to do lab tours and interactive activities at the BC Cancer Agency’s Research Centre, including its Terry Fox Laboratory and the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre.
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Students examine slides under a microscope at the STEMCELL Assay Station.
Dr. Simon Pimstone, Outgoing Chair of LifeSciences BC, presents his final activity report to the membership on behalf of the Board.
View highlight video of the National Biotech Week launch
View National Biotech Week photo gallery
LifeSciences BC Introduces Novozymes Delegation to BC’s BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector
LifeSciences BC was pleased to have recently hosted a delegation from Novozymes, a top global company headquartered in Copenhagen and specializing in industrial enzymes and bio-innovation.
Encouraged by LifeSciences BC to explore BC-based opportunities, Novozymes is looking at areas such as forest and marine research, and in particular, the conversion of biomass to bioenergy. They have recently partnered with leading biofuel companies including POET, Greenfield Ethanol, Inbicon, COFCO, CTC, Lignol and ICM, to help advance process technologies. Through these partnerships, they were able to recently launch a new enzyme product, Cellic CTec2, which turns waste into fuel at a cost that is comparable to that of gasoline and conventional ethanol. They have also successfully demonstrated Cellic CTec2’s effectiveness on a variety of feedstock types including corn cobs and stocks, wheat straw and wood chips.
As part of LifeSciences BC’s commitment to bringing new investment and partnerships to BC’s life sciences community, a series of meetings were set up between senior executives from Novozymes and local companies, research institutions and government officials. They included researchers at the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the Ministries of Forest & Range and Small Business, Technology & Economic Development. The BC Energy Plan and biomass opportunities here in BC were significant considerations for Novozymes future investment plans.
Despite the busy meeting schedule, we were fortunate enough to have Henrik Bisgaard-Frantzen, Senior Director of Research at Novozymes give a presentation at LifeSciences BC's BioEnergy & BioProducts Seminar on September 9th and share his company’s vision and plans for partnership. We were also joined by Richard Howlett, Director of Business Development at Genome BC who detailed their newest funding programs available to the BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector.
View Presentation
Kurt Creamer, Connectivity & Grant Manager, Novozymes North America and Henrik Bisgaard-Franzten, Senior Director of Research, Novozymes head to Victoria.
Medical Device Companies Get an In-Depth Look at the EU Regulatory Approval Process
LifeSciences BC, in partnership with MEDEC, DFAIT and NRC-IRAP, was pleased to welcome Manual Ahlers, an expert with TUV NORD CERT GmbH, Germany, on September 13, 2010.
Ms. Ahlers gave a detailed presentation on how to systematically seek regulatory approval for medical devices during the full-day interactive workshop. Topics covered included Europe’s “Global Approach,” the Modular System and its various conformity assessment procedures; requirements of the Medical Devices Directive; and outsourcing of processes, subcontracting and OEM/private labeling. The day concluded with a case study session.
After the workshop, a Medical Device Mingler took place at Steamworks Brewing where members of the medical device community had an opportunity to network with their colleagues while enjoying a refreshment. As always, LifeSciences BC had door prizes to give away, and two lucky attendees received complimentary tickets to the 2011 LifeSciences BC Awards.
Workshop participants hear from Manuela Ahlers on the EU regulatory approval process.
Guests enjoy a refreshment while networking with other medical device members after the workshop. Don Enns, President of LifeSciences BC welcomes guests and draws for complimentary LifeSciences BC Awards Gala tickets.
US Law Firm Reveals Effects of New US Healthcare Policies
LifeSciences BC was pleased to welcome representatives from international law firm Arnold & Porter LLP to host on a seminar on September 14 detailing the effect of the recent US Healthcare Reform on the Canadian Life Sciences Industry.
Dan Kracov, Allison Shuren, and Todd Lorenz examined several aspects of these new polices including key commissions and initiatives, comparative effectiveness, healthcare reform and enforcement, transparency reporting, and challenges in the new biosimilars framework.
