Official publication
Published by
2012
Ways of the West B.C.’s tax incentives, excellence in research
Mobile home
Tech convergence in B.C.’s health care
Our own devices
Pathways to the future
Genomics unbottled
From mining remediation to cloning
Directory of corporate members
3/19/12 8:48:42 PM
www.merck.ca
At Merck, we work hard to keep the world well. How? By providing people all around the globe with innovative prescription medicines, vaccines, consumer care and animal health products. We also believe our responsibility includes making sure that our products reach people who need them.
more hope to more people around the world.
See all we’re doing at merck.ca.
© 2012 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved.
Merck recognizes the innovative science and synergy of collaboration in British Columbia, and has established life sciences partnerships in the province with Alectos Therapeutics, Cardiome Pharma, EnWave Corporation, Xenon Pharmaceuticals, and Zymeworks. Our goal is for our partners and us to work together to accelerate the successful development and commercialization of breakthrough products that can bring meaningful improvements to patients’ lives.
Not just healthcare.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 2 3/19/12 8:48:42 PM
The research we’re doing in partnership with B.C. will improve today’s health care.
And tomorrow’seconomy.
We do our most important work within the local communities we serve. Like right here in British Columbia. Each year Pfizer contributes by investing millions of dollars into highly promising initiatives including research and basic science programs in partnership with the government, universities and the life sciences sector. We develop innovative medicines that improve patient care, but also believe that to be truly healthy, it takes more than medication. Because at Pfizer, we’re dedicated to giving back across a range of programs to help keep British Columbians healthy, and strong.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 3 3/19/12 8:48:42 PM
Features10 B.C. attracts life sciences
13 EMRs: here to stay
15 The yearly forecast
17 Film fare
19 Mobile health in the making
20 Innovation of our own devising
23 Personalized medicine comes of age
25 Mining embraces bioremediation
28 BioPartnering North America
29 What’s new, what’s doing
32 Planning care: a discussion with
the B.C. deputy minister of health
Departments6 Chair’s message
8 President’s report
34 Year in review
38 List: Biggest life-science companies in B.C.
40 LifeSciences British Columbia members’ directory
45 LifeSciences British Columbia Awards
2012 Official publication
Published by
LifeSciences British ColumbiaSuite 900 – 1188 West Georgia StreetVancouver, B.C. V6E 4A2Tel.: 604-669-9909, fax: 604-669-9912Email: [email protected]
LifeSciences British Columbia 2012 is published for LifeSciences British Columbia by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2, tel. 604-688-2398, fax 604-688-1963, www.businessinvancouver.com
Publisher: Paul HarrisManaging publisher: Gail ClarkEditor-in-chief: Naomi Wittes ReichsteinDesign director: Randy PearsallProofreader: Baila LazarusWriters: Curt Cherewayko, Alison DePalma,
Rebecca Edwards, Joel McKay, Peter Mitham, Andrew Topf
Production manager: Don SchuetzeProduction: Carole ReadmanSales manager: Joan McGroganAdvertising sales: Lori Borden, Corinne TkachukAdministrator: Katherine ButlerSales assistant: Caroline SmithList research: Richard ChuController: Marlita HodgensPresident, BIV Media Group: Paul Harris
Copyright 2012, BIV Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication.
10
34
20
19
Photos (clockwise from top): Cameron Heryet, BC Cancer Agency; Martin Krzywinski; Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 4 3/19/12 8:48:47 PM
British Columbia’s life science sector has earned a reputation for breakthrough discoveries and leading-edge research. Scientific and technological advances are nurtured by our world-class centres of excellence and by the more than $1.8 billion British Columbia has invested in research and innovation since 2001. Our companies pioneer new ideas and applications in drug development, medical technology and healthcare delivery, and establish collaborative relationships with the world’s top biopharmaceutical brands to bring these innovations to communities all over the world.
READY TO JOIN HOME-GROWN COMPANIES ON THE WORLD STAGE?
The Government of British Columbia supports life science companies to develop
strategic partnerships that accelerate growth and commercialization.
Visit www.britishcolumbia.ca to learn more.
SHARE YOUR DISCOVERIES
WITH THE WORLD
Life Sciences 2012.indd 5 3/19/12 8:48:48 PM
6 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Perspective matters
Chair’s messageDoug Janzen, LifeSciences British Columbia
In the current state of the global econ-
omy, we as life-science companies are
continually challenged to expand our
innovative thinking beyond the labora-
tory and into new business models
that will support the development
and commercialization of our research.
Government initiatives, new partnerships
and alternate funding sources will allow
our business to be sustainable in this
tough economic environment.
The federal government is actively
working on ways to improve the effi-
ciency of its research-and-development
spend. Recommendations made in
the 2011 Review of Federal Support to
Research and Development – Expert
Panel Report Innovation Canada: A Call
to Action have the potential to impact
significantly the way government sup-
ports our industry and not necessarily
in a positive way. It will be extremely
important for us to work closely with the
government during the implementation
of any of these recommendations to
ensure that the intricacies of our sector
are understood and considered. Our goal
is to help maximize any potential posi-
tive impact that these changes may have
on our access to capital either directly or
through tax incentives.
The government of British Columbia
has also made compelling efforts to foster
and encourage innovative research. The
life sciences and advanced-energy clus-
ters, for example, have been supported
by government with a commitment to
expand infrastructure in our top research
facilities. This has not only attracted world-
class talent but has also created a platform
through which to showcase this talent to
the rest of the world.
By focusing on the translation of early-
stage research into commercially relevant
ventures, the life-science industry in B.C.
has attracted significant interest from
global organizations. This was evidenced
in 2011 by the increased number of early-
stage research collaborations.
Moving forward in 2012, collaborations
among academia, industry and govern-
ment will be invaluable to the life sci-
ences. Nevertheless, from concept to
commercialization, optimism and creative,
unbound thinking will continue to be the
primary drivers of innovation and success
in this industry.
es
Life Sciences 2012.indd 6 3/19/12 8:48:49 PM
Visit www.genomebc.ca for current funding opportunities.
BREAKTHROUGHS
GENOMICS RESEARCH DELIVERS
A HEALTHY RETURN ONINVESTMENT
Life Sciences 2012.indd 7 3/19/12 8:48:49 PM
8 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
The concept of market certainty has
greatly diminished since the crash
of 2008, and one could argue that
no sector has escaped unscathed. The
situation was exacerbated by the fact that
once the capital markets were thought to
have stabilized, the sovereign debt crisis
surfaced, leading to new measures of aus-
terity. Market fl ux is no longer an anomaly;
it is the norm. At the time I am writing this
column, the Eurozone is assessing its on-
going viability, the Enbridge and Keystone
pipeline proposals are attracting inter-
national attention, and Canada’s premiers
are meeting in Victoria to determine the
future of health care in the nation.
Interestingly, one of the outcomes
of the fi rst ministers’ session is that life
sciences, particularly health care, must
become more “innovative.” Admittedly,
that word is overused; however, recent
market pressures have provided the very
impetus for the industry to redefi ne itself
and explore business models that simply
did not exist a few years ago. In this regard,
I would highlight the following:
Personalized medicine: This fi eld is
moving from a nebulous concept into
focus by physicians on comprehensive
diagnoses and individual treatment.
Convergence of technologies:
Wireless, nanotechnology and digital
media are being integrated with thera-
peutics in the delivery of health care.
Regenerative medicine: Stem-cell
technologies are evolving, and the ability
to create tissue and organs is moving from
concept to reality.
Strategic partnerships: Given early-
stage fi nancing challenges, even relatively
small biotech startups can enter into long-
standing and productive relationships
with large pharma.
Geographical shift: Emerging econ-
omies in countries that are positioning
themselves as the “new” science power-
houses represent signifi cant opportunities
for the sector.
Virtual development: Bricks and
mortar are being replaced by computer
models and virtual companies that can
adopt comprehensive outsourcing models.
Ironically, the development of tech-
nologies within the life-science space may
well exceed the capacity and capability of
public institutions to absorb them. Privacy,
ethics and institutional restructuring must
be addressed if the industry is to fl ourish
and outcomes are to continue to improve.
For instance, which ministry within
British Columbia should be responsible
for genomics: agriculture, environment,
health, natural resources or all of the
above? Or should government consider
establishing a diff erent type of body that
deals with technologies that transcend
existing structures?
Canada will spend about 200 billion
on health care in 2012. B.C.’s expenditures
are projected to be about 18 billion, or
about 45 per cent of the provincial budget.
Although the life-science sector is in tran-
sition and there’s no panacea, it represents
part of the solution to one of the most
pressing issues governments face today:
how to change the direction of the cost
curve of delivering health care.
The response of LifeSciences British
Columbia to this market dynamic has
been one of enhanced dialogue with
regulators, reaching out in to the broader
community and establishing relation-
ships with like-minded organizations,
encouraging an ethos of national and
international collaboration and helping to
ensure positive outcomes for stakeholders.
To all of those partners and participants
that have assisted and continue to assist in
the eff ort, thank you! It should be quite a
journey in 2012.
President’s reportDon Enns, LifeSciences British Columbia
Cardiome Pharma Corp.
Farris, Vaughan, Wills
& Murphy LLP
Genome British Columbia
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Merck Canada
Pfi zer Canada
Rx&D Canada’s Research-Based
Pharmaceutical Companies
Amgen
Business in Vancouver
Discovery Parks
GlaxoSmithKline
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
LifeScan
Michael Smith Foundation for
Health Research
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Technology Vision Group
Vifor Pharma
Abbott Laboratories
Airgas
AstraZeneca
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Bristol-Myers Squibb
The Centre for Drug Research
and Development
Eli Lilly
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
FortisBC
Gowling Lafl eur Henderson LLP
BRONZESPONSORSSILVERSPONSORSGOLDSPONSORSHoff mann-La Roche Ltd.
KPMG LLP
Novartis
PharmaNet
QLT Inc.
Sanofi Canada
STEMCELL Technologies Inc.
UBC University Liaison Offi ce
Vancouver Economic
Development Commission
Photo: Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 8 3/20/12 6:56:47 PM
Life Sciences 2012.indd 9 3/19/12 8:48:51 PM
10 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Come one, come all
BY PETER MITHAM
Life sciences benefit from low taxes that boost investment
Low tax rates, ample tax credits and programs that encourage innovative research make British
Columbia a competitive place to engage in life sciences.
Partnerships among universities, health-care institutions and industry are fuelled by financial
incentives that attract talent and projects ranging from front-line research to clinical trials.
In its study Competitive Alternatives, KPMG LLP found in 2010 that Canada was 12.9 per cent more
advantageous from a tax perspective than the United States. West Coast cities such as Vancouver
and Prince George scored especially high, ranking first along North America’s Pacific Rim with scores
TRIUMF’s main cyclotron,
the largest in the world
Photo: Courtesy of TRIUMF
Life Sciences 2012.indd 10 3/19/12 8:48:53 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 11
of 94.9 and 94.3, respectively. (Scores of
less than 100 indicated advantage relative
to the U.S., scored at 100.)
The following incentives and pro-
grams help explain why life-science com-
panies choose B.C. over less competitive
jurisdictions.
B.C. shreds taxes
The federal government’s Scientific
Research and Experimental Development
(SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program (popularly
known as “shred”) supports research and
development at life-science companies
based in B.C. It provides Canadian-based
companies operating in B.C. refundable
tax credits for 35 per cent of eligible R&D
expenditures up to 2 million annually,
plus 20 per cent credits on other quali-
fied expenditures. A foreign-incorporated
company qualifies for a 20 per cent credit
against taxes payable for eligible expendi-
tures, but the credits are not refundable.
On top of this, B.C. will provide an addi-
tional refundable 10 per cent tax credit
against provincial taxes for eligible R&D
expenditures for a Canadian company.
Again, the province also extends the credit
to R&D expenses racked up by a foreign
company, but it is not refundable.
Capital building
B.C.’s Small Business Venture Capital Act
provides resident and corporate investors
participating in venture-capital funds or
eligible small businesses with a tax credit
of 30 per cent. The investments must be
made through a financing pre-approved
for eligibility by the provincial govern-
ment. An individual investor is entitled to
a maximum refundable credit of 60,000
per annum. Corporate credits aren’t
refundable. An individual investor who
leaves the province may not be able to
claim the credit, however.
Taking advantage
Vancouver is the home of AdvantageBC
International Business Centre. B.C. is North
America’s first jurisdiction to provide a cor-
porate tax refund based on revenue from
life-science patents. B.C.’s International
Business Activity Act allows incorporated
Canadian companies with permanent
establishments in B.C. to claim a refund of
75 per cent (up to 8 million) on corporate
income tax paid on international income
earned from the commercialization of
life-science patents. Manufacturers may
also be eligible for an exemption from
the provincial portion of sales tax paid on
production equipment and machinery.
The savings provide companies with funds
to reinvest in R&D activities.
Centres of attention
B.C. has invested more than 1.6 billion in
life-sciences R&D since 2001, anchoring a
sector that has also attained a significant
At the Centre for
Drug Research and
Development (CDRD)
BELOW: Martin Gleave,
chief executive officer,
the Prostate Centre’s
Translational Research
Initiative for Accelerated
Discovery and
Development (PC-TRIADD)
Photo (bottom): Fuseboxcomm.com
Life Sciences 2012.indd 11 3/19/12 8:49:03 PM
12 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
amount of federal funding.
The largest single tranche of life-science funding
from Ottawa came in 2008, with a pledge to establish
four new Centres of Excellence for Commercialization
and Research (CECRs) in the province, including
Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc. (AAPS), the
Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD),
the Centre of Excellence for the Prevention of Organ
Failure (PROOF) and the Prostate Centre’s Translational
Research Initiative for Accelerated Discovery and
Development (PC-TRIADD).
In addition, the National Research Council Canada
Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
provides various services to support small and
medium-sized life-science companies. IRAP’s invest-
ment in B.C. in 2010–11 totalled approximately 31.8
million, which supported life-science projects ranging
from the development and commercialization of
nanocomposite cements by Vancouver’s Innovative BioCeramix,
Inc., with application to dentistry, and research by Boreal
Genomics to identify diseased DNA codes in blood and environ-
mental samples.
Computer and storage clusters at
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre
National Science
and Engineering
Research Council
of Canada (NSERC)
invested 148.4
million in B.C. in
2010–11, with ap-
proximately a
fifth of industry
funding supporting
life sciences. The
funds have helped
finance the work of
1,494 professorships
and 245 industrial
partners. These
include projects
such as research by
David Vocadlo of Simon Fraser University into the role played by
sugars in Alzheimer’s disease. Vocadlo received 250,000 through
an NSERC fellowship in 2011, with industry partners Alectos
Therapeutics Inc. and Merck embracing his work.
Photos: Martin Krzywinski
Life Sciences 2012.indd 12 3/19/12 8:49:11 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 13
Electronic medical records (EMRs) are
key tools in the push to digitize and
thereby improve the effi ciency of
health care. The primary governmental
agency for driving adoption of EMRs
in British Columbia is optimistic that its
success to date will result in renewed
funding when its fi rst six-year mandate
expires in spring 2012.
The Physician Information Technology
Offi ce (PITO), co-run by the province and
the British Columbia Medical Association
(BCMA), received 107.8 million from B.C.
to use largely in incentives for doctors to
replace their manila fi le folders with EMR
software. By December 2011, 65 per cent
of B.C.’s 8,000 physicians had made the
transition to EMRs.
Of these, 5,500 are eligible to receive
reimbursement from PITO of up to 70
per cent of the costs of buying and
implementing EMRs.
“We are very optimistic based on
what both the BCMA and the Ministry
of Health have said to us about the
importance of EMR in health care,” says
Linda Bartz, senior communications
manager, PITO. “We have lots of plans
that we have initiated to step up adop-
tion and implementation.”
Such plans include creating working
groups of “super-users,” physicians who
use EMR software to its fullest capabilities
and who can help better train all doctors
to use it.
Interestingly, EMR adoption rates are
highest outside of Vancouver, Victoria
and the Fraser Valley, bucking the usual
trend of urban-fi rst, rural-second when it
comes to technology.
The Salmon Arm region has the prov-
ince’s highest adoption rate, with roughly 90
per cent of physicians in the area using EMRs.
Bartz says that doctors in smaller
communities usually work more closely
together, sharing emergency-room, on-call
and other duties. Effi cient sharing of med-
ical records is thus more necessary there.
Mark Sudul, general manager of Sidney’s
Osler Systems Management Inc., one of
four PITO vendors that provide
subsidized EMR software, says
that the funding incentives are
impor tant but not the only
factor driving adoption of EMRs.
“There are a signifi cant
number of doctors who
haven’t taken advantage of
any of those incentives and
still use EMRs,” he says.
Over approximately fi ve
years, Vancouver-based Telus
Corp. has spent roughly a bil-
lion dollars on information
technology related to health
care, including 763 million
on the acquisition of health and fi nancial-
services provider Emergis Inc. in early 2008.
In Newfoundland, Telus is helping
develop a province-wide electronic drug-
information system.
It’s also piloting a personal health-care
platform that supports Alberta’s goal of
helping consumers become more pro-
active in managing their health.
With doctors still getting a feel for new
electronic systems, it is diffi cult to assess
yet the impact of EMRs on the delivery of
care. It’s clear that there is still room for
improvement when it comes to the use of
digital health-care tools.
Telus is a major partner in de-
veloping B.C.’s tele-heath system, which
includes videoconferencing for doctors,
schedule-management and remote
patient-monitoring.
“Diff erent jurisdictions are at diff erent
places in their investment in terms of
e-health,” says Glenn De Roy, vice-
president of health delivery solutions at
Telus Health Solutions.
“One of the missing pieces of the
architecture to date is, How do you share
information across all these diff erent or-
ganizations and do it in an eff ective and
timely way?”
That’s where cloud computing comes
in. It’s the idea of storing information re-
motely where it can be shared, accessed
and distributed through various channels
to multiple stakeholders.
Says De Roy, “We see a need to de-
liver health-care solutions using that
cloud-based model to enable infor-
mation to be shared across the entire
health-care continuum.”
f
C
e
EMRs embraced Adoption rates of electronic medical records are highest
among physicians in rural British Columbia
BY CURT CHEREWAYKO
MedPalz, an interactive game from Telus, teaches
children with diabetes about exercise and nutrition
Life Sciences 2012.indd 13 3/19/12 8:49:28 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 15
Forecasts show how province’s biotechnology
firms seek funds to succeed
B.C., so the joke goes, doesn’t stand for
British Columbia so much as for
“Bring cash.”
The old joke has a grain of truth for the
province’s life sciences, which led the nation
in fundraising in 2010 but are also learning to
do more with less.
Ernst & Young’s most recent report on
global biotechnology pegs the sum of
public and private fi nancings garnered by
Vancouver’s life science fi rms in 2010 at
approx imately 160 million, greater than
what either Toronto’s or Montreal’s were
able to raise.
Nationally, however, the sector is at
its lowest ebb ever with investors, with
“B.C. companies adapt.
It says good things
about the technology
and the people that
we have in a diffi cult
climate like this”
– Ian Heine, partner,
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Bring cash
BY PETER MITHAM just 482 million raised in 2010 and with
equally low prospects for 2011 and 2012.
The struggle to attract investment and
the need for changes in tax policies to
better support startups were key con-
cerns in the most recent biennial survey
by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) of
Canada’s life sciences.
“It’s kind of at that point now where
unless stakeholders participate or take
action, you might see the continued de-
cline, unless something’s done,” says Ian
Heine, who leads the B.C. life-sciences
practice for PwC in Vancouver.
Heine expects 2012 to be “challenging.”
While the sector is capable of attracting
signifi cant sums – a 19-million round of
fi nancing for MSI Methylation Sciences
Inc. in September 2011 led by European
venture-capital fi rm Inventages being a
case in point – he feels that government
has a role to play in making investments
friendlier from a tax perspective.
Industry Canada’s review of federal
support to research and development –
the so-called Jenkins report, after review
chair Tom Jenkins – contained a critique of
the current system of Scientifi c Research
and Experimental Development credits as
too complex. It recommended a simpler
system of federal tax credits and the ap-
pointment of a minister charged specifi c-
ally with overseeing and encouraging
innovation in Canada.
Photo: Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 15 3/19/12 8:49:37 PM
16 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
VCH Research Institute is one of Canada’s top funded health
science research centres with $83.1 million in total research
funding for 2010/2011.
Quick facts
For more information visit us at www.vchri.ca
ANSWERS TO IllnessBETTER Treatment
NEW Cures
Congratulations Dr. Neil Cashman – winner of the 2012 Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence!
Heine worries that greater govern-
mental involvement may mitigate the
market’s role in determining which com-
panies are indeed innovative. He suggests
that permitting flow-through shares for
new life-science companies could be
useful, noting that they’ve been successful
in resource ventures, which have equally
long paybacks on initial investments.
According to Canada Revenue Agency,
flow-through shares allow companies
to pass expenses directly to investors.
Companies secure financing, while investors
can claim deductions for resource expenses
renounced by eligible corporations and in-
vestment tax credits on qualifying expenses.
Yet direct financing may not be
the answer, says Paul Karananoukian,
Montreal-based Canadian life-sciences
industry leader for Ernst & Young. While he
too is cautious regarding the direction of-
fered by the Jenkins report for the indus-
try’s future development, he believes the
sector needs a clear voice.
One area in which B.C. has shown
leadership is in collaborative relation-
ships, which Karananoukian believes are
as important to industry as to the gen-
eral public. He maintains that a strong
biotechnology sector able to support clin-
ical trials and other activities that enhance
local health care is vital to Canada’s future.
“B.C. has recognized the landscape –
knows what needs to be done,” he says.
“We need to collaborate more on a
nation al level, especially if we’re going to
have success in sustaining our health-care
costs going down the road.” He feels there
must be “more of a national collaboration”
if we are “to have a successful biotech or
life-science sector.”
Collaboration has borne fruit in the
establishment of the BC Clinical Research
Infrastructure Network as well as in the
fostering of international relationships with
major pharmaceutical companies at the
annual BioPartnering North America and
other events.
“There’s a longer stage of collaboration,
I would think, than in the past with uni-
versities and the BC Cancer Agency and
organizations like CDRD [Centre for Drug
Research and Development],” Heine says.
“Some companies are starting a relation-
ship with the big pharma companies at a
lot earlier stage, and they’re becoming a
lot closer than they otherwise would have
been in the past.”
Companies are also tackling projects
that are closer to commercialization, short-
ening the timeline for investors between
funding and payback. This helps explains
why the province led the nation for finan-
cings in 2010, Heine says, with each new
investment bearing out the fact there are
companies worth investing in here if the
value proposition is right. The financing is
often international.
In June 2011, Richmond-based Aquinox
Pharmaceuticals Inc. raised US25 mil-
lion from an investor list that saw Pfizer
Venture Investments join Johnson &
Johnson Development Corp., Baker
Brothers Investments and BC Advantage
Funds. Similarly, Valocor Therapeutics, Inc.
was acquired by California’s Dermira Inc.
the same month as part of a US42-million
financing deal.
“B.C. companies adapt,” Heine says of
the dynamic playing out between local
life-science firms and investors seeking a
safe haven for their funds. “Some of them
are finding funds, maybe not in Canada,
but they’re finding funds elsewhere to
move it forward. It says good things about
the technology and the people that we
have in a difficult climate like this.”
Life Sciences 2012.indd 16 3/19/12 8:49:37 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 17
David Murawsky won fi rst prize for
18 Things You Should Know About
Genetics in Gene Screen BC 2011
The art of scienceGene Screen BC competition fuses fields in pursuit of education
BY ALISON DEPALMA
The British Columbia Clinical Genomics Network (BCCGN) was on the hunt for innov-
ative ways of boosting the understanding of genomics among the province’s phys-
icians. As principal investigator Michael Hayden explains, advances in genomics have
brought great communication challenges.
“We have a responsibility to multiple sectors, from medicine to science to the gen-
eral public, to educate about what we do [and] start a dialogue about the issues that
are infl uencing and impacting us,” says Hayden, who is also director of the Centre for
Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia.
An answer came in the form of breaking down the barrier between art and science –
in encouraging fi lmmakers and researchers to collaborate. And the Gene Screen BC short
fi lm competition was born.
BCCGN found a natural partner in Genome British Columbia, the non-profi t dedicated
to fuelling genomics research and off ering high-school students science-based experiential
learning. Through Gene Screen, the partners inform physicians, students and the public
about genetics and its role in human health.
Photo: David Murawsky
Life Sciences 2012.indd 17 3/19/12 8:49:41 PM
18 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
The annual competition started in
2010, with filmmakers from Vancouver,
from across Canada, from the United
States and from Europe submitting in
its rounds. Gene Screen offers a total
of 8,000 in prizes, breaking down to
3,500 for first place, 2,500 for second
and 1,000 for third, plus 1,000 to the
People’s Choice winner. The 2011 judges
included former Discovery Channel
host Jay Ingram, filmmaker Penelope
Buitenhuis and scientist and CBC person-
ality Jennifer Gardy.
A total of 19 entries were received in the
2011 contest, with first place going to a solo
project by David Murawsky of Vancouver.
A colourful animated short called 18 Things
You Should Know About Genetics strums out
playful facts about DNA and genetics.
Murawsky himself holds a bachelor of
science in cell biology and genetics from
UBC and a digital design diploma from the
Vancouver Film School. He says, “I’m inter-
ested in bridging the gap between science
for scientists and science for everyone else.
My approach with this film was to present
the concept of genetics in an approachable
way, keeping things simple and showing
that genetics can be fun.”
Other entries were typically more col-
laborative. The People’s Choice winner
Roza Bidshahri, an industrial PhD candi-
date working with André Marziali at Boreal
Genomics, met her film collaborators
through the Gene Screen launch: an event
hosted to enable such pairings between
filmmakers and scientists. Her film, The
Greatest Drug in the World, presents the
controversial concept of personalized
medicine, the customization of health care
on the basis of genetic variations. This film
and many other entries from the 2011 and
2010 competitions call attention to the
need for discussion of the many social and
ethical issues arising from this new field.
“People want to be part of that
dialogue,” says Sally Greenwood, vice-
president of communications and
education at Genome BC. “Some of the
high-school teachers using the films from
the competition in their classrooms are
finding them useful beyond the science
class; they’re extending the discussions to
touch on law, socials studies and beyond.”
Initially shown at the screening and
awards event on September 26, 2011, in
the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema, at SFU
Woodward’s, the films are now available
for anyone to view through YouTube at
www.genescreenbc.com/2011-videos.
The next Gene Screen competition is
set to launch in spring 2012.
“We hope to keep this competition
going and growing,” says Greenwood.
For Hayden, there are no limits to the
opportunity the contest offers for mutual
enrichment between art and science.
“The more we interact, the more
we realize we have a lot to learn from
each other,” he says, of the two fields.
“Through this collaboration, we are mu-
tually enriched.”
ABOVE George Church, Harvard geneticist, and Rosalynn
Gill, director of diagnostic products for SomaLogic,
appear in Genome: The Future Is Now, by second-place
winner Marilyn Ness (Gene Screen BC 2011)
LEFT: The Gene Screen BC 2011 screening gala
LEFT: Roza Bidshahri, winner of the People’s
Choice award for The Greatest Drug in the
World at Gene Screen BC 2011, chats with her
collaborator and Michael Hayden, co-leader
of the B.C. Clinical Genomics Network
Photos (clockwise from top left): Brian Hawkes; Necessary Films (centre and right); Brian Hawkes
Life Sciences 2012.indd 18 3/19/12 8:50:04 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 19
all of the health-care facilities will have to
say, ‘Okay guys, we need to mobilize.’”
The growth of consumer-focused
apps, according to ABI, will be driven
by development and adoption of wear-
able devices such as vital-signs monitors
that connect with software programs on
smartphones and tablets.
Other consumer-oriented wireless
health apps, like scheduling software that
helps people keep track of exercise
regimes, are more elementary but none-
theless finding markets.
Take Vancouver’s PortaLife Solutions,
Inc. With the company’s new CarrotLines,
consumers can use their smartphones to
scan nutritional data from barcodes on
food products and manage their diets.
The app is useful both for those gen-
erally health-conscious and for those
needing managed diets, such as diabetics.
There are also the more technical, more
specialized and more regulated wireless
apps used by health-care professionals.
Vancouver-based ReFleX Wireless Inc.
has developed a system that physicians
can use to monitor a patient’s vital signs all
at once. Bluetooth-enabled, it replaces all
those toaster-sized, wired monitoring sys-
tems found beside the hospital bed.
BY CURT CHEREWAYKO
It was near the end of an eight-year career
with Nokia that Gregg Sauter, having
gained a firm knowledge of the wireless
industry, started exploring opportunities in
sectors that hadn’t “gone wireless.”
“Transportation was one, education
was one, but health care just completely
screamed out,” says Sauter, who after
leaving Nokia in early 2011, founded
mHealth Connected, a small Vancouver-
based consultancy and reseller focused on
wireless health care.
A November 23, 2011, report by ABI
Research titled Mobile Devices and mHealth
forecasted that the global market for
sport and health-related wireless ap-
plications would hit US400 million in
revenues by 2016, as compared to US120
million in 2010.
Wireless health apps are being adopted
by a notable type of consumer: one who’s
taking health care out of the hospital and
into his or her own hands.
Sauter says more consumers are visiting
doctors’ offices tablet in hand, ready digit-
ally to retrieve health infor mation that may
help make the visits more productive.
“The push is really going to be from the
bottom up,” he says. “And all of a sudden,
Gregg Sauter, founder of mHealth
Connected, with the Withings Blood
Pressure Monitor
It can also be set up at the home, with
data about the patient sent wirelessly back
to the doctor’s office.
ReFleX has largely avoided regula-
tory hurdles by targeting the extended
and long-term health-care arena. Its
technology merges existing biomedical
monitoring systems with proven con-
sumer-oriented and, importantly, low-cost
wireless technologies.
Alan Swain is vice-president of tech-
nology and operations at Vancouver’s
Wavefront, which helps companies
(including PortaLife and ReFleX) com-
mercialize their wireless technologies. He
offers two recommendations for any wire-
less health-care company that faces high
regulatory hurdles.
One, he says is to focus on creating
products in developing countries that
have less regulation but need major
improvement in health care. The huge
adoption rate of cell phones in some
developing countries means untapped
opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Alternatively, says Swain, an entre-
preneur can enter into partnership with
someone in health care who knows the
regulatory system of a major established
market, namely the United States.
Wireless technologies are
empowering a new generation of
health-conscious Canadians
What’s the frequency, doctor?
Photo: Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 19 3/19/12 8:50:06 PM
20 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
trained medical professional can triage
most patients and refer the most complex
cases to specialists. The Aura is already
licensed for sale in Canada and the
European Union, and Verisante will begin its
registration in Australia and Brazil in 2012.
Through a key clinical study conducted
by the University of British Columbia, the
Aura was used to scan approximately 1,000
The Verisante Aura
Our own devices
Province’s companies
at the forefront of their sector
nanoparticles will reach in the body.
The smaller they are, the deeper into tissue
they can access,” he says.
In 2012, the company is due to launch
its technology into the research sector. It
then plans to expand into the pharma-
ceutical market.
It’s got us under our skin
“Any medical professional can use the
Verisante Aura for early skin-cancer
diagnosis,” even without knowing what
cancerous lesions look like, says
Thomas Braun, chief execu-
tive officer of Verisante
Technology Inc.
Originally
developed for
the BC Cancer
Agency, the
Aura is now being
manufactured
by StarFish Medical
in Victoria and will retail
starting in mid-2012.
Its non-invasive laser excites and meas-
ures vibrations in skin molecules, which
vibrate differently when cancerous.
It takes 15 minutes to scan the whole
body, immediately identifying lesions as
benign, as melanomas, as basal cell carcin-
omas or as squamous cell carcinomas.
Aura is seen as one solution to the
shortage of dermatologists. A differently
British Columbia’s companies are
changing medicine with innovative
devices.
Ripe for competitions
In 2011, its first year of business, Precision
NanoSystems, Inc. made it to the finals
of two prestigious entrepreneurship
competitions.
The company reached the top five at
the entrepreneurship awards given by the
University of British Columbia, where it’s a
spinoff, and it was a top-10 finalist in the
BCIC-New Ventures competition.
According to James Taylor, chief execu-
tive officer, the microfluids technology
developed by Precision NanoSystems
produces small lipid nanoparticles that can
be used to carry drugs to specific areas of
the body.
Taylor says, “The area of nanoparticles is
a very important field that will have a big
impact on personalized medicine. A lot of
researchers are working to understand the
genomics of specific diseases, and these
nanoparticles are going to help treat these
diseases by getting the right drugs to the
right tissues at the right time.”
He says that Precision NanoSystems’
technology produces particles measuring
20 to 50 nanometers: smaller than those
produced by its competitors.
“Size plays a big part in where the
BY REBECCA EDWARDS
Life Sciences 2012.indd 20 3/19/12 8:50:07 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 21
lesions at Vancouver General Hospital over
a six-year period. Results showed that the
Aura had a very high rate of 99 per cent
in accurately diff erentiating all major skin
cancers from benign lesions and that it
could reduce unnecessary biopsies by 50
to 100 per cent. The results showed strong
benefi ts of using the Aura to assist medical
professionals in diagnosing skin cancer.