View Presentation
Allison Shuren, Arnold & Porter LLP explains new US Healthcare policies and impacts.
LifeSciences BC Featured on Year of Science Calendar
Premier Gordon Campbell, accompained by the Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, launched the Year of Science on September 24, 2010 at an event held at Science World.
The province-wide campaign will run through until June 2011 and is a major cross-government initiative led by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development. The goal is to engage British Columbians, in particular young people, in science by showcasing how science works, who scientists are, the kinds of work they do, and why science matters in the everyday lives of British Columbians and the communities they live in.
LifeSciences BC was a driving force behind the Year of Science initiative. Dr. Simon Pimstone, Outgoing Chair of LifeSciences BC has been an active member on the advisory board for the past year. Don Enns, President of LifeSciences is now on the committee and will continue to work with the Ministry to ensure science education is a priority in BC.
LifeSciences BC is pleased to be participating in this initiative and several of our events have been designated as Year of Science events. They include: LifeSciences BC Breakfast Speaking Series, 2011 LifeSciences BC Awards, and the 2011 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge.
More information on the Year of Science is available at www.yearofsciencebc.ca.
Life Science Ambassador Programme Reaches One Year Mark
Read about a recent case study on a collaboration between Vancouver's Inimex Pharmaceuticals and Swedish company SARomics Biostructures.
The Life Science Ambassador Programme between British Columbia and Scandinavia has just completed its first year. Life Science Ambassadors, Morten Faester and Soren Harbel, have been busy meeting with life science companies in both regions and making sure to connect them with the right people. Both Ambassadors are seeing increased interest and recognition amongst life science companies and academics in these regions. Below is a recent example of this partnership.BC-based Inimex Pharmaceuticals recently agreed to a collaboration with Swedish company SARomics Biostructures to make use of SARomics’ accelerated drug discovery process in support of its IDR (Innate Defence Regulator) peptides which accelerate clearance of a broad range of infectious pathogens, increase survival and ameliorate tissue damage, particularly in gut mucosa and where the pathophysiology involves substantial inflammation..
Inimex, known for its innate immune response technology, is developing a therapeutic approach to modulate the innate defense system by binding to an intracellular adaptor protein, sequestosome-1, also known as p62, that is involved in the efficient transmission of information during intracellular signal transduction, receptor trafficking, and protein turnover as well as bacterial clearance, by interacting with proteins downstream of TLRs and TNF receptors. IDRs provide accelerated pathogen clearance and increased host survival in a broad spectrum of bacterial infections as well as reducing tissue damage associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, trauma or inflammation.
SARomics is a privately held contract research organization specialized in structural biology services including protein expression, purification and crystallization; protein structure determination, analysis, and synchrotron data collection. SARomics is located at the MAX-lab Swedish national synchrotron radiation laboratories in Lund, and provides an X-ray source that is ideal for protein structural analyses.
Inimex’s Senior Director of preclinical R&D Dr. Oreola Donini says, “We have a very productive collaboration with SARomics, using their technology to accelerate our ongoing discovery process.”
SARomics’ CEO, Dr. Bjorn Walse, would like to use the Inimex deal as a spring board to introduce the company’s services to more Vancouver and Canadian biotech companies.
LifeSciences BC members interested in Scandinavian collaborations should contact Morten Faester, MVA Life Science Ambassador, at the LifeSciences BC office at 604.602.5227 or by email at morten.faester@mva.org – or Soren Harbel, LSBC Life Science Ambassador, at the MVA offices in Copenhagen by email at sharbel@lifesciencesbc.ca.
LifeSciences BC and Canada Host International Delegates at Canada Soiree
LifeSciences BC, in partnership with other provincial associations, recently hosted Partnerships in Motion: Canada Soiree at the BIO World Congress in Washington, DC on June 29, 2010. We were pleased to welcome guests from the US, China, Australia, Germany, Mexico, the UK, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
The aim of this networking event was to promote Canadian opportunities and business partnerships among Canadian and international BIO World Congress delegates. Jeff Schmalz from Soy20/20, co-host of the 2011 BIO World Congress, invited guests to next year’s conference which will take place in Toronto, Canada.
Participating associations included: Ontario Agri-Technology Commercialization Centre, 2011 World Congress host and comprised of BioEnterprise, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, and Soy 20/20; Sustainable Chemistry Alliance; BIOTECanada; Ag-West Bio Inc; PEI BioAlliance; BioAtlantech; LifeSciences BC; and Government of New Brunswick.
Paul Robertson, Economic Minister, Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC, welcomed over 100 guests to the Canada Soiree. He highlighted the importance of trade between Canada and the US and growth of the bioenergy and bioproducts sector in Canada, noting that Canada is a “go to” country for business partnerships in the industrial biotechnology sector.
Bob Ingratta, LifeSciences BC welcomes guests at the Canada Soiree
iClip – Cleantech Student Intern Program Launched May 2010
LifeSciences BC, in partnership with BCIT and UBC, recently launched an Interdisciplinary Cleantech Intern Program called “iClip”. The objectives of this new student intern program are to facilitate the development of students’ job-ready skills via practical industry experience, and to provide industry with an increased number of future employees possessing the skills needed by the cleantech sector.
This experiential learning program is a modified Co-op program that connects students from different disciplines with six-week industry cleantech projects. Initial participants in the pilot-scale program included BCIT, Lignol Energy and West Kootney Herb Growers Cooperative, and we now are looking to broaden the program based on the feedback and outcomes of this year's pilot.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Ingratta
BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector Specialist
LifeSciences British Columbia
604-602-5240
bingratta@lifesciencesbc.ca
BC Excels 2010/2011: Now Recruiting!
BC Excels is a rigorous one-year business development mentorship program for emerging life science companies where leaders of emerging bioproducts, bioenergy, medical device and biopharmaceutical companies are paired with successful entrepreneurs in their respective industry sector. Together they follow a highly customized, interactive and industry-specific educational program.
LifeSciences BC is now recruiting for the 2010/2011 cycle. Click here for more information on the program and an application form
Support Biotechnology Education: Become a Mentor for the 2011 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge!
LifeSciences BC is recruiting researchers interested in mentoring high-school students competing in the annual sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC).
High-school students participating in the challenge are required to submit proposals on a research topic of their own idea which is subject to review by a scientific evaluation committee. Once the proposal has been accepted, students are paired up with a mentor doing similar research who can provide support to the student as they carry out their experiments. Mentors must have at least a B.Sc. and access to lab space.
The SABC relies on the support of our mentors to ensure the students have an opportunity to do their own research and get the best experience possible.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or have any questions, please contact Rosine Hage-Moussa, Manager, Marketing & Outreach, LifeSciences BC at rhage@lifesciencesbc.ca or 604-602-5228.
Mentorship Guidelines
BioEnergy & BioProducts Seminar Series Highlights Important Issues and Builds Network for Members
In the last quarter of 2009, cleantech became the largest category of Venture Capital (VC) investing in North America, attracting 27% of all VC funds, surpassing biotech (24%) and software (18%), according to the Cleantech Group. Legendary VC, John Doerr, the Kleiner Perkins partner who invested in Netscape, Amazon, Sun Microsystems and Intuit, believes cleantech is "the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century" (Vancouver Sun, Oct. 23, 2009).
The Cleantech sector showed remarkable resilience during the 2007-2009 recession with a national compound annual growth rate of 47% over the 2-year period as reported at the launch of the SDTC Report: BC Edition on June 17 in Vancouver. LifeSciences BC was pleased to be a supporting sponsor of the report and launch.
The LifeSciences BC BioEnergy and BioProducts Sector has been very active over the past year organizing series of events designed to maintain the industry momentum and continue building networks. On May 26, Ernst & Young LLp and Bull, Housser and Tupper LLP presented “Making BC a Clean Energy Powerhouse: What events could take place in the next 24 months to accelerate commercial-scale adoption of cleantech or change the course of what you are doing?” to discuss what specific actions leaders in the local and American cleantech communities have put forward as the critical next steps for the industry.