The company is also developing the
Core device, expecting to start clinical
trials in 2012. It would cost less than 5,000
and use multi-spectrum imaging tech-
nology to aid in the diagnosis of skin and
oral cancers.
Verisante has also purchased lung,
colorectal and cervical cancer-detection
patents for technologies from Perceptronix
Medical Inc., also in Vancouver, that can be
used alone or to enhance the Core.
Ample samples
Diagnosis of cancer in the future could be
as simple as giving blood, says Nitin Sood,
chief executive offi cer at Boreal Genomics.
Formed in 2007, the company in 2011
launched the Aurora nucleic acid purifi ca-
tion system, which extracts DNA from
incomplete or contaminated samples. It’s
been proven to work on samples from
the Atacama Desert, from the Antarctic
tundra, from sea sediments, from the oil-
sands and from stool.
Boreal is now focusing on second-
generation technology that could extract
traces of cancer DNA in blood samples,
opening new possibilities for non-invasive,
early detection.
“Our vision is that you go to the doctor
for a yearly medical, give a blood sample
and fi nd out if you have cancer, what type
it is and what stage,” says Sood.
“There is no invasive biopsy procedure,
and cancer patients can also be tested
regularly to see if their treatment is working
to reduce the cancer life in the body.”
In 2012, Boreal expects to begin clinical
trials of the technology and plans to apply
for FDA regulatory approval in 2013 or 2014.
The company employs 30 persons in
Vancouver and California.
Picture this
Digital technology allows a British
Columbian imaging company to support
medical professionals around the world
from headquarters in Richmond.
McKesson Enterprise Medical Imaging,
a subsidiary of McKesson Provider
Technologies, was originally established as
A.L.I. Technologies Inc. in 1986.
In 1988, McKesson introduced one
of the world’s fi rst ultrasound picture-
archiving and storage systems using per-
sonal computer technology.
Today, the company employs more
than 700 persons to design, manufac-
ture and support image-management
solutions for radiology and cardiology
professionals, including ultrasound, CT,
mammography, radiology imaging, nu-
clear medicine and orthopedic templating.
“The area of nanoparticles is
a very important fi eld that
will have a big impact on
personalized medicine”
– James Taylor, chief executive offi cer,
Precision NanoSystems Inc.
At McKesson Enterprise Medical Imaging,
based in Richmond
Life Sciences 2012.indd 21 3/19/12 8:50:08 PM
22 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Transforming Clinical Trials through…Our People - Innovation - Transparency
A leading global CRO, PRA provides personalized service customized to the unique requirements of each study.
clearlypra.com
McKesson supports reporting and
scheduling with access any time, any-
where, to the patient’s complete record.
Digital solutions streamline diagnosis,
from ordering a procedure to sending the
report to a referring physician.
McKesson provides medical imaging
for radiology and cardiology professionals
throughout B.C.’s Interior Health region,
allowing 32 medical facilities within the
Okanagan, East Kootenay and Kootenay
Boundary areas to share information.
McKesson also serves Quebec’s two
largest hospital networks (RUIS McGill and
RUIS Université de Montréal) and hospital
facilities in the United States, Ireland, the
United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel
and Australia.
At Boreal Genomics, researchers prepare samples on the company’s recently
launched Aurora system
Photo: Boreal Genomics
Life Sciences 2012.indd 22 3/19/12 8:50:09 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 23
Especially for youPersonalized medicine pinpoints best
treatment given a patient’s genetic makeup
“Thirty years from now, we will each carry
our personal genomic blueprint in our
wallet on an electronic chip,” predicts
Brad Popovich, chief scientifi c offi cer of Genome
British Columbia, which funds research in
molecular biology.
BY REBECCA EDWARDS
Brad Popovich, CSO,
Genome British Columbia
Photo: Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 23 3/19/12 8:50:10 PM
24 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
“Not only will it tell us the diseases we
are genetically predisposed to, but it will
tell us how to manage our health better,
and it will tell our doctor the most effi cient
treatments for our genomic makeup.”
Personalized medicine entails
studying a patient’s genes so that the
most eff ec tive, least risky therapies can
be chosen for that person.
Bruce McManus, director, Prevention
of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of
Excellence, University of British Columbia,
has developed a series of blood tests
to predict which transplant patients
would be likeliest to reject new organs.
Currently under clinical trial in B.C., the
tests aim to indicate the presence of
biomarkers commonly seen in rejections.
Post-transplant, the tests replace painful
and costly biopsies currently used to
check for rejection.
At the department of biochemistry and
molecular biology, UBC, Pieter Cullis uses
lipid nanoparticles to deliver small inter-
fering RNA that “turn off ” genes causing
liver and prostate cancer.
Meanwhile, Michael Hayden and Bruce
Carleton of the Child & Family Research
Institute are co-leads of the Canadian
Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug
Safety, looking for genomic biomarkers
that predict adverse drug reactions in
patients, estimated to be the fi fth-leading
cause of death in North America.
They’re working to identify which
genes infl uence how patients process nar-
cotics and opiates. The goal: to ensure that
patients receive the right levels of pain
control without harmful side eff ects.
Currently under scrutiny are Cisplatin,
a chemotherapy drug that can cause
hearing loss in patients, and anthracy-
clines, a class of drugs most commonly
used against children’s cancer that can
cause heart damage.
Genomic tests will identify the patients
likeliest to experience reactions and point
physicians toward less risky or more eff ec-
tive therapies.
Carleton says this will be particularly
useful in the treatment of young children,
who aren’t usually participants in drug
trials and aren’t always able to communi-
cate the side eff ects they suff er.
Hayden won the 2011 Canada
Gairdner Wightman Award for work that
includes creating a predictive test for
Huntington’s disease.
He says, “At the moment, we blindly
take a shot at choosing the right treatment,
which leads to massive costs because more
than 50 per cent of prescribed drugs don’t
work on the person they were prescribed
for and may lead to adverse side eff ects.
In the long term, personalized medicine
will make the cost of health care more
aff ordable, but it is going to cost more
as we move to the new approach, so B.C.
needs visionary leadership to allow us to
make the transition.”
Popovich comments that B.C health
care benefi ts from a “strong core” of sci-
entists, researchers and world-class facili-
ties. The province’s single-payer health
system makes it easier for clinicians to
adopt new procedures.
In 2011, Cullis was joined by David
Huntsman, associate professor at the UBC
faculty of medicine; Michael Hayden;
Bruce McManus; and Michael Burgess,
professor at the UBC department of
medical genetics, to set up the BC
Personalized Medicine Initiative, led by
operations offi cer Rob Fraser. Its purpose:
to act as a bridge among the provincial
health-care system, patients and the
technology community.
Cullis says the province must invest in
personalized medicine soon to continue
to compete on the world stage.
“We know that the Beijing Genomics
Institute has a budget of 1.5 billion, and
Ontario has invested 950 million in its
personalized medicine program.”
Life Sciences 2012.indd 24 3/19/12 8:50:12 PM
Sponsored byPublished by
The B.C. life sciences industry is ranked among the smartest and fastest-growing research communities in the world
Featuring:BLG VancouverBRI Biopharmaceutical ResearchThe Centre for Drug Research and DevelopmentGenome British ColumbiaGlaxoSmithKlineMichael Smith FoundationMPI ResearchSeed IPSirona BiochemStemcell TechnologiesTees Consulting
Verisante
Corporate P rofiles2012
A supplement to LifeSciences British Columbia
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 1 2/7/12 2:06:10 PM
As one of Canada’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline understands that scientists require commitment and resources to discover the next medical breakthrough. This is why we invested more than $141 million in Canadian research and development in 2010 alone. At GSK, we stay ahead by putting the health of Canadians before anything else. Discover more at GSK.ca
STAYING AHEAD BY STAYING INVESTED IN THE HEALTH OF CANADIANS.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 2 2/7/12 2:06:12 PM
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 3 2/7/12 2:06:12 PM
Supplied by
GENOME BRITISH COLUMBIA www.genomebc.ca
Spreading the value of genomics
colonies were either dead or unproductive after wintering last year and cold weather was not the only cause. These losses threat-en not only our honey production, but our food supply. Genome BC is supporting the development of technology to breed a more resistant honeybee — and hopefully improve the survival rates of the colonies. It’s a critical tool for ensuring the future health and viability of our honeybees — our tiny, yet mighty, pollinators.
Environmental canaries in a coal mine
Animals have been used as early warning systems to protect human health since at least the early 1900s, when coal miners began taking canaries into the mines to monitor the presence of toxic gases. More recently, animals such as frogs and mus-sels have been studied as ‘bioindicators’ for
monitoring the health of an environment or ecosystem, such as a coastal area or watershed. Genomics is taking this type of envi-ronmental monitoring to a whole new level. Effects from pollut-ants or other environmental stressors often manifest themselves first at the molecular level, well before the animals show obvious physical signs. Scientists are using genomics tools to detect these effects sooner, help identify possible causes and measure impacts on the environment as well as human health.
Atlantic salmon swim to the forefront of science
The International Cooperation to Sequence the Atlantic Salmon Genome (ICSASG) is a multi-phase research initiative formed to chart new knowledge about this salmonid species. The challenges facing fisheries and aquaculture in BC are not limited to only our region — other regions in the world face similar challenges. Therefore, Genome BC is collaborating with international part-ners in Chile and Norway to collectively conduct research which is expected to generate a high-quality resource for those respon-sible for the management of wild salmon stocks and the salmon aquaculture industry, as well as providing a reference genome for work with other salmonids.
Genome BC’s research portfolio is funded by the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada through both Genome Canada and Western Economic Diversification and over 100 end-user, industry and international partners.
Contact: Richard HowlettEmail: [email protected]: 604-637-4379
... means translating research findings into real world results. Results that can make a real difference to our province, like practi-cal tools for protecting our natural resourc-es, new ways of diagnosing and treating disease, and better methods for developing alternative sources of clean energy.
Genomics research is delivering these benefits all over British Columbia. Ask the cancer patient whose early diagnosis saved her from a ‘lifetime of worry’ ... or the beekeepers who are closer to knowing the causes of honeybee colony collapse ... or the forest managers who are able to deter-mine which tree species are better suited to a changing climate ... or the international research team that is using genomics to improve the management of salmon fisher-ies and aquaculture.
Genome Brit ish Columbia del ivers results by investing in, managing and enabling large-scale genom-ics and proteomics research projects and technology platforms. Over the past decade the organization has invested over $550 million in research that has made impacts in areas of strategic and economic importance to British Columbia, Canada and the world, including human health, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, bioenergy, mining and the environment. In addition, a critical element of responsible genomics research is to provide a forum through which accompanying environmental, ethical, economic, legal and social issues can be explored so that the context for sci-entific research remains focussed and relevant to society.
A snapshot of Genome BC’s diverse genomics research portfolio:
Reducing diagnosis time for hereditary breast cancer
If a woman inherits a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, her lifetime risk to develop both breast and ovarian cancer is greatly increased over that of other women in the general population. Genome BC is supporting researchers at the BC Cancer Agency who are implementing a genomics-based technology to dra-matically speed up the testing for these mutations. The sooner a woman knows she may be at risk, the sooner she and other family members can take preventative action.
Helping honeybee breeders out of a sticky situation
The real buzz about honeybees is that the pollination efforts of honeybees are estimated to contribute in excess of $2.2 billion to Canada’s agricultural economy each year. In BC, honeybee pollination is responsible for nearly $500 million in agricultural production every year. However in BC almost 10,000 honeybee
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 4 2/7/12 2:06:13 PM
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BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP www.blg.com
World-class service, local expertiseThe life sciences industry
It is with that same pioneering vision that the life sciences professionals at our western offices have built their practices. The Western Life Sciences Group at BLG has the bench strength to help you miti-gate risk, navigate and compete in an everchanging economic environment. Serving companies from across Canada and around the globe, our Vancouver and Calgary offices offer unparalleled local support. Partners of BLG’s West-ern Life Science Group each have more than 10 years of experience working in the life sciences sector.
patent agent)
and IP lawyer and patent and trade-mark agent)
and regulatory lawyer)
With clients ranging from publicly traded and privately held cor-porations, universities, and research institutions, operating in sec-tors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and vaccines, BLG has one of Canada’s leading life sciences practices.
Partnering for success
BLG is committed to providing not only world-class legal advice and services, but also excellent value as fee arrangements other than billing at an hourly rate are also available where appropriate. We look forward to being part of your team, and being with you every step of the way.
he current global economic envi-ronment poses one of the largest challenges ever facing the life sci-
ences industry. Despite this turmoil, there remains tremendous opportunities for companies in the life sciences indus-try to deliver true innovation and value.
for financing or liquidity to extend your runway, growing your pipeline through in-licensing, acquisition or carrying out your own research development, protecting, asserting or defending your inventions, conducting clinical trials, navigating regulatory hurdles or help-ing you execute on your exit strategy or strategic alliance, Borden Ladner Ger-
step of the way.
BLG’s world-class service
BLG has the depth and breadth of expertise and experience to advise companies of all sizes, from start-ups to established pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies, through all stages of a technology’s or product’s life cycle, from innovation to commercialization.
-panies. Our national life sciences team is entrepreneurial, busi-ness-minded, and has strong scientific and technical backgrounds.
agents, have worked in in-house positions or have served as exter-nal general counsel to Canadian and multi-national companies that give them a unique perspective when working with clients.
Our clients work with a team of professionals, knowledgeable of the industry and focused on delivering client-centred service. In building a team for the client, we draw on professionals from across the country who offer a balance of expertise, experience and local contact. In particular, BLG has lawyers and patent agents with substantial experience in pharmaceutical litigation and medicine-pricing regulatory issues.
BLG’s Western Life Sciences Group
Western Canada’s reputation for breakthrough discoveries, world-class research and development are highly sought after in Canada and around the globe. Combined, British Columbia
of innovation.
Contact
Email: [email protected]: 604-640-4069Tel: 416-367-6142
Email: Tel: 403-232-9415
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THE CENTRE FOR DRUG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CDRD www.cdrd.ca
Transforming discovery into opportunity
Since becoming fu l ly operational just four years ago, CDRD has expand-ed from a provincial to a national organization, been recognized as a Centre of Excellence for Commercial-ization and Research (CECR) by the Federal Government, and emerged as one of the world’s leading drug devel-opment and commercializa-tion organizations – while successfully achieving all our original objectives:
in British Columbia by building a full pre-clinical drug devel-opment platform with 85 full-time highly qualified staff;
-opment and commercialization by successfully advancing 40 technologies toward commercialization;
pool of highly-qualified personnel by training 83 post-docs, co-op students and interns; and
community and attracting investment by becoming interna-tionally recognized as a leading model and organization, estab-lishing affiliations with academic Centres of Excellence on four continents, and developing partnerships and attracting invest-ment from the world’s top global pharmaceutical companies
-eries have a much greater prospect of being developed into new medicines; the life sciences industry is fuelled with a robust pipe-line of new pre-validated technologies; and the societal returns on
Contact: For more information on The Centre for Drug Research
he C ent re for D r ug Research and Devel-opment (CDRD) is a
national not-for-profit drug development and commer-cialization centre that de-
from publicly-funded health research, and transforms them into viable investment opportunities for the pri-vate sector – thereby bridg-ing the commercialization gap between academia and
We do this by collaborat-
20+ affiliated research institutions across Canada and select international centres to identify commercially promising proj-ects, and then providing the state-of-the-art specialized drug development facilities, scientific and business expertise, and professional project management needed to advance the tech-
-
CDRD’s team collaborates with principal investigators to -
tial, screened against rigorous scientific and business criteria to
outcomes-focused drug development under professional project
according to industry practices with strictly defined experiments,
To support the projects, CDRD facilitates the leveraging of external funding via granting agencies, and through funds raised
identify those showing therapeutic and commercialization poten--
intellectual property generated from CDRD projects directly from the affiliated institution or inventor, and forms strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to
-
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SIRONA BIOCHEM www.sironabiochem.com
Portfolio of enhanced carbohydrate compounds
In addition to the skin depigmenting agent, Sirona Biochem’s cosmeceutical portfolio also includes compounds that maintain the viability of skin fibroblasts under stress conditions. Studies are being undertaken to further evaluate this new family of compounds as anti-aging agents.
Biological ingredients – inducers &
adjuvants
Sirona Biochem is also producing biologi-cal inducers to initiate protein expression in E.coli more efficiently than currently marketed inducers. These enhanced and more stable inducers will contribute to improve production and product margins of recombinant proteins. In a recent study, Sirona Biochem’s inducer compound induced synthesis of a soluble recombi-nant protein in E.coli for up to 24 hours.