On June 3, LifeSciences BC partnered with ARDCorp and Farm Credit Canada in Richmond to present “Overview of the New Clean Energy Act.” A representative from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources reviewed the act and engaged the audience in a discussion about about how it will affect businesses.
In addition, as part of the International Bioenergy Conference in Prince George, LifeSciences BC teamed up with Gowlings to host “Intellectual Property and Business Development Forum” on June 8, 2010. Representatives from the Gowlings Life Sciences Group provided advice on legal issues to consider for business start-ups to commercial partnerships and expansion in the bioenergy sector.
The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing is on now and LifeSciences BC is working with other provincial associations to host “Partnerships in Motion – Canada Soiree at the BIO World Congress.” This is an opportunity for Canadian conference delegates to meet and network with international guests and invite them to the 2011 BIO World Congress in Toronto, Canada. We are pleased to have the Embassy of Canada welcome everyone and highlight opportunities that exist in BC and Canada for research collaborations and business partnerships.
National Biotechnology Week 2010 is taking place September 17 – 26, 2010 and LifeSciences BC is actively planning our next BioEnergy & BioProducts Seminar and hope you will join us.
For information on the sector or to become a member, please contact Bob Ingratta, BioEnergy & BioProducts Sector Specialist at bingratta@lifesciencesbc.ca or 604-602-5240. LifeSciences BC Hosts Industry Roundtable on the US Reimbursement Landscape
Overview of the Clean Energy Act' held in Richmond, BC on June 3, 2010
As a medical doctor of internal medicine with over 25 years of experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Freudman brings exceptional experienced in the intricacies of the American reimbursement paradigm.
Dr. Freudman revealed to his audience was that while the structure, size, location and outcome of randomized clinical trials are all critical to achieving coverage, many other considerations will factor into if, who and how much someone will pay and for what. Most would agree that the medical reimbursement landscape in the US, both private and public, is complicated enough without having to take into account politics and special interest that can sway or impeded your market access. So much so that many companies are looking to other, more approachable geographies, such as Asia and Europe, to initially launch their products.
Presenting a series of cases to local stakeholders from pharmaceuticals to medical devices to diagnostics, Dr. Freudman urged pre-commercial developers to consider the many, different perspectives that will factor into reimbursement decisions in the US. While most companies’ predominant focus during development is typically the patient, companies depending on US reimbursement need to consider, early on, the doctors, their trade associations, hospital administrators and private insurers, as each of these will have its own perspective, interests to protect and influence on reimbursement decisions.
Dr. Freudman’s cautioned developers to look beyond product approval and plan out their reimbursement strategy early.
About Dr. Freudman
On the other side of the world, but on the same side of the fight: LifeSciences BC hosts Queensland Delegation on April 30, 2010
Climate change, alternative energy and epidemic diseases like cancer are shared global issues. Fortunately, our flat world allows for synergies between centres of excellence irrespective of geographical situation. Expanding collaboration between British Columbia and the Australian state of Queensland is a prime example.
On April 30, 2010 the Province of British Columbia and LifeSciences BC welcomed to Vancouver a large delegation of leaders in life sciences from Queensland, led by Queensland Premier Ms. Anna Bligh. This visit deliberately coincided with the Province’s signing of a wide-ranging memorandum of co-operation that will further ties between the two jurisdictions in six key areas:
- Action on clean energy, water stewardship and climate change.
- Maximizing knowledge intensive sectors, including biotechnology, life sciences, health and medical research.
- Responsible resource management.
- Regional economies and indigenous communities.
- Promoting bilateral education opportunities.
- Planning and growth management, including exchanging information and ideas.