In addition, Sirona Biochem’s compound produced more protein compared to a commercially available inducer at the same con-centration and demonstrated a longer duration of effect. Stud-ies also demonstrate that our inducer can induce expression at a concentration far below the commercially available inducer. A second phase of testing will be performed on two additional, more challenging proteins to express. The studies are expected to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2012. A patent was filed in 2011 and further expansion of the patent is planned for 2012.
Sirona Biochem’s Biological Ingredients program also includes adjuvants for organ, tissue and cell preservation destined for cul-ture or transplant. A new series of glycopeptides has been identi-fied for this purpose and studies are underway to further evaluate their preservation properties.
Commercialization strategy
Sirona Biochem Corp. plans to develop its programs to comple-tion of preclinical studies. It will seek a partner for clinical and commercial development of its programs. The company is pre-pared to begin partnering discussions on three programs – SGLT inhibitor for diabetes, biological inducer for recombinant protein production and the skin depigmenting agent to be used as a skin lightener for cosmetics. The company is publicly-traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange in Canada under the stock symbol SBM and company continues to raise capital through private place-ments and seek non-dilutive funding through grants.
Contact: Sean Cunliffe, Chief Business Officer Email: [email protected] Tel: 604-282-6062
irona Biochem is a biotechnology company specializing in carbohy-drate-based chemistry. With our
subsidiary TFChem, we are applying a proprietary chemistry technology towards the development of an SGLT inhibitor for diabetes, a cancer vaccine antigen, depig-menting and anti-aging agents for cosmet-ic use, adjuvants for biological material preservation and inducers for recombinant protein production.
Therapeutics – SGLT inhibitor for
type 2 diabetes & cancer vaccine
antigen
Preclinical studies continue for Sirona Biochem’s SGLT inhibitor program for diabetes. Preliminary studies in rodents demonstrated that the company’s com-pound eliminated glucose through the urine in a dose-dependent manner. The compound also reduced blood glucose excursions following a glucose challenge against untreated groups. Ancillary pharmacology studies such as in vitro ADME, toxicology and safety profiles have been completed. The most recent study of diabetic rats treated with Sirona’s compound showed a reduction in glycemia similar to control lean rats. There were strong correlations between the decrease in blood glucose level and the excretion of urinary glucose. A preclinical package is expected to be ready by the end of 2012. A patent was filed in 2008 for a first family of new chemical entities. Another application was filed in 2011 to protect a second family of compounds.
Sirona Biochem is also developing a stable Tn Antigen towards the development of a new anti-TACA cancer vaccine. A patent has been filed in 2010 and converted to PCT in 2011 in order to protect the technology.
Cosmeceuticals – skin depigmenting & anti-aging
agents for cosmetic application
Sirona Biochem’s subsidiary, TFChem, is developing depigment-ing agents as skin lighteners for cosmetic use. These agents are mimetics of arbutin and will be evaluated to determine their ability to inhibit melanin synthesis on skin explants. Toxicity studies will also be conducted to test the compounds for irrita-tion, sensitization, phototoxicity, ocular tolerability, genotoxicity and skin microbial toxicity on cell culture and skin explants. In November 2011, TFChem received a major funding grant from the French government to advance its depigmenting agent program to a commercially-ready stage. A patent was filed in 2011 to protect the structure, chemical process and applications of this family of compounds.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 7 2/7/12 2:06:16 PM
Supplied by
STEMCELL TECHNOLOGIES INC www.stemcell.com
STEMCELL Technologies Inc – BC’s largest biotech company
ick, developed in collaboration with Hamilton Robotics, accelerates cell line development by automating clone selection.
A global exporter with ISO certification
STEMCELL Technologies has solid manufactur-ing capabilities in our headquarters in the Lower Mainland. We are proud to have earned ISO 13485:2003 certification for our research, manu-facturing and shipping facilities in Canada, the US and France. Our processes incorporate rigor-ous selection of raw materials and exacting qual-ity control processes that have made STEMCELL a symbol for quality in life science research.
Helping scientists locally and globally
STEMCELL is committed to working togeth-er with scientists to develop new products that will help perform their experiments quickly and reliably. Where needed, our team is able to discuss specific experimental requirements with research-ers, and design and manufacture customized reagents tailored to their needs. STEMCELL’s Contract Assay Service also works with pharma and biotech scientists to develop and perform f lexible custom-designed experiments. In addition, STEMCELL supports all customers in achieving consistent research results by offering personalized training courses and access to timely and effective technical assistance.
Committed to science and scientists
STEMCELL’s teams have participated in more than 200 collabora-tive projects in 18 different countries. With over $3.5 million dol-lars in contributions to the Canadian Stem Cell Network and over forty local research group collaborations, STEMCELL is actively driving Canadian research. Locally, STEMCELL has collaborated with and helped fund over forty research groups.
Come grow with us
We have a number of positions currently open for both lab-based and business roles in our Research and Development, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Microbiology, Marketing and Sales departments.
We advertise new positions often – check our website regularly.STEMCELL is constantly looking for talented scientists in a
variety of departments. If you have a PhD or MSc in a relevant field and would like to be considered for an upcoming position, please visit our website at stemcell.com and submit your resume through job posting “Future Positions.” Please be sure to indicate the department(s) that are of interest to you.
Contact: For more information about STEMCELL Technologies, please visit www.stemcell.com.
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. is a global leader in the rapidly growing healthcare research sec-tor. The company develops and manufactures high quality standardized tissue culture media, cell separation reagents and instruments and distributes them to customers in over 70 coun-tries. Our products support leading edge scien-tific research in stem cell biology, immunology, cell therapy, regenerative medicine, tissue engi-neering and drug discovery.
STEMCELL is an international firm with over 400 science-oriented employees in 10 countries, including: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Singapore and China. Our head office, research and man-ufacturing activities are all located in our Van-couver facilities. Founded in 1993, STEMCELL remains privately held, with profits re-invested to spur greater product innovation and to support growth which averages over 20% per annum.
Award winning specialized media products: 2011 Break-
through Product in Stem Cell Research
Our scientists are constantly developing novel, cutting-edge media that support academic and industrial stem cell researchers. These efforts were recognized at the 2011 Life Science Industry Awards® with STEMCELL winning the 2011 award for Breakthrough Product in Stem Cell Research. The 2011 Life Science Industry Awards were selected by 6,082 life scientists, drawn from all regions of the world, who nominated and voted for the best performing supplier in 29 dis-tinct product categories. These awards provide a unique venue allow-ing scientists to recognize the quality and innovation of their suppli-ers upon whose products the success of their research depends.
Cell separation products
STEMCELL has also developed novel cell separation products which allow researchers to isolate virtually any cell type, including immune, hematopoietic, mammary, mesenchymal and tumour cells. The plat-forms used to isolate cells include EasySep™ – an immunomagnetic approach, and RosetteSep™ – an immunodensity approach.
Research robotics
In addition to development of media and cell separation kits, STEMCELL has also developed a number of instruments to auto-mate life science research. RoboSep™ is a fully automated system for cell separation, designed to save technicians time and to standard-ize cell separation procedures. STEMvision™ was recently launched to automate the identification and counting of hematopoietic col-ony-forming cell assays required in bone marrow research, cord blood banks and transplantation labs. Our new ClonaCell™ EasyP-
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 8 2/7/12 2:06:18 PM
Supplied by
MICHAEL SMITH FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH RESEARCH www.msfhr.org
Investing in a healthier BC
porting discovery, our awards have a proven multiplier effect, improving researchers’ ability to engage teams and attract addition-al funding to advance knowledge on criti-cal health issues. We also fund systems and networks to share resources across the prov-ince, including BC BioLibrary, BC Clinical Genomics Network, BC Proteomics Network, Centre for Drug Research and Development, and Population Data BC.
Solutions for BC’s health system
MSFHR plays a vital role in mobilizing BC’s health research community to identify urgent priorities and fast-track the develop-ment of solutions. As a respected non-par-tisan facilitator, we bring together people as part of collaborative networks and plat-forms that put research knowledge to use in improving health care. Among the projects we have funded and managed are:
practice and policy-
ing health system change initiatives
review process for multi-centre research studies
as SARS and H1N1MSFHR is a provincial leader in knowledge translation and
frequently convenes forums and workshops to promote the effec-tive application of research evidence by scientists and end-users. We also bring together universities, health authorities, charitable organizations, and government stakeholders for health research planning and action.
As we enter our second decade under the leadership of new Pres-
our best and brightest to discover, connect and engage to improve the health of individuals across BC and around the world.
Contact: Bev Holmes, PhD, Vice-President,
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 604-714-6600
n 1993, UBC researcher Dr. Michael Smith became British Columbia’s first Nobel Laureate, earning international
acclaim for his groundbreaking advances in genetic studies. For Dr. Smith, a humble and gregarious molecular biologist, the Nobel Prize was the culmination of a brilliant career. For BC, it was a milestone point-ing to the province’s potential as a leader in health research.
-mitment to supporting BC researchers, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health
with a mandate to enhance the province’s
past decade, we have partnered with the provincial government to invest more than
-ing infrastructure across all areas of health research. The result has been a remarkable transformation of BC’s health research landscape.
At the time of MSFHR’s founding, BC’s health research enter-prise was at a crossroads. Despite the success of Dr. Smith and other research leaders, the province was under-performing in its ability to attract federal grant funding and faced the loss of top scientists to other jurisdictions. MSFHR has played a central role in reversing this trend and creating a vibrant research community that is now recognized worldwide. We have funded more than 1,800 research-related positions and promoted connections and collaboration across sectors.
As BC’s provincial health research support agency, MSFHR takes a province-wide view of health research gaps and opportu-nities with a focus on two priorities: investments in people and resources, and solutions for BC’s health system.
Investments in people and resources
MSFHR funding programs build BC’s research capacity by recruit-ing and retaining top scientists, helping them build strong research programs, and supporting the mentorship of up-and-coming inves-
everything from cells and genes to treatments and cures, disease prevention and health system improvements.
MSFHR funding has supported numerous discoveries and “world firsts” that have improved health and saved lives. Among these breakthroughs are better protection for the brains of new-borns, improved detection of autism in children and new approach-
-
MSFHR is named for Nobel Laureate, Dr.
Michael Smith (1932 – 2000), a pre-eminent
BC scientist whose commitment to excellence
positioned BC’s health research community on
the world stage.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 9 2/7/12 2:06:19 PM
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BRI BIOPHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH www.bripharm.com
BRI ...your drug development specialist“We strive to earn your trust and confidence”
metabolism studies including met-abolic stability, inhibition, induc-tion and ADMET related plasma protein binding studies are often performed at BRI to define drug-like properties.
AAALAC accredited animal
facility with cytotoxic drugs
handling capability
BRI’s rodent facility is accredited by AAALAC and has performed numerous dose range finding, PK, bioavailability, metabolite excretion and mass balance studies. Dried blood spot assay technique is used to allow serial blood collection in small rodents to reduce variability of PK data.
With Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) and cytotoxic compound handling capabilities, cell-based and patient-derived xenograft models for oncology drug efficiency screening are offered at BRI. Their cell repository contains over 100 cancer cell lines, provid-ing a wide selection and flexibility to its clients.
Thermo Watson™ LIMS data management system
To support IND-enabling animal TK/PK or clinical PK, the use of Thermo Watson™ LIMS for sample and data management is a plus. BRI’s bar code system enables BRI to store and manage thou-sands of samples and process its data effectively and efficiently.
To handle multiple site clinical studies, bar-coded labeled sample vials, customized sample collection kits, ultra low tem-perature freezer, IATA and TDG specified shipping container, pre-filled waybills and commercial invoices are just a few solu-tions that BRI offers to allow a smooth sailing of their clients’ clinical studies.
Stand out from the crowd
The clients of BRI benefit from a wide range of services includ-ing LC/MS/MS bioanalytical assay, ELISA assay, hybridization assay, in-vivo and in-vitro DMPK and efficacy xenograft models. These services are delivered by highly experienced scientists with specializations in the development of synthetic small molecules, microRNAs, RNAs, nucleotides and peptides drugs.
BRI is known for providing “fit-for-purpose” research in inte-grated drug development with competitive pricing. It has an out-standing record of client satisfaction and dedication to meet the highest standards in scientific “best-practices,” integrity of data, timeliness and professional service.
Contact: Ms. Clara Faan, VP Business Development Phone: 604-432-9237 x224
or more than two decades, BRI has assisted hundreds of biotech and pharmaceutical
companies on their pre-clinical and clinical development programs.
Being one of the few privately owned CRO with capabilities in bioanalytical, in-vivo and in-vit-ro DMPK and xenograf t animal models in Western Canada, BRI’s uncompromising study protocols, stringent quality control measures, and relevant study design allows them to build trusted and long-lasting partnerships with their highly valued clients.
The success stories
In 2004 and 2007, two virtual biotech companies located in San Francisco and Los Angeles engaged BRI for development of bio-analytical assays in support of their IND-enabling and clinical program. In 2009, both companies licensed their drug candidates to big pharmaceutical companies for $700 million and $900 mil-lion, respectively.
A Seattle biotech company approached BRI in 2008 for a series of in-vivo and in-vitro DMPK and mechanistic studies. This bio-tech company was acquired for $600 million in 2011.
BRI’s successful track record in providing accurate and qual-ity data while adhering to the strict guidelines of GLP, cGMP, and FDA regulations has played an important role in these com-panies’ success.
GLP accreditation by Standard Council of Canada
BRI is accredited by Standard Council of Canada for its GLP compliance while holding a current GMP Establishment Licence through Health Canada. All IND enabling studies and clinical bioanalytical studies performed at BRI follow the following regu-lations and guidelines. This allows data generated at BRI to be submitted to USA, Canada, Japan and all OECD countries.
21 CFR Part 58
Ordinance No. 21
(OECD), Series on Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring Monograph #1 to 15
14C nuclear substance licence
With 14C nuclear substance licence, BRI can efficiently identify metabolites and determine tissue distribution using 14C-labeled compounds.
In additional to metabolite identif ication, other in-vitro
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 10 2/7/12 2:06:20 PM
Supplied by
TEES CONSULTING CORP www.teesconsulting.com
Fun with patents
Process
When Susan meets prospective clients, she helps them determine whether filing a pat-ent is truly in their interest, and what it will do for their businesses. For example, spending $150,000 on patenting something internation-ally, when sales will not exceed $5,000 and the market is only North America, is a poor strat-egy!
Before an inventor engages a patent agent to secure his invention as a patent applica-tion (prior to discussing it with others, for example), he should be aware of what alterna-tives are available to any potential buyer, and really put himself in the buyer’s shoes. Does the invention solve a problem, reduce costs or improve performance? Can the effect of the invention be achieved without the invention?
If filing a patent application still makes sense, does the pro-posed “invention” qualify for a patent? The general rules of novelty, inventiveness and usefulness are fairly universal across borders. The invention must not have been discussed, shown pub-lically, or sold.
Clients should understand how much patenting will cost before they begin. Drafting and filing a patent application is not the only cost involved in obtaining and keeping a patent, although at $3,000 to $8,000, it is certainly a large one. Over the next three to five years, Susan will advocate for the patent application before the patent office in order to have it granted. The work this will take can only be estimated, but may be a few thousand dollars more. Some countries, including Canada, charge annuities for every year a patent is pending, and for every year after grant until expiry (20 years after filing). It is definitely a “user pay” system.
Challenges
Tees revenues depend on many variables over which Susan has no control. Her clients are all people she has worked for before, or people referred to her, and their businesses change over time. She also has a small network of colleagues with similar but not identical practices with whom she trades leads. “However, we eat from the same table, and the recession has made everyone a little hungrier these days.” To get and keep clients, one has to be very competitive. “There are patent attorneys in the United States charging $1,000 per hour, and to spend $20,000 on a single over-drafted patent applica-tion was common. Now, there is seems to be a healthy appetite for straightforward quality at a more reasonable fee.”
Contact: Susan TeesEmail: [email protected]: 604-839-4284
Private corporation since May 2008 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Sales in 2011: about $190K
Business
Provision of patent-related services, name-ly patent procurement, patent portfolio building and maintenance, patent or port-folio assessments for IP licensing or pur-chase, and the preparation of freedom to operate opinions
Personnel
Three: Susan Tees, B.Sc., Registered Patent Agent, one part-time accountant, one part-time office assistant.
History
Susan fell in love with patents when she was introduced to a filing cabinet full of them in 1987, while she was a young microbiology undergrad working for a company called Quadra Logic Technolo-gies (now QLT Inc.). Asked to catalogue the contents of the cabi-net, she became fascinated by the pattern of application, objection and arguments that formed patent prosecution.