Kicking off this initiative is a $1.53m award given to the Queensland Government from the Smart Futures Fund Drug Discovery Alliance to collaborate internationally to find cures for prostate cancer and other fatal diseases. The grant will support a new $6.2m Queensland-British Columbia Drug Discovery Alliance between the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Griffith University’s Eskitis Institute in Queensland, the Centre for Drug Research and Development and the Vancouver Prostate Centre here at home. View announcement
Left to right: Tony Webber, CEO, Clinical Network Services; Professor Ross Young, Executive Director, Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; Natalie Dakers, CEO, Centre for Drug Research and Development; Dr. Martin Gleave, Executive Director, Vancouver Prostate Centre; Karimah Es Sabar, Senior VP Business and Strategic Affairs, Centre for Drug Research and Development.
This memorandum builds on a pre-existing, and already fruitful agreement that was signed between the two regions in 2008, with similar aims and a focus on the Asia-Pacific. The two regions share much in common including a strong research base and a growing initiative to diversify their economies into these areas of critical, global significance.
View photo gallery
LifeSciences BC Honours Recipients of the 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards
Hector MacKay-Dunn, QC, Senior Partner, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP presents Don Avison with the Leadership Award.
The 2010 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards Gala took place on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, drawing nearly 600 biopharmaceutical, medical device, bioproducts, bioenergy and greater life sciences community and public policy leaders. The theme of this year's event was ‘Bridges to the Future’, recognizing individuals that have brought new knowledge, leadership, innovation and technologies to the life sciences industry in BC.
The LifeSciences British Columbia Awards are presented by Ernst & Young; Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy, LLP; Genome British Columbia; and Rx&D (Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies). Media sponsor: Business in Vancouver Magazines.
Read full summary
Photo Gallery
LifeSciences BC congratulates Taneille Johnson for taking the first-place prize in the 2010 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge
The Regional Competition for the 2010 sanofi-aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC) took place on April 12, 2010 at BCIT and was won by Fort St. John resident, Taneille Johnson. This bright grade 12 student won a $3000 cash prize and will travel to Ottawa to compete in the national SABC competition on April 26 where she will be judged by a panel of experts at the National Research Council. The national winners will be announced at a ceremony in Ottawa on April 27.
Encouraged by teacher Ms. Barbara Cook and under the guidance of Dr. Tara Beattie, Taneille examined functional interactions within telomerase complexes to gain an understanding of how these mutations lead to telomere and telomerase deficiency in patients with dyskeratosis congenita.
LifeSciences BC is proud to be the lead organizer for SABC in the BC region, one of 13 across Canada.
Jason Locklin, Deputy Director of Government Relations, sanofi pasteur and Linda Lupini, Board Member of BioTalent Canada present Taneille Johnson with the first-place prize at the 2010 LifeSciences BC Awards Gala.
Read Press Release
View 2010 SABC Video
For more information or to become a project mentor for next year's competition, please contact:
Rosine Hage-Moussa
Regional Coordinator, SABC (BC Region)
rhagemoussa@lifesciencesbc.ca
604-602-5228
National Biorefinery Knowledge Network Launched
This past July, LifeSciences BC organized an industry-government meeting at the World Congress in Montreal to discuss the formation of a Canadian Knowledge Network on Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. This initiative was one of the recommendations from the 2009 LifeSciences BC report on Technology Transfer and Linkages in Bioproducts and Bioenergy with the National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program.
We are now pleased to announce the launch of Canada’s Biorefinery Knowledge Network through our ACCORD partner BIOTECanada with support from Industry Canada. We encourage our members to join the National Biorefinery Knowledge Network via the following website: www.biorefinery.ca.
This portal is network for practitioners in biorefining, from government, academia and the private sector. The goal of the Network is to promote collaboration and growth in this dynamic field within Canada and, specifically, to continue to promote and support the building of biofuel demonstration facilities.
initiative.
LifeSciences BC welcomes international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate: 7th Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force
LifeSciences BC was pleased to host a Welcome Reception in Vancouver on March 21, 2010 for the international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate: 7th Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Task Force from Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and U.S. prior to the GLOBE conference.