Many years have passed since 1987, and Susan has worked for a number of Vancouver companies to provide each with their own filing cabinets full of patents. She wrote the patent bar exams in the United States (1999), and Canada (2004) and became a registered patent agent. When Susan opened Tees Consulting in 2008, she trad-ed dealing with filing cabinets for dealing directly with people.
“The people who start businesses believe in their dreams, and are courageous enough to bet their livelihoods on making them come true. It is a thrill to be able to help them achieve their goals.”
Susan’s patent practice falls into three categories: set up and ongoing support for clients with existing patent families, dili-gence for venture capital financing, and patent procurement for independent inventors.
Susan is not a lawyer, but a patent agent authorized to per-form patent prosecution and offer patent-related opinions and services.
Competition
There are good patent law firms in town, and in the United States, that Susan has to compete against for clients. These other firms offer quality work, but Susan has some advantages over them. Without a pool of support staff or a downtown office to pay for, she can afford to keep her rates low. Without hundreds of clients including large corporations, Susan is unlikely to be conflicted out of providing defensive services when a smaller client needs them.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 11 2/7/12 2:06:21 PM
Supplied by
MPI RESEARCH www.mpiresearch.com
Leading the way in early drug and device development
Our human resources are especially important to us, since it is impossible to deliver unsurpassed service quality if the staff is not first-rate as well. MPI Research has developed a rigorous selec-tion and training process at all levels of the organization that has produced one of the lowest staff turnover rates in our industry.
The recently completed $65 million growth initiative added 370,000 square feet of capacity to the Mattawan facil-ity, which now totals over one million square feet. It includes large, integrat-ed, environmentally controlled animal rooms, special-purpose laboratories, and resource facilities located through-out the complex to accommodate vir-tually any type of sponsor need. Our capacity and resources are the reasons we can assure our sponsors of timely study starts and report delivery, to keep their studies moving forward so that research milestones are achieved.
At MPI Research, our dedication to being a solutions-oriented partner goes beyond the modern facilities, innovative proce-dures, and scientific expertise. Our team of nearly 1,300 employ-ees, ranging from technicians to veterinarians, pathologists, and senior-level scientists, is there for our sponsors to ensure all their needs are met. We are proud of our long-term relationships with our existing sponsors and are equally excited about building part-nerships with new ones. Most important, we are committed to the success of all our sponsors, ensuring each the same level of scientific excellence, technical quality, and passion for their suc-cess, irrespective of the size and/or number of studies we conduct for them.
Contact: MPI Research Phone: 269-668-3336Email: [email protected]
PI Research is a ful l-serv ice Contract Research Organization that partners with biopharma-
ceutical, medical device, animal health, and chemical companies in meeting their preclinical research and develop-ment needs. Scientific knowledge and experience, integrity, trust, teamwork, and dedication to strong and enduring sponsor relationships are the defining attributes that characterize us as a high-performance, high-quality organization committed to bringing safer and more effective products to the world.
Our open and responsive culture is evident in the collegial, collaborative atmosphere where we conduct thou-sands of drug safety, discovery, bioana-lytical, and analytical studies each year. MPI Research, with global headquarters in Mattawan, Michigan, takes pride in being selected by companies who want a CRO partner on the leading edge of drug development.
Committed to excellence in quality across all services and at all levels, MPI Research operates in full compliance with interna-tional, federal, and state regulatory agencies. Our regulatory and quality assurance programs include
Our sponsors not only benefit from our familiarity with regula-tory agencies worldwide, but are also able to take full advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities, robust infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology in which we have heavily invested.
The quality and integrity of our services are paramount, and we realize that is why so many of our sponsors do repeat business with us. Careful consideration is given to each strategic growth initiative so that these factors are not compromised. Any expan-sion of facilities is accompanied by proactive growth initiatives for staffing, technology, and equipment.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 12 2/7/12 2:06:21 PM
Please refer to www.lifesciencesbc.ca for further information on these companies.
Core LifeSciences BC Members
Stage of development Fields of study Tools Diseases
Dru
g di
scov
ery
Pre-
clin
ical
stu
dies
Phas
e 1
clin
ical
stu
dies
Phas
e 2
clin
ical
stu
dies
Phas
e 3
clin
ical
stu
dies
On
mar
ket
Bio
-pro
duct
s
Bio
info
rmat
ics
Dia
gnos
tics
Envi
ronm
enta
l
Ther
apeu
tics
Vacc
ines
Bio
-pro
cess
ing
Dru
g de
liver
y
Gen
e th
erap
y
Gen
omic
s
Hig
h-th
roug
hput
scr
eeni
ng
Lab
reag
ents
Prot
eom
ics
Aut
oim
mun
e di
seas
es
Canc
er
Card
iova
scul
ar d
isea
ses
Infe
ctio
us d
isea
ses
Infla
mm
ator
y di
seas
es
Met
abol
ic d
isea
ses
Neu
rolo
gica
l dis
ease
s
Organizations
Alectos Therapeutics
Allon Therapeutics Inc
Amgen British Columbia Inc.
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Augurex
BioMark Technologies Inc.
Boreal Genomics
Cardiome Pharma Corp.
enGene, Inc.
GenomeDx Biosciences
iCo Therapeutics Inc.
Indel Therapeutics Inc.
Inimex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
iProgen Biotech
Kinexus Bioinformatics Corp.
MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc.
MRM Proteomics Inc.
MSI Methylation Sciences Inc.
Network Immunology Inc.
Neurodyn Inc.
OncoGenex Technologies Inc.
Ondine Biopharma Corporation
Pacific Rim Laboratories
Phyton Biotech LLC
Protox Therapeutics
QLT Inc.
Qu Biologics Inc.
ReplicCel Life Sciences
Sirius Genomics Inc
Sirona Biochem Corp
STEMCELL Technologies Inc
STEMSOFT Software Inc
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Valocor Therapeutics Inc.
Vifor Pharma
Xenon Pharmaceutials Inc.
Zalicus Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Zymeworks Inc.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 13 2/7/12 2:19:37 PM
Contract Research Organizations
Please refer to www.lifesciencesbc.ca for further information on these companies.
Preclinical Services Clinical Services General Services
Dru
g di
scov
ery
Bio
info
rmat
ics
Bio
anal
ytic
al s
ervi
ces
Ana
lytic
al s
ervi
ces
Path
olog
y se
rvic
es
Toxi
colo
gy
Phas
e I c
linic
al s
tudi
es
Phas
e II
clin
ical
stu
dies
Phas
e III
Clin
ical
stu
dies
Phas
e IV
clin
ical
stu
dies
Stud
y m
onito
ring
and
repo
rtin
g
Data
man
agem
ent a
nd s
tatis
tics
Stra
tegi
c co
nsul
ting
Regu
lato
ry
Cont
ract
man
ufac
turi
ng
Prod
uct d
evel
opm
ent
cGM
P/G
LP c
ompl
ianc
e
Qua
lity
assu
ranc
e
Teac
hing
and
trai
ning
Organizations
ASKA Research
Aurora Biomed Inc.
BC Cancer Agency's Investigational Drug Program (IDP)
BC Preclinical Research Consortium (BC PRC)
BRI Biopharmaceutical Research Inc.
CanReg Inc.
Globe Laboratories Inc.
Healthmetrx (CEQAL)
Lifebank Cryogenics Corp.
Maxxam Analytics
MPI Research, Inc.
Northern Lipids Inc.
PBR Laboratories Inc.
PharmaNet/i3
PharmEng Technology
SBW LTD
Syreon Corp.
Viva Pharmaceutical Inc.
Wax-it Histology Services
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 14 2/7/12 2:20:01 PM
Medical Devices
Fields of study Company type
Den
tal D
evic
e
Med
ical
equ
ipm
ent
Med
ical
sup
plie
s
Test
ing
inst
rum
ents
Imag
ing
Dev
ice
desi
gn
Oth
er
Man
ufac
ture
r
Dis
trib
utor
Dev
elop
er
Organizations
Please refer to www.lifesciencesbc.ca for further information on these companies.
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. OEM
Arbutus Dental Centre Dental Service
Biolux Research Ltd.
BioMers Products, LLCProduct Names – SimpliClear & ASTICS
Daan Diagnostics
Emergo Canada Consulting Inc. (Regulatory Consultant)
Evasc Medical Systems
Farabloc Development Corp.
Heart Force Medical
Innovatek Medical Inc.
Kardium Inc.
LED Medical Diagnostics
LifeScan Canada Ltd. (Diabetes)
LightIntegra (Transfusion)
Neoteric Technology LimitedBlood management software
Neovasc Inc.
Ondine Biomedical Inc. Photodisinfection
Premier Diagnostic Health Services Inc
Progressive Health Innovations Inc. / AFX
Sports Med, Rehab, Athletic Training
Romich Medical Fund Women’s healthcare
Sorin Group Cardiac
Starfish Medical (Contract Manufacturing)
Ultrasonix
Urodynamix Technologies Ltd.
Arbutus Dental Centre Dental service
Biolux Research Ltd.
bioLytical Laboratories, Inc. Rapid diagnostic device
Critical Systems Labs Inc.Risk management, software V & V
Evasc Medical Systems
Farabloc Development Corp.
Heart Force Medical Inc.
Innovatek Medical Inc.
Kardium
LED Medical Diagnostics
LifeScan Canada Ltd. Diabetes
LightIntegra Technology Transfusion
Lungpacer Medical, Inc.Implantable Transvascular, Stimulation
Neovasc Inc. Contract manufacturing
Pyng Medical Corp.
Response Biomedical Corp. Cardiovascular
Sorin Group Canada Inc., Mitroflow Division
Cardiac
StarFish Medical Contract manufacturing
Verathon Medical (Canada) ULC Airway management
Verisante Cancer
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 15 2/7/12 2:20:16 PM
Seed
Int
elle
ctua
l Pr
ope
rty
Law
Gro
up P
LLC
Custom Crafted Intellectual Property Solutions …
Since 1962.
206.622.4900 www.SeedIP.com 701 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Founded in 1962, Seed IP Law Group is celebrating its 50th anniversary
of providing custom crafted intellectual property solutions, including patenting
biotechnology advancements. With expertise in immunology, biochemistry
and pharmacology, Seed IP’s Biotechnology & Chemistry Team consists of a group
of scientists who also understand the legal and business side of biotechnology.
Corporate Profiles 2012.indd 16 2/7/12 2:06:30 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 25
Key players in British Columbia’s
mining industry have teamed up with
bacteria researchers to design the en-
vironmentally friendly mines of the future.
For decades, metal mines throughout
the province have been forced to use
chemicals and complex pumping systems
to remediate tailings ponds contaminated
with heavy metals.
Yet a researcher at the University of
British Columbia backed by Genome
British Columbia and two large mining
companies believes that a “passive” system
that relies on the earth’s natural fi lters and
bacterial microbes could do a better job of
cleaning up the environment.
“The potential is really toward sustain-
ability,” explains Susan Baldwin, an asso-
ciate professor with UBC’s department
of chemical and biological engineering.
“With mining, it’s imperative that the
environment be protected … and that’s
what we’re aiming to do; that’s our overall
goal. If we can do that properly, the
mining industry can fl ourish.”
Baldwin describes her research as
harnessing natural systems to return
heavy metals to the environment without
contaminating the soil or water.
The system she envisions takes con-
taminated tailings water and uses gravity
to pump it through a series of ponds that
contain microbes, or biological compo-
nents, that remove the heavy metals from
the water.
She’s specifi cally focused on the mi-
crobes in the ponds, learning which ones
work best to remove metals from con-
taminated water and return them to the
environment in insoluble form.
“In nature, everything occurs in a cycle
… and all we’re doing is closing the cycle,
putting the metals … in their mineral
form back in the ground, and in every step
in that process microbes are involved in
some form,” she says.
Called bioremediation, the project de-
ploys genomics to help researchers under-
stand how the earth’s natural fi ltration
systems interact with heavy metals.
Genome BC, a publicly funded non-
profi t organization, started researching the
use of microbes to improve environmental
remediation several years ago.
It kicked in 630,000 and entered into
partnership with industry leaders such as
Teck Resources Ltd., Imperial Metals Corp.
Germs of an idea
Researchers and
heavy industry
in partnership to
develop microbes
that can remove
toxic metals
from mining
wastewater
By Joel McKay
Life Sciences 2012.indd 25 3/19/12 8:50:13 PM
26 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
The British Columbia Centre
for E xc e l lenc e i n H I V/A I DS
(BC-Cf E) is Canada’s largest
HIV/AIDS research, treatment,
and education facility.
Over the past 20 years, the BC-
Cf E has pioneered many life-
saving innovations, l ike the
groundbreaking Treatment as
Prevention strategy. This made-
in-BC approach has been endorsed
by international organizations like
UNAIDS and WHO, and called
the “scientifi c breathrough of the
year” for 2011.
Now HIV-posit ive people who
are medically eligible and engaged
earlier in treatment can expect to
live decades of healthy, productive
lives. Furthermore, HIV treatment
can dramatically decrease the
likelihood of transmission.
To fi nd out more about how the
BC-CfE is leading the fi ght against
HIV and AIDS visit:
www.cfe.ubc.ca
“Together We Can Stop HIV and AIDS.” — Dr. Julio Montaner
facebook.com/bccfetwitter.com/bccfe
Mine wastewater, as shown
at the Mount Polley mine,
owned by Imperial Metals in
northern B.C., can be cleaned
up with microbes that filter
heavy metals
and Nature Works Remediation Corp. to
fund a 1.5-million program to improve the
mining sector’s clean-up capabilities.
“Genomics in this context is just a slice
of what [mining companies] have to do,
but each slice or gain is going to make the
industry more competitive, and that’s good
for B.C.,” says Richard Howlett, director of
business development at Genome BC.
He explains that bioremediation sys-
tems in the past have generated positive
environmental results for mining com-
panies but that scientists still struggled to
understand how they worked and how to
optimize performance.
“It was a black box,” says Al Mattes,
owner of Nature Works, in Rossland, B.C.
“You built a box, filled it full of [wood]
chips [and] pumped water containing
sulphate and dissolved metals in one end,
and it [came] out the other end clean.
“What’s going on [on] the inside? We
knew bacteria were involved, but we
didn’t know which bacteria and how many
there were.”
Today, Baldwin’s job is to deter-
mine which bacteria are involved and
how to maximize their ability to treat
contamination.
Meanwhile, mining companies such
as Teck and Imperial provide hands-on
expertise in designing and testing these
passive systems.
And this, suggests Mattes, represents a
change.
“The real problem is we have met with
resistance from the mining industry be-
cause it’s not a tried and true technology,”
says Mattes.
Yet at least one other regional com-
pany has found success using biology to
treat contaminated water.
Vancouver-based BioteQ Environmental
Technologies has built 14 plants around
the world that convert wastewater into a
useful resource.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 26 3/19/12 8:50:17 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 27
“With mining, it’s imperative
that the environment be
protected … . If we can do
that properly, the mining
industry can fl ourish”
– Susan Baldwin,
associate professor, department of
chemical and biological engineering,
University of British Columbia
Although its plants don’t use passive,
gravity-fed systems such as those Baldwin
is researching, BioteQ relies on anaerobic
bioreactors generating sulphide reagents
that selectively remove heavy metals from
contaminated water.
“It would be like reversing sugar dis-
solved in coff ee,” says Tanja McQueen,
Bioteq’s vice-president corporate develop-
ment. “They’re coming out of being dis-
solved and precipitating back into a solid.”
In addition to cleaning up the waste-
water, BioteQ’s system can also produce
a resource that can then be sold to the
market, generating another revenue
stream for mining companies.
Baldwin hopes her research might also
one day result in a water-treatment system
that generates additional revenue for
mining companies.
Howlett believes it could also be used to
clean up abandoned mine sites throughout
the province, but he, like Baldwin, recog-
nizes that as fascinating as bioremediation
is, the science behind it is still a ways off
from everyday use.
He comments, “We want people to know
about it. … It does have long-term applica-
tions, but this isn’t something that’s going to
have fi eld trials next year.”
BioteQ Environmental Technologies uses
sulphides to recover dissolved metals
from wastewater and transform them into a
saleable product
Life Sciences 2012.indd 27 3/19/12 8:50:18 PM
28 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Global biotech converges in VancouverTenth annual BioPartnering North America conference
fosters international strategic networking
leading biotech companies,” says George
Hoffmann, president and chief execu-
tive officer of Vancouver-based Network
Immunology Inc. Reflecting on the value
of his meetings for his company as a
startup, he says they “allowed for
potential collaboration with pharma-
ceutical companies in the future. And
the underlying theme of the conference
became very apparent, which was that
all those who attended were somehow
involved in contributing to the improve-
ment of quality of life.”