Bob Ingratta welcomed over 45 guests and noted that LifeSciences BC is committed to foster the development of our Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts Sector and the BioCleantech solutions created from this sector to help address Climate Change; drive economic development and provide a sustainable future for our children. Recent estimates are that B.C. generates over $2.0 billion in revenues and over 18,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector. Globally, this important sector is expected to double by 2020.
The Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development recognized the importance of the Bioenergy and renewable energy sector; welcomed the delegates on behalf of the provincial government; and shared the strategic importance of clean energy to address climate change.
Joanne McKenna, from BC Hydro, shared BC Hydro distributed energy strategy, projects, and future plans in British Columbia.
The welcome reception in partnership with Environment Canada, Industry Canada, and the provincial government provided an opportunity for local companies and our research community to strengthen international partnerships and future collaboration.
The Honourable Moira Stilwell welcomes international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development & Climate.
LifeSciences British Columbia Hosts World-Class Summit on HIV/AIDS During Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games
On February 26, 2010, LifeSciences BC, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the University of British Columbia and the International AIDS Society hosted a world-class summit against the backdrop of the 2010 Olympic games entitled “The Impact of Science & Innovation in the Evolving Global Health Paradigm: HIV and AIDS – A Global Challenge of Olympic Proportion.”
This event brought together world leaders in HIV research, health, innovation and policy to share the latest and compelling perspectives on the challenges being faced under a shifting global health paradigm, focusing in on the role of science and innovation on the concerted, global effort to combat the spread of HIV infection and to improve the lives of those living with AIDS.
We were pleased to welcome the following presenters: Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr. Daria Hazuda, Vice President, Worldwide Discovery Franchise Head, Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories; Dr. Stefano Bertozzi, HIV Director-Global Health Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health; and Dr. Mark Dybul, Co-Director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University.
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Photo Gallery
Left to right: Ralph Sultan, MLA West Vancouver-Capilano; Honourable Dr. Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; Karimah Es Sabar, President of LifeSciences BC; Norm Letnick, MLA Kelowna-Lake Country; Joan McIntyre, MLA West Vancouver-Sea to Sky; Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport; Honourable Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy; Dr. Julio Montaner, Director ofBC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and President of International AIDS Society; Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health; Dr. Stefano Bertozzi, HIV Director-Global Health Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Honourable Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizens' Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau.
Minister Kevin Falcon Addresses British Columbia's Life Sciences Community During LifeSciences BC Breakfast Speaking Event - February 5, 2010
LifeSciences British Columbia was pleased to welcome The Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services for the Province of British Columbia, at our recent LifeSciences BC Breakfast Speaking Event on Feb. 5, 2010. Almost 150 guests from all areas in the life sciences attended the event at the Pan Pacific Hotel.
Minister Falcon shared Government’s perspective, vision and plan for the future of healthcare in the Province, and the role the local life sciences industry plays in that vision. The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by our healthcare system and recognized the need for a concerted, comprehensive and multifaceted solution combining our strengths in research, commercialization and care.
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8th Annual BioPartnering North America Conference Boasts Another Successful Year
The 8th Annual BioPartnering North America (BPN) took place January 24 – 26, 2010 at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. The conference is produced by Technology Vision Group (TVG) and LifeSciences BC and hosted by BioAlberta and BIOTECanada with the support of industry leaders and continues to be a key meeting for biotech business development executives from across the globe.
This year, 490 companies were represented from 26 countries which resulted in over 2200 face-to-face meetings. Delegates were given the opportunity to participate in several activities designed to increase their global networks including partnering meetings, interactive leadership sessions, podium presentations and an exhibit hall. TVG’s unique partnering tool biopartnering.com allows delegates to pre-book meetings and share agendas before the start of the conference, facilitating the business development process.
The continued success and growth of this conference has resulted in the decision to move the 2011 conference to the Vancouver Convention Centre. BPN 2011 takes place February 27 – March 1, 2011.