BPN was also important for the inter-
national delegations, with several com-
panies from France attending.
“This year, the French Trade
Commission UBifrance Canada brought
15 delegates from biotech companies,
making France the most important
European delegation,” says Marine
Bougeard, trade attaché (life sciences),
UBifrance Canada. “During the confer-
ence, the delegates made the most of the
B2B meetings and networking events to
develop and increase their international
business relations. In addition, the French
delegates had the opportunity to visit
local research centres and meet with bio-
tech companies, which is a strong asset in
attracting the delegation to Vancouver be-
cause they’re always eager to learn more
about the industry in British Columbia.”
The fact that many strategic partner-
ships were developed in Vancouver at BPN
will have served to enhance the position
of B.C. as a global leader in life sciences.
In February 2012, Vancouver hosted
BioPartnering North America (BPN), one
of the the continent’s largest life-science
conferences. Delegates from 422 companies
and 28 countries converged to learn about
the latest advances in biotechnology, from
new discoveries and developments of
biopharmaceuticals to treat infectious dis-
eases to promising early-stage technologies
for medical devices. BPN also provided an
opportunity for companies to network and
develop strategic partnerships.
“BPN was a tremendous occasion to
become familiar with British Columbia’s
Life Sciences 2012.indd 28 3/19/12 8:50:21 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 29
BY PETER MITHAM
British Columbia’s life-science com-
panies forge partnerships with
well-known international investors.
BioPartnering North America and similar
opportunities help the sector garner the
support it needs to pursue world-class
research into a wide range of conditions,
therapies and other areas.
Here are some of today’s highlights.
What’s in the works
Zymeworks Inc. develops antibody and
protein-based therapies for the treat-
ment of cancers, autoimmune disorders
and inflammatory diseases using a
proprietary development platform. Since
its incorporation in 2003, Zymeworks
has focussed on collaborative arrange-
ments. Its partners have included the
University of British Columbia and Simon
Fraser University, as well as Xoma Ltd. of
California and Koninklijke DSM N.V. of the
Netherlands. Merck & Co., Inc. recently
formed a partnership with Zymeworks to
develop bispecific antibodies.
These relationships have paid off for
Zymeworks in the form of 8.1 million in
funding from private shareholders, CTI
Life Sciences Fund L.P. and Advanced
Biotechnologies Venture Fund.
Neil Klompas, chief financial officer,
says the funding will “provide planning
certainty and will allow us to maximize
shareholder value as we advance our bio-
therapeutics technology platforms into
subsequent commercial collaborations.”
Molecular money
Nancy Harrison’s track record with
such B.C. success stories as Oncogenex
Pharmaceuticals Inc. is helping another
star to shine. MSI Methylation Sciences
Inc., which Harrison co-founded in 2007
with Barry Guld, raised 19 million in
September 2011. The financing, led by
international biotech investor Inventages,
provides MSI the cash needed to support
Stars of B.C.Partnerships are key to a constellation of companies
iCo Therapeutics president and CEO Andrew Rae has his
eye on a treatment for diabetic macular edema
Life Sciences 2012.indd 29 3/19/12 8:50:26 PM
30 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
clinical development of its lead molecule.
MSI uses its molecules as the bases of
dietary supplements and other pharma-
ceuticals. Past financing has been pro-
vided by the Working Opportunity Fund
(EVCC) Ltd., managed by GrowthWorks,
BC Advantage Funds and angel investors.
Trial time
Since its founding in 2008, Indel
Therapeutics Inc. has raised a total of 1.9
million in private financing to support its
development of small-molecule-based
drugs to fight microbes increasingly
resistant to existing antibiotics.
Co-founders Neil Reiner and veteran
venture capitalist Malcolm Kendall have
attracted support from AnorMed Inc. co-
founder Michael Abrams and Xenon co-
founder Simon Pimstone, who serve as
directors of Indel. This expertise puts the
company in good stead as it advances
several of its antibiotics through animal
testing and seeks development partners
among major pharmaceutical companies.
Brain gain
Backed by approximately 70 million in
financing since 2004, Allon Therapeutics
Inc. is proceeding with stage-2/3 clin-
ical trials aimed at fighting forms of
cognitive impairment associated with
schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s. Its lead
drug, davunetide, is a so-called orphan
pharmaceutical
that Allon has
found to have
significant impact
on memory and
performance of
daily activities. It
is also a biomarker
of brain-cell func-
tion and integrity.
The latest round
of financing is a
5.4-million invest-
ment led by GMP
Securities LP. It will
support clinical
trials and adminis-
trative expenses associated with testing
on patients with progressive supran-
uclear palsy, a rapidly progressing and
fatal movement disorder with dementia
that is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s
or Alzheimer’s.
Far-sighted
A million-dollar infusion is fuelling
clinical trials of drugs targeting sight-
related diseases by iCo Therapeutics Inc.
Since its formation as a UBC spinoff in
2007, the company has identified three
pharmaceuticals for reformulation and
commercialization. August 2011 saw iCo
announce a physician-sponsored Phase 2
clinical investigation in the United States
of iCo-007, one of the drugs it thinks has
potential in the treatment of diabetic
macular edema. ICo is also pursuing a re-
search-collaboration agreement with the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
regarding prevention, treatment and cure
of type-1 diabetes.
Wedded to it
B.C. is a powerhouse of genome sequenc ing.
Now, thanks to 2.2 million from Western
Economic Diversification Canada (WEDC),
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences
Centre has purchased three genome se-
quencers that boost its sequencing capacity
and lower costs. This helps ensure afford-
able access to the technology and gives
LEFT: Michael Abrams, a
director of Indel: developing
tools to combat microbial
resistance to antibiotics
BELOW: Proteomics – the
study of proteins – is one of
the bright lights in Victoria’s
life-science sector, with a lab
at the University of Victoria
dedicated to its pursuit
Photo (top): Dominic Schaefer Photography
Life Sciences 2012.indd 30 3/19/12 8:50:31 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 31
a competitive advantage to researchers
engaged in more than 60 projects whose
aggregate value totals more than 3 million.
Gene Victoria
Proteomics is one of Victoria’s brightest
lights. WEDC recently spent 663,000 on
two new mass spectrometers. Housed
at the Genome BC Proteomics Centre at
the University of Victoria, they’re key to
efficient, accurate analysis of blood and
other tissues for the protein biomarkers
helpful in the early detection and diag-
nosis of cancer, diabetes and high blood
pressure, among other diseases. The
spectrometers also make Victoria a centre
for proteomics, giving it the highest
concentration of such equipment at
any Canadian university and one of the
highest in North America.
Centre stage
Since becoming fully operational in
2008, the Centre for Drug Research and
Development (CDRD) has played a critical
role in filling the commercialization gap
between academia and industry.
CDRD has cultivated partnerships with
universities throughout Canada and in
Europe as well as in Japan and Australia
to identify and develop 80 commercially
promising health-research projects.
With initial support from the provincial
and federal governments, CDRD has also
attracted investment from Pfizer, Johnson
& Johnson Inc. and the Roche Group to
help ultimately to bring these new tech-
nologies to market.
CDRD is designated a Centre of Excel-
lence for Commercialization and Research
(CECR) by the federal government.
Doing the waveVancouver company’s dehydration technology
EnWave Corp. announced that it has signed a research-evaluation agreement with
Merck & Co., Inc., through a subsidiary. According to the agreement, Merck will con-
duct a field test to determine the feasibility of radiant energy vacuum (“REV”) tech-
nology using EnWave’s new multi-vial pilot-scale equipment. In addition, EnWave
has granted Merck an exclusive research licence to use the technology and licensed
patents for the duration of the evaluation and an option to obtain an exclusive com-
mercial worldwide licence to EnWave’s portfolio.
EnWave’s dehydration-technology portfolio for pharmaceuticals and biomaterials
includes freezeREV, powderREV and bioREV. Each employs a combination of micro-
wave energy with a low-pressure environment to achieve rapid, highly controlled de-
hydration of live or active biological materials stored in sterile vials or in bulk powder,
with the goal of significantly reducing the process time and cost of dehydration.
EnWave is a Vancouver-based company developing commercial applications for its
proprietary dehydration technology. In collaboration with an expanding list of multi-
national partners, including Nestlé, Kellogg’s, Grupo Bimbo, Grimmway Farms, Ocean
Spray, Hormel Foods Corp., Bonduelle and Merck, EnWave is introducing REV as a new
dehydration standard in the food and biological material sectors.
From compounds to collaborationXenon and Genentech strategize against pain
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced
a strategic alliance with Genentech,
Inc., a member of the Roche Group, to
discover and develop compounds and
companion diagnostics for the potential
treatment of pain.
“We are delighted to be collabor-
ating with Genentech,” said Simon
Pimstone, president and chief executive
officer of Xenon, at the time of the an-
nouncement. “Genentech is among the
world’s leading biotech companies and
an ideal strategic partner for Xenon as
we share a common emphasis on using
human genetics for drug develop-
ment. Further, this collaboration allows
Xenon to both deepen and broaden
our pipeline of novel medicines in
development.”
Xenon and Genentech will collab-
orate on the discovery of new thera-
peutic approaches for treating pain.
Genentech has an exclusive licence
to compounds and a non-exclusive
licence to diagnostics from Xenon for
development and commercialization
of products. Xenon will receive an
undisclosed up-front payment and
research funding and is eligible to
receive research, development and
commercialization milestone pay-
ments totalling up to 646 million for
multiple products and indications. In
addition, Xenon will receive royalties
on sales of products resulting from the
collaboration.
Michael Hayden, chief scientific of-
ficer of Xenon, added, “This new alliance,
which represents our sixth partnership
with a major pharmaceutical company
to date, once again highlights the keen
interest in Xenon’s unique genetics
approach and in our translational R&D
capabilities.”
Xenon is a privately owned, clinical
genetics-based drug-discovery and
development company engaged in
developing small-molecule therapies
based on the genetic causes of select
metabolic, neurological and cardio-
vascular diseases.
New Illumina
DNA sequencers
boost the
research capacity
of Canada’s
Michael Smith
Genome Sciences
Centre thanks
to funding from
Western Economic
Diversification
Canada
Life Sciences 2012.indd 31 3/19/12 8:50:38 PM
32 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
The way aheadA discussion with the deputy minister of health
reveals British Columbia’s approaches to care
In January 2012, LifeSciences British
Columbia interviewed Graham
Whitmarsh, deputy minister of health,
Province of British Columbia, regarding the
ministry’s vision for health care and its de-
livery in the near and longer terms.
What are the BC Ministry of Health’s
top priorities over the next two years?
Our population in British Columbia is
generally considered the healthiest in
Canada, and our health system is deliv-
ering some of the best health outcomes
in the country. However, as in many juris-
dictions, we are faced with the challenge
of delivering services to an aging popula-
tion with changing health needs, while
also managing continually rising costs for
health care.
To meet this challenge, we’re imple-
menting a comprehensive plan to
reshape the system so it meets these
changing dynamics. We also need to
ensure the sustainability of our publicly
funded system. Our Innovation and
Change Agenda is intended to create
fundamental, system-level change
through a set of medium to long-term
strategies, which we’ve organized into
three main areas: health promotion, pre-
vention and self-management; primary
and community-based health care and
support services; and hospital care serv-
ices. Underpinning efforts in these areas
are strategies directed at improving inno-
vation, productivity and efficiency in the
delivery of all health services.
Implementing this plan to improve
services and stabilize costs is our highest
priority. More detail about ministry plans
over the next few years can be found in
our annual Service Plan.
How do you envision that the
delivery of health care will be
impacted, given the advances in
technology over the last few years
and the convergence thereof (e.g.,
wireless health, digital imaging)?
There is no question that most aspects
of our lives are increasingly technology-
enabled. Not only is this driving citizen
expectations for online and mobile service
delivery, but it is also blurring the lines of
geography and providing opportunities to
deliver services in new and exciting ways.
If we can harness the potential of tech-
nology, we have tremendous opportunity
to make real advances on some of our
most pressing health-care challenges.
More recently, the ministry launched a
new mobile app – the BC Health Service
Locator – available free for download
on iTunes. With this app, users can do
a number of things, including mapping
B.C.’s walk-in clinics, hospitals, emergency
rooms, immunization locations and after-
hours pharmacies; signing up for health
alerts; and connecting directly to 8-1-1, the
ministry’s health information and services.
An advance like the mobile app is just
the beginning. Technology convergence
will change the face of health care as it fur-
ther expands the reach of the health-care
delivery network both in geography and in
scope. The most exciting part of this trans-
formation is that it put citizens right in the
centre of managing their own care.
The ministry has stated that it is
working on an eHealth initiative.
Can you provide comment or update
on the status of this undertaking?
The eHealth transformation remains a
high priority for the ministry. We are
making progress toward our vision of an
integrated system where health-care infor-
mation is accessible, when and where it is
needed, to support both health outcomes
and health-system sustainability.
Our current priority is to complete
and deploy a provincial electronic health
record that will provide authorized users
access to lab-test results, medication pro-
files, diagnostic images and immunization
history. Over time, the system will expand
to include more physician EHRs and
greater access to a wider range of clinical
information.
In the shorter term, we’re focused on
deploying a provincial data repository to
store lab results; upgrading the existing
PharmaNet system so it will support
ePrescribing; enabling integration of phys-
ician electronic medical records with the
provincial EHR systems; and deploying an
eHealth Viewer so health authorities can
access lab results and diagnostic images.
Graham Whitmash, deputy
minister of health, Province
of British Columbia
Life Sciences 2012.indd 32 3/19/12 8:50:40 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 33
Some jurisdictions such as the
United Kingdom have revised their
policies around the use of health-
related databases in an effort to
improve patient outcomes and
potentially reduce the cost of health-
care delivery. Can you comment
on the ministry’s approach to how
our provincial data might be used
proactively?
We recognize the importance and value
of health data as a strategic asset, and we
take the stewardship of this infor mation
very seriously. We are currently looking to
expand access to some of this data on a
number of fronts.
First, we are looking to enable author-
ized health-care providers in any care
setting to access health information avail-
able in provincial EHR repositories directly
through their point-of-care systems.
Second, we see potential to further
streamline the process to access data sets
currently made available for academic re-
search through Population Data BC.
Third, we are exploring opportunities
to support more access to depersonalized
health information by industry.
Finally, consistent with government’s
priority to be more open, transparent and
accessible, we are cataloguing our data
holdings. Where data is not personally
identifiable or confidential, or its release
would not contravene legislation, we are
determining what data might be made
available for public release.
It is our understanding that the
ministry and the various health
authorities are establishing a
process for assessing innovative
health technologies. Can you
comment on this process?
Over the past year, we’ve been working
with the health authorities to develop
an open and transparent process for co-
ordinated, evidence-informed coverage
decisions about non-drug health tech-
nologies. By “non-drug health technol-
ogies,” we mean tools, devices, diagnostics
and procedures. Drugs and information
technology are out of scope. The Health
Technology Review (HTR) process will
apply to technologies meeting a cost
threshold of 25,000 per unit or 1,000,000
across the province.
To support the evaluation and
coverage decisions, an assessment
framework is currently under develop-
ment and will be made publicly avail-
able. Health authorities will sponsor
business cases for review and evalua-
tion by a committee bringing together
expertise in the ministry, the health
authorities and fields such as health-
technology assessment, economics and
the direct provision of health care. Final
coverage decisions will rest with the
ministry’s leadership council (consisting
of health-authority CEOs and ministry
executive). Stakeholders will also be
given the opportunity to provide feed-
back for consideration.
We are targeting implementation
of the HTR in early 2012 and anticipate
that the timeline from when a com-
pleted business case is submitted until
a decision is made will be six months.
The ministry and health authorities
are confident that the HTR process will
result in recommendations that will
improve the health outcomes of British
Columbians and help ensure sustain-
ability of the health system.
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Life Sciences 2012.indd 33 3/19/12 8:50:40 PM
34 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Advances in life sciences give British Columbia
a distinguished place on the world stage
COMPILED BY ANDREW TOPF
dwarf mistletoe, a plant parasite that
infects trees and makes lodgepole
pine more susceptible to pine-beetle
infestations.
February 15, 2011: Vancouver scientist
takes the headache out of red wine
A new strain of wine yeast developed at
UBC helps reduce amines: chemicals in
red wine and Chardonnay that trigger
headaches. Food biotechnologist Hennie
van Vuuren spent eight years in research
and another seven years to test this genet-
ically modified yeast.
February 15, 2011: $250,000 for UBC
work with anesthesiological devices
Guy Dumont, professor of electrical
and computer engineering, and Mark
Ansermino, director of pediatric anes-
thesia research, both at UBC, received the
2010 Brockhouse Canada Prize, conveying
a 250,000 team research grant. The pair
created devices and systems that help
anesthesiologists monitor patients’ vital
signs more effectively during operations.
February 28, 2011: BPN sets
attendance record
BioPartnering North America opened at
the Vancouver Convention Centre. More
than 800 delegates from 500 companies
and 27 countries gathered at the ninth
annual event, setting an attendance
record. Barbara Yanni, vice-president and
chief licensing officer for Merck, served as
the keynote speaker.
March 8, 2011: LifeSciences
BC Awards announced
Michael Hayden, director and senior scien-
tist at the Centre for Molecular Medicine
and Therapeutics, UBC, won the Genome
BC Award for Scientific Excellence; André
Marziali, president and chief scientific
officer of Boreal Genomics and director
February 4, 2011: UBC Okanagan
clones its first gene
Soheil Mahmoud, assistant professor in
the department of biology, and his team
of graduate researchers, PhD student
Zerihun Demissie and M.Sc. student
Lukman Sarker, cloned University of British
Columbia Okanagan’s first gene. The gene
produces beta-phellandrene, one of the
compounds found in the essential oil of
some lavender species.
February 5, 2011: B.C. spends $260,000
on forest research at TRU
The provincial government is providing
260,000 to further research at Thompson
Rivers University into parasitic plants
that attack coniferous forests in British
Columbia. Provided through the British
Columbia Knowledge Development Fund,
the funding is being used to acquire an
advanced scanning electron microscope
for research dedicated to controlling
The year in review
Photo: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 34 3/19/12 8:50:41 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 35
of engineering physics, UBC, won the
Innovation & Achievement Award;
Paul Geyer, chief executive officer of
LightIntegra Technology Inc., received the
Leadership Award; StarFish Medical was
named Medical Device Company of the
Year; and Judith Hall, professor emerita
in the departments of medical genetics
and pediatrics, UBC, won the Dr. Don Rix
Award for Lifetime Achievement.
March 23, 2011: Scientists target enzyme
to halt spread of breast cancer
BC Cancer Agency scientists revealed a
significant connection between a natural
enzyme (CA9) and the spread of breast
cancer. The research proved CA9 to be
a major biomarker in tumour survival,
growth and metastasis in over 50 per cent
of the deadliest forms of breast cancer
and in 16 per cent of all breast cancers.
March 30, 2011: Made-in-B.C.
HIV test used worldwide
Vancouver HIV/AIDS experts devel oped a
new lab test, now being used around the
world, to eliminate trial and error in medi-
cation, thereby saving lives and costs. The
test involves genetic
sequencing of the virus in HIV patients,
which helps predict which drugs will work
best. Experts in lab medicine came to
Vancouver to learn how to implement the
process, called HIV V3 genotyping, in their
own countries.
March 31, 2011: Sirona Biochem
acquires TFChem
Sirona Biochem Corp., which specializes in
therapeutics for diabetes and obesity, ac-
quired French company TFChem S.A.S. for
approximately 1.9 million.
April 4, 2011: Centre for Brain Health
receives gift of $15 million
A Vancouver philanthropist donated 15
million for a new facility integrating brain
research and patient care. In honour of his
ABOVE: Research at the BC Cancer Research Centre ranges from basic
molecular and genetic studies to epidemiological and clinical research
on prevention, early diagnosis, molecular characteristics of the cancer
process and new treatments with drugs and radiotherapy
ABOVE AND RIGHT: The new
Jim Pattison Outpatient Care
and Surgery Centre
Photos: (top) Cameron Heryet, BC Cancer Agency; (bottom) Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 35 3/19/12 8:50:43 PM
36 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
July 28, 2011: Cell-phone invention among
global winners for maternal health
A pair of Canadian proposals aimed at reducing
death rates of mothers and newborns in de-
veloping nations are selected for funding from
among 77 finalists in a global challenge. Among
the winners: a UBC invention that turns a cell
phone (common even in the world’s poorest
parts) into a portable blood-oxygen tester.
August 15, 2011: B.C. pharmacist
recognized nationally
A B.C. pharmacist has been recognized
nationally for his contribution to pharmacy
in Canada. Derek Desrosiers, a Vancouver
resident and active member of the British
Columbia Pharmacy Association, received
the 2011 Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy
Pillar of Pharmacy Award.
August 17, 2011: B.C. scientists
trying to breed a better bee
Genetic scientists in B.C. are trying to
breed a bee that can survive a mysterious
new phenomenon that is wiping out
colonies across North America. The prov-
incial government gave Genome BC 25
million to continue research on a variety
of projects including over 2 million to try
to understand the root causes of so-called
Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybees.
November 10, 2011: Brain boost
A Vancouver researcher says that treatment
to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s
disease may be on the horizon, thanks to
the backing of his breakthrough work by
a leading Canadian biopharmaceutical
company. Cangene Corp. signed a col-
laborative research agreement with UBC
under which it will develop the work of
Neil Cashman, scientific director of PrioNet
Canada, Canada research chair in neuro-
degeneration and protein misfolding
at UBC and a scientist at the Vancouver
Coastal Health Research Institute.
November 8, 2011: HIV “seek-and-
treat” program launched
If you’re an adult living in Vancouver or
Prince George who’s had sex, chances are
very good that you’ll be asked to take an
HIV-detection test at your next lab, hos-
pital or medical-clinic visit under Canada’s
first such pilot project. Under a four-year,
48-million program funded by the provin-
cial government, family doctors are being
urged to add HIV testing for all adult pa-
tients sent for other types of blood tests.
generosity – the largest gift to date to the
UBC Faculty of Medicine – the facility will
be named the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre
for Brain Health. Representing a partner-
ship between UBC and Vancouver Coastal
Health, it’s scheduled to open in 2013.
April 21, 2011: Student wins prize for
research into effects of ethanol
A 17-year-old Coquitlam student found a
way to observe the effects of ethanol on
early brain development. Vincent Ye from Dr.
Charles Best Secondary School placed first in
the 2011 Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge.
May 9, 2011: RepliCel acquires
TrichoScience Innovations
Vancouver-based RepliCel Life Sciences
Inc. completed a share purchase deal
with TrichoScience Innovations Inc.
TrichoScience is developing a hair-cell
replication technology with potential to
provide a solution to pattern baldness and
general hair loss in men and women.
May 11, 2011: UBC lab seeking to
convert greenhouse gases into fuel
UBC scientists are working to harness the
sun’s energy to convert the greenhouse
gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into a useful fuel.
David Wilkinson, executive director of the
Clean Energy Research Centre at UBC, said
concentrated CO2 emissions from power
plants combined with water could be con-
verted to methane, methanol, formic acid
and other fuels suitable for combustion or
electric cells via known chemical processes.
May 20, 2011: Final concrete pours
at Cancer Centre for the North
The BC Cancer Agency Centre for the
North reached a key construction mile-
stone as final concrete poured for the
linear accelerator vaults. The new centre
will include two linear accelerators used
in the delivery of radiation therapy. The
facility will also include a computerized-
tomography (CT) simulator, a chemo-
therapy treatment unit, a pharmacy and
general outpatient clinics. The centre
expects to open in late 2012.
May 30, 2011: Jim Pattison outpatient
centre officially opens
The 237-million Jim Pattison Outpatient
Care and Surgery Centre officially opened,
the first in B.C. to provide additional
health-care capacity for Lower Mainland
communities. The centre offers day surgery,
diagnostic procedures such as lab, X-ray,
CT and MRI scans, biopsies and specialized
health programs, all within one building.
June 6, 2011: Scientists capture
antimatter atoms in a bottle
In a paper that appeared in the journal
Nature Physics, lead author Makoto Fujiwara
and his colleagues said they succeeded
in storing antimatter atoms for more than
16 minutes: virtually an eternity for a rare
substance that scientists have struggled to
keep intact for more than a few fractions of
a second. “It’s a kind of game-changer,” said
Fujiwara, who is both a research scientist
at TRIUMF: Canada’s National Laboratory
for Particle and Nuclear Physics and an
adjunct assistant professor of physics and
astronomy at the University of Calgary.
June 14, 2011: UBC researchers
discover molecular mechanism
for anti-arrhythmia drugs
The findings, published in the journal
Nature Communications, shed light on
why anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) have
different effects on the heart’s behaviour
and why the same drug can be beneficial
in some instances and fatal in others. The
discovery could lead to better treatments
for the condition, a leading cause of stroke.
June 28, 2011: B.C. companies
shine on world biotech stage
B.C.’s life-science innovators won all three
of BIOTECanada’s Gold Leaf Company-of-
the-Year awards, which were presented at
BIO 2011, the world’s largest biotechnology
convention. LifeSciences British Columbia
(LSBC) also signed an agreement that will
see North Germany and B.C. pool their
expertise. Team BC, a delegation of about
100 life-science experts from 40-plus com-
panies and research agencies, is being led
by LSBC and Moira Stilwell, parliamentary
secretary for industry, research and in-
novation to the minister of jobs, tourism
and innovation.
July 25, 2011: $8 million for clean tech
Victoria is injecting another 8 million into
B.C.’s clean-tech industry. The province
announced that 12 new projects will re-
ceive funding through its Innovative Clean
Energy fund, to support an array of small
projects, including a solar-power plant, a
tidal-energy converter and a commercial-
scale torrefaction plant for converting
pine-beetle-killed wood into fuel pellets.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 36 3/19/12 8:50:44 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 37
November 29, 2011: Funding for genome
science and technology centres
Two B.C. Science and Technology Innovation
Centres (STICs) have been awarded funding
through Genome Canada’s 2010 Science
& Technology Innovation Centre (STIC)
Operations Support Competition. Canada’s
Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre will
receive up to 6.6 million, and the University
of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre
will receive up to 3.4 million.
December 1, 2011: $2.8-million grant
toward prevention of sepis
Researchers from the Child & Family
Research Institute (CFRI, UBC) and
BC Children’s Hospital have won a
2.8-million grant from the Canadian
International Development Agency to
improve the survival of Bangladeshi
mothers, newborns and young children
through prevention of sepsis, a life-
threatening infection in which bacteria
overwhelm the bloodstream.
January 5, 2012: UBC researchers
identify new hepatitis C therapy
Researchers at UBC have found a
new way to block infection from the
hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the liver that
could lead to new therapies for those
affected by HCV and other infectious
diseases. HCV is spread by blood-to-
blood contact, and there is no vaccine
to prevent it.
January 10, 2012: MedGenesis raises
$5 million to treat Parkinson’s
MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc., a pri-
vately held biotechnology company
focused on treatments for neurological
disease, has raised 5 million to sup-
port the Phase 2 clinical development
of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor
protein (GDNF) in Parkinson’s disease.
GDNF is a naturally occurring growth
factor capable of protecting and
promoting the survival of dopamine-
producing nerve cells.
January 18, 2012: UBC researchers to
sequence Chardonnay genome
UBC’s Wine Research Centre has launched
an international collaboration with the
Australian Wine Research Institute to
sequence the Chardonnay grape
genome. A team of Canadian and
Australian scientists will explore the
genomics of the world’s most planted
grape variety.
January 30, 2012: Advinus Therapeutics,
SignalChem collaborate against cancer
Advinus Therapeutics and SignalChem
Pharmaceuticals have signed a multi-year
collaboration to develop several drugs to
treat cancer based on SignalChem’s propri-
etary platform. SignalChem has developed
a technology that focuses on cancer re-
lapse and metastasis (the spread of cancer
to different parts of the body) using a
group of proteins called kinases. The com-
panies will also develop biological markers
for personalized treat ment of patients.
The new BC Cancer Agency
Centre for the North, opening
in Prince George this year
Life Sciences 2012.indd 37 3/19/12 8:50:44 PM
38 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Biggest life-science companies in B.C.Source: Business in Vancouver
Business in Vancouver makes every attempt to publish accurate information in the List, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Researched by Richard Chu , 604-608-5114.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 38 3/19/12 8:50:45 PM
Life Sciences 2012.indd 39 3/19/12 8:50:45 PM
40 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Academic and research institutionsBC Cancer Agency 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6
604-877-6000 www.bccancer.bc.ca
BC Preclinical Research Consortium (BCPRC) 4145 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1W5
604-827-4369 www.bcprc.ca
BCIT Biotechnology Program SW9-208 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
604-434-5734 www.health.bcit.ca/biotech
The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) Suite 364-2259 Lower Mall, UBC, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
604-221-7750 www.cdrd.ca
The iCAPTURE Centre #166-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
604-806-8346 www.icapture.ca
International Collaboration on Research Discoveries (ICORD) 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
604-675-8800 www.icord.org
Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation 80 Aberdeen St. Suite 100, Ottawa, ON K1S 5R5
613-828-6274 www.ocri.ca
PROOF Centre of Excellence Room 166 Burrard Building, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
604-806-8934 www.proofcentre.ca
Providence Health Care Research Institute St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
604-806-9090 www.providencehealthcare.org
Rick Hansen Institute 6th Floor, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre 6400 – 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
604-707-2100 www.rickhanseninstitute.org
SFU Innovation Office Multi-Tenant Facility, Room 230 Discovery Park, 8900 Nelson Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 4W9
778-782-7970 www.sfu.ca/io
SFU Joint Major in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Business Administration Room SSB 8166, 888 University Drive SFU, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
604-291-5630 www.sfu.ca
SFU Management of Technology Program 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
778-782-5000 www.sfu.ca
Trinity Western University 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1
604-888 7511 www.twu.ca
TRIUMF 4004 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A3
604-222-1047 www.triumf.ca
UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2146 East Mall, Cunningham Bldg., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-822-2343 www.ubcpharmacy.org
UBC Life Sciences Institute 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-827-3935 www.lsi.ubc.ca
UBC MRI Research Centre M10 Purdy Pavilion – 2221 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5
604-822-7352 www.mriresearch.ubc.ca
UBC Science Co-op Programs 170-6221 University Blvd, Chemistry-Physics Building, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
604-822 9677 www.sciencecoop.ubc.ca
UBC University-Industry Liaison Office #103 – 6190 Agronomy Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-822-8580 www.uilo.ubc.ca
University of Northern BC 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9
250-960-5555 www.unbc.ca
University of Victoria P.O. Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2
250-721-7211 www.uvic.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Rm 100 – Willow Chest Centre 2647 Willow Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3P1
604-875-4372 www.vchri.ca
AssociationsACETECH 900-1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-683-5852 www.acetech.org
Advantage BC Suite 3093, Three Bentall Centre 595 Burrard Street P. O. Box 49067, Vancouver, BC V7X 1C4
604-683-6626 www.advantagebc.ca
Ag-West Bio Inc. 101-111 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S72 3R2
306-975-1939 www.agwest.sk.ca
BC Technology Industry Association 900 – 1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-683-6159 www.bctia.org
BioTalent Canada 1100 – 85 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 6A4
613-235-1402 www.biotalent.ca
BIOTECanada 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 600, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
613- 230-5585 www.biotech.ca
Rx&D, Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1220, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5
613-236-0455 www.canadapharma.org
DigiBC 900-1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-602-5237 www.digibc.ca
Genome BC 500-555 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6
604-738-8072 www.genomebc.ca
Research Universities’ Council of British Columbia (RUCBC) Suite 400 – 880 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2B7
250-480-4859 www.rucbc.ca
Student Biotechnology Network (SBN) The Accelerator Centre at UBC – Suite 200, 2386 East Mall, Gerald McGavin Building, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-767-4712 www.sbn.ubc.ca
Vancouver Board of Trade World Trade Centre Suite 400, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
604-681-2111 www.vancouverboardoftrade.com
Vancouver Economic Development Commission 134 Abbott Street, Suite #402, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K4
604-632-9668 www.vancouvereconomic.com
Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98102-3706
206-624-1967 www.wabio.org
Wavefront Wireless Innovation Society of British Columbia 1055 West Hastings Street, Suite 1400, Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9
www.wavefrontac.com
Life Sciences 2012.indd 40 3/19/12 8:50:46 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 41
BioinformaticsGenomeDx #201 – 1595 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1J8
604-558-4777 www.genomedx.com GenomeDx is a new genomics company developing clinical support tools for the management of chronic disease
HealthMetrx 306-2083 Alma Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6
604-222-3900 www.digitalpt.com HealthMetrx is a leading healthcare technology company and the principal External Quality Assessment provider in Canada. We combine expertise in laboratory medicine and information technology to create innovative programs to monitor, improve and standardize laboratory testing.
Kinexus Bioinformatics Corp. Suite 1 – 8755 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 6T3
604-323-2547 www.kinexus.ca Kinexus Bioinformatics Corporation maps the cell signalling networks of protein kinase enzymes for the treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases. Protein kinases are the key proteins for communication and control inside cells.
BiopharmaceuticalsAlectos Therapeutics Inc. 8999 Nelson Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 4B5
604-628-7129 www.alectos.com Alectos Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious human diseases.