For more information on BPN and other TVG conferences, visit www.techvision.com
BioPartnering 2010 Conference Welcome Session
LifeSciences British Columbia Hosts Annual Bioproducts & Bioenergy Networking Reception in Victoria
LifeSciences BC was pleased to host a year-end Bioenergy and Bioproducts Networking Reception in Victoria on December 8th, 2009.
This year-end reception has become a signature annual event which highlighted the future of cleantech, green power and bioenergy as well as value-added bioproducts. It was a great opportunity to reflect upon our successes and challenges plus network with local industry leaders, researchers and government officials to stimulate ideas and excitement for the future of a vibrant bioenergy industry.
We were delighted to have The Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Forests and Range, speak at the reception. He recognized the importance of the Bioenergy sector and noted four strategic priorities: 1) maximize forest resources and extract value from biomass; 2) advance silviculture with new value from renewable energy such as the new Quesnel wood pellet plant that will generate electricity from biomass; 3) China opportunity with international partnerships; and 4) building with wood products.
Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake and official opposition critic for the environment, thanked LifeSciences BC for our work in developing the bio-economy and creating economic activity and jobs in British Columbia. He echoed Minister Bell’s comments on the importance of Cleantech and Bioenergy.
LifeSciences BC looks forward to the challenges and creating opportunities in 2010 and hosting next year’s Bioenergy networking reception.
Left to right: Karimah Es Sabar, President, LifeSciences BC; The Honourable Pat Bell, Ministry of Forests & Range; Donna LeClair, BC Hydro; and David Bursey, Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP.
LifeSciences British Columbia Partners with WINBC in Wireless Health Pavilion at 2009 CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment Conference
As a continuation of LifeSciences British Columbia's and WINBC’s (Wireless Innovation Network British Columbia) joint exploration into the emerging field of Wireless Health, LifeSciences BC participated in the Wireless Health Pavilion at the 2009 CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment Conference in San Diego, CA. This is the first year in which this conference hosted a dedicated Wireless Health Pavilion featuring specific keynote speakers, sessions and exhibits.
Conference Highlights
LifeSciences British Columbia Invited to 2009 STS Forum - Japan
Each year, LifeSciences BC participates in this invitation-only conference entitled: The Science and Technology in Society Forum. Karimah Es Sabar, President, LifeSciences BC travelled to Japan in early October to partake in discussions on science and technology.
The conference aims to provide a new mechanism for open discussions on an informal basis, and to build a human network that would, in time, resolve the new types of problems stemming from the application of science and technology. The forum community explores the opportunities arising from science and technology, and addresses how to remove the barriers to using science and technology to solve the problems facing humankind.
STS Forum Website
LifeSciences British Columbia Engages BC’s Life Sciences Community During 2009 National Biotechnology Week
LifeSciences British Columbia was pleased to participate in the 6th Annual National Biotechnology Week. This Canada-wide event brings together the life sciences community to celebrate science and innovation and sees almost 4,000 participants each year.
LifeSciences BC hosted several key events this week which included Ernst & Young's presentation of their annual report: Beyond Borders, LifeSciences BC's Annual General Meeting and Partner Appreciation Luncheon, and a full day seminar on financing and IP for the life science community which included private and public financing presentations, a special announcement by Genome BC, interactive meetings and panel discussions an IP workshop by Gowlings. We also launched the Life Science Ambassador Programme with Medicon Valley Alliance in Copenhagen, Denmark and had the pleasure of welcoming Medicon Valley Alliance's CEO, Mr. Stig Jorgensen as our keynote speaker at our Annual General Meeting.
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Life Science Ambassador Programme
LifeSciences British Columbia and Medicon Valley Alliance have entered into a collaboration called the Life Science Ambassador Program. This program involves the exchange of representatives (Ambassadors) between Medicon Valley Alliance and leading life science clusters around the world. British Columbia is one of twelve life science clusters chosen to participate in this program. Read more