Allon Therapeutics Inc. Suite 506, 1168 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2
604-736-0634 \www.allontherapeutics.com Allon Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: NPC) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on bringing to market innovative central nervous system therapies.
Amgen British Columbia Inc. 7990 Enterprise Street, Burnaby, BC V5A 1V7
604-415-1800 www.amgen.com Amgen British Columbia Inc., one of several research facilities operated by Amgen Inc., specializes in the discovery and development of human therapeutic antibodies. The research center, located in Burnaby, became part of Amgen with Amgen’s acquisition of Abgenix, Inc. in April 2006.
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals Inc. Suite 430 – 5600 Parkwood Way, Richmond, BC V6V 2M2
604-629-9223 www.aquinox.com Aquinox Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel and targeted small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory disease.
Augurex Life Sciences Corp. 1423 Dempsey Road, North Vancouver, BC V7K 1S7
778-839-3319 www.augurex.com Augurex Life Sciences Corp. develops biomarker technologies to screen people for diseases that when identified can be promptly treated, thereby delivering the benefit of earlier detection and greater treatment success.
Aurora Biomed Inc. 1001 East Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6A 1W2
604-215-8700 www.aurorabiomed.com Aurora Biomed provides enabling technologies, liquid handling systems, assay services, and reagents for life sciences, drug discovery research, analytical chemistry, drug safety screening and laboratory automation.
bioLytical Laboratories 1108-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC V6V 2X7
604-204-6784 www.biolytical.com Biolytical Laboratories Inc. is a privately-owned Canadian company federally incorporated in 2002 and focused on the research, development and commercialization of rapid, point-of-care in vitro medical diagnostics developed using its proprietary INSTI™ technology platform.
Biomark Technologies Inc. 600-1665 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X1
604-282-6567 www.biomarktech.com BioMark is focused on the research, development and commercialization of its novel Acetylated Biomarker Assay (ABA) Red Alert technology. This is a patented screening technology that is used for the determination of tumour burden.
Boreal Genomics 302 – 2386 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-822-8268 www.borealgenomics.com Boreal Genomics is a venture-backed Vancouver company committed to the development and commercialization of high performance methods and instruments for bio-molecule purification, enrichment and detection.
Cardiome Pharma Corp. 6190 Agronomy Road 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-677-6905 www.cardiome.com Cardiome is a research-based biopharmaceutical company. Our approved product (EU), vernakalant IV (BRINAVESSTM), and our lead clinical programs target the treatment of atrial fibrillation through cardiac ion-channel modulation.
Celator Pharmaceuticals Inc. 1779 W 75th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2
604-708-5858 www.celator.ca Celator Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company developing new carrier technology for targeting combinations of rationally selected chemotherapeutic agents to sites of disease.
enGene Inc. 2386 East Mall, Suite 111, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-221-4362 www.engeneinc.com enGene Inc., a leader in nucleotide delivery to the intestine, has developed a proprietary mucosal immunotherapy platform for treating several prevalent, chronic diseases of the immune system. Its lead product targets Inflammatory Bowel Disease by concentrating IL-10 delivery to the gut.
iCo Therapeutics Inc. Suite 760 – 777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4
604-602-9414 www.icotherapeutics.com iCo Therapeutics Inc. is a Vancouver-based reprofiling company focused on redosing or reformulating drugs with clinical history for new or expanded indications.
Indel Therapeutics Inc. 4068 West 11th Avenue, Suite 100, Vancouver, BC V6R 2L3
604-551-8464 www.indelrx.com Indel Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing new drugs to address the global health crisis caused by antibiotic resistance. The company has a growing pipeline of novel antibiotic drug discovery programs that focus on curing difficult-to-treat and hospital-acquired infections.
Inimex Pharmaceuticals Inc. 8540 Baxter Place, Burnaby, BC V5A 4T8
604-225-2251 www.inimexpharma.com Inimex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a Vancouver B.C.-based private biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of new medicines based on the up-regulation and control of the innate immune response.
iProgen Biotech Inc. 126-11782 River Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 1Z7
415-800-4392 www.iprogen.com
LEO Pharma Inc. 123 Commerce Valley Dr. E., Suite 400, Thornhill, ON L3T 7W8
800-668-7234 www.leopharma.ca LEO Pharma Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LEO Pharma A/S which is a Danish, research-based pharmaceutical company, globally renowned for its R&D in dermatology, coagulation and bone turnover
MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc. 730 View Street, Suite 730, Victoria, BC V8W 3Y7
250-386-3000 www.med-genesis.com MedGenesis Therapeutix Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing innovative treatments for patients with serious neurologic diseases.
MSI Methylation Sciences Inc. Unit 108 4475 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, BC V5G 4X4
604-435-5155 www.methylationsciences.com
Methylation Sciences, Inc.(MSI) has patented a new formulation of a naturally occurring human molecule called S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe).
Network Immunology Inc. 3311 Quesnel Drive, Vancouver, BC V6S 1Z7
778-847-7521 www.networkimmunologyinc.com
Network Immunology is a Vancouver-based biotech company that is developing an HIV vaccine, an organ transplant facilitation technology and a therapeutic for autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes and lupus.
Neurodyn Inc. 1260 – 1188 West Georgia Street 550 University Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-619-0990 www.neurodyn.ca Neurodyn Inc, a Canadian biotechnology company, is developing and marketing early stage, pre-clinical, diagnostic and theraputic products to treat neurodegeneration.
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Global providers of GMP grade Paclitaxel and Docetaxel active pharmaceutical ingredients for the oncology market.
More than 10 years of commercial experience with taxane APIs. State-of-the-art GMP facilities near Hamburg, Germany and Vancouver, Canada. Phyton Germany has the world’s largest plant cell fermentation facility and production of crude Paclitaxel. Eco-friendly, sustainable process. API development services from our expert staff.
1527 Cliveden Avenue, Delta, BC V3M 6P7 | 604-777-2340 x 225
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Life Sciences 2012.indd 41 3/19/12 8:50:46 PM
42 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
OncoGenex Technologies Inc. #400 – 1001 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 4B1
604-736-3678 www.oncogenex.ca OncoGenex Technologies Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing targeted therapeutics for Cancer.
Pacific Rim Laboratories #103, 19575 – 55A Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 8P8
604-532-8711 www.pacificrimlabs.com Pacific Rim Laboratories Inc. (PRL) is an ultra-trace organic laboratory specializing in the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo(p)dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and other analytes by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).
Phyton Biotech 1527 Cliveden Avenue,Delta, Delta, BC V3M 6P7
604-777-2340 www.phytonbiotech.com Phyton Biotech is a global provider of chemotherapeutic agents including Paclitaxel and Docetaxel Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Taxane intermediates.
Protox Therapeutics 1210-885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8
604-688-4369 www.protoxtherapeutics.com Protox Therapeutics uses genetic engineering to transform naturally occurring proteins into novel targeted therapeutics for the treatment of prostate diseases and various cancers. Protox is advancing a pipeline of clinical-stage product candidates derived from its PORxin™ and INxin™ technology platforms.
QLT Inc. 887 Great Northern Way, Suite 101, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
604-707-7000 www.qltinc.com QLT is an ocular-focused company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative ocular products that address the unmet medical needs of patients and clinicians worldwide.
Qu Biologics Inc. 887 Great Northern Way, Suite 138, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
604-734-1450 www.qubiologics.com Qu Biologics’ proprietary technology, Site Specific Immunotherapeutics (SSIs), stimulate the body’s innate immune response to cancer. With compelling clinical and animal study data, and multiple clinical trials planned, Qu’s SSIs are at the forefront of a paradigm shift in cancer treatment.
RepliCel Suite 1225-888 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3K4
604-248-8730 www.replicel.com The company has developed RepliCel™, a natural hair cell replication technology that has the potential to become the world’s first, minimally invasive solution for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and general hair loss in men and women.
Sirius Genomics Inc. 603 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8
604-484-7195 www.siriusgenomics.com Sirius Genomics Inc. (SGI) strategically discovers and patents important variations of the genes which are involved with drugs used in treating critically ill patients having severe infections or other critical illness.
Sirona Biochem Corp. 955-789 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1H2
604-641-4466 www.sironabiochem.com Sirona Biochem is developing diabetes therapeutics, cancer vaccine antigens, skin depigmenting and anti-aging agents for cosmetic use and biological ingredients. We are applying a proprietary chemistry technique to improve the pharmaceutical properties of carbohydrate-based molecules.
Superna Life Sciences Suite 102, 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
877-469-1254 www.supernapharma.com Superna Life Sciences is a new specialty pharmaceutical focused on the Canadian cancer care market. We have two approved products being marketed to hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists and nuclear medicine specialists. Superna seeks to expand our portfolio through in-licensing commercial-stage products.
Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation 100 – 8900 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, BC V5J 5J8
604-419-3200 www.tekmirapharm.com Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a Burnaby, BC-based biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing proprietary drugs and drug delivery systems to improve the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Valocor Therapeutics Inc. 1300 – 777 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K2
650-461-4600 www.valocor.com Valocor Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage private biotech company dedicated to developing new therapies to treat dermatological conditions with unmet medical needs
viDA Therapeutics Inc. 604-924-1730 www.vidatherapeutics.com
viDA Therapeutics Inc. (viDA) is an early stage biotechnology company, focused on the discovery and development of first-in-class drugs, based on novel technology for the treatment of age-related and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Vifor Pharma 1203-4464 Markham Street, Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8
250-744-2488 www.viforpharma.com/en Vifor Pharma is a fully integrated speciality pharma company of the Galenica Group. It is based on two main pillars: the business units Rx (prescription products) and consumer healthcare (OTC products).
Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8
604-484-3300 www.xenon-pharma.com Xenon Pharmaceuticals is a privately owned, clinical genetics-based drug discovery and development company engaged in developing small molecule therapies based on the genetic causes of select metabolic, neurological and cardiovascular diseases.
Zalicus Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 301 – 2389 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-909-2530 www.zalicus.com We are focused on developing novel drug candidates for the treatment of pain and inflammation. We will continue to apply our combination high-throughput screening technology platform and our selective ion-channel modulation platform to generate a pipeline of innovative therapeutics.
Zymeworks #540 – 1385 W. Eighth Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V9
604-678-1388 www.zymeworks.com Zymeworks is a privately held computational biotechnology company that is designing and developing best-in-class bi-specific antibodies and multi-valent protein therapeutics for the treatment of oncology, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases.
Bioproducts & bioenergyBC Hydro 333 Dunsmuir Street, 9th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6B 5R3
604-224 9376 www.bchydro.com As the third largest electric utility in Canada, BC Hydro serves customers in an area containing over 94% of British Columbia’s population. BC Hydro endeavours to provide energy solutions to its customers in an environmentally and socially responsible way by balancing British Columbians’ energy needs with the concerns of the environment.
Carbon Credit Corporation Suite 600, 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9
604-699-2580 www.carboncreditcorp.biz Carbon Credit Corp (CCC) is a BC-incorporated technology and ecosystem services company, providing comprehensive technology solutions, consultancy and services related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate protection to organizations worldwide.
Diacarbon Energy Inc Unit 120 – 2250 Boundary Road,, Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z3
604-291 0001 www.diacarbon.com Diacarbon Energy is a renewable energy company with North American patents for its portable biomass refinery technology. Diacarbon’s technology converts low-value biomass waste into high-value renewable fuels: bio-char and bio-oil.
Earth Renu 566-916 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K7
604-306-6142 www.earthrenu.com We are a BC company seeking to produce sustainable energy using agricultural, food processing, and restaurant waste which is treated through the natural process of anaerobic digestion.
EnWave Suite 2000 – 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2
778-378-9616 www.enwave.net EnWave Corporation is an R&D company developing commercial applications for its proprietary vacuum-microwave technology.
FortisBC 16705 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC V4N 0E8
604-576-7000 www.fortisbc.com FortisBC delivers natural gas and piped propane to homes and businesses throughout BC. They’re focused on connecting their customers safely, efficiently and reliably to the energy and services they need.
Solegear 204 – 901 West 3rd Street, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3P9
604-988-4068 www.solegear.ca Solegear has developed a suite of proprietary, energy-efficient, non-toxic, biodegradable plastics. From the feedstock to additives to processing and coatings, Solegear maintains a focus on green chemistry and full compostability to ensure a healthy and renewable product life cycle.
Waterfall Advisors Group Ltd. 206-566 Artisan Lane, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2
604-960-0354 www.waterfall.ca Waterfall Group provides advisory services in key areas of clean energy policy and project development. We are leading the next generation of policies, standards and regulations to create a new economic base for the production and use of low carbon and sustainable bio-based fuels and energy.
Business consultants
Abnousi Corporate Finance 900 – 1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-218-4594 www.abnousi.com
Advance Biomedical Inc. 604-219-1356 www.advancebiomedical.ca
Arazy Group 350 | 1333 Johnston Street Pier 32 | Granville Island, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
604-681-6888 www.ArazyGroup.com
BioPharma Solutions 1277 Nelson Street, Suite 1502, Vancouver, BC V6E 4M8
604-408-4310 www.BioPharmaSolutions.com
Christie Consulting Services 3715 W. 30 Ave, Vancouver, BC V6S 1W7
604-839-2581
Edelman 2nd Floor 1035 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L7
604-623-3007 www.edelman.ca
Emergo Group Suite 300, 1275 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 1A6
888-254-3160 www.emergogroup.com
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Life Sciences 2012.indd 42 3/19/12 8:50:47 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 43
Life Science Strategies Inc. 13880 18A Avenue, Surrey, BC V4A 9M1
604-541-1269
Malachite Management Inc. 375 West 5th Avenue, Suite 201, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1J6
604-874-4004 www.malachite-mgmt.com
Metaphase Health Research Consulting Inc. 604-224-5925 www.metaphase-consulting.com
QualMed Corporation 23 Forestview Drive, Cambridge, On N1T 1V1
226-789-8420 www.QualMed.ca
Rocket Builders 300 – 1275 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 1A6
604-839-5388 www.rocketbuilders.com
Technology Vision Group LLC 5200 Soquel Ave., Suite 202, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 USA
831-464-4230 www.techvision.com
True North Synergy Inc. 5371 Kew Cliff Road, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1M3
604-922-1045 www.truenorthsynergy.com
World Courier of Canada Ltd. Suite 170, 3751 Shell Road Airport Executive Park, Building B, Richmond, BC V6X 2W2
604-232 9444 www.worldcourier.com
CommunicationsBusiness in Vancouver Special Publications 102 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G2
604-688-2398 www.biv.com
Canister Creative Inc 2440 East Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V5K 2J5
604-868-4838 www.canistercreative.com
Contract research & scientific servicesASKA Research (a Division of Valerie Willetts & Associates) 115 – 1869 Spyglass Place, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4K7
604-736-3166 www.askaresearch.com
BRI Biopharmaceutical Research Inc. #101-8898 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 3S8
604-432-9237 www.bripharm.com
Canadian External Quality Assessment Laboratory (CEQAL) #307-2083 Alma Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6
604-222-3907 www.ceqal.com
CanReg is now OptumInsight 4 Innovation Drive, Dundas, ON L9H 7P3
905-689-3980 www.optuminsight.com
Critical Systems Labs 618 – 475 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B3
604-688-2754 www.criticalsystemslabs.com
Globe Laboratories Inc. 1-8755 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V6P 6T3
604-325-9643 www.globelaboratories.com
Laporte Consultants 112 W, 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N2
604-568-0180 www.laporteconsultants.com
Lifebank Corp. Suite 200 – 4475 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, BC V5G 4X4
604-738-2722 www.lifebank.com
Maxxam Analytics 4606 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1K5
604-734-7276 www.maxxam.ca
MPI Research Inc. 54943 North Main Street, Mattawan, Michigan 49071 USA
269-668-3336 www.mpiresearch.com
MRM Proteomics Inc. 1275 West 6th Avenue, Suite 311, Vancouver, BC V6H 1A6
604-800-2296 www.mrmproteomics.com
Northern Lipids Inc. 8855 Northbrook Court, Burnaby, BC V5J 5J1
604-222-2548 www.northernlipids.com
PBR Laboratories 9960-67 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 0P5
866-450-3957 www.pbr.ca/index.htm
PharmaNet Development Group Inc. 5160 boul. Décarie, 8th Floor, Montreal, QC H3X 2H9
514-485-7500 www.pharmanet.com
PharmEng Technology Inc. 130 – 10691 Shellbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2W8
604-303-0445 www.pharmeng.com
Rondaxe Suite 1, 100 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse, NY 13205 USA
315-469-2800 www.rondaxe.com
SBW – SBNA Systems Biology North America Ltd. 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
604-365-6424 www.sbw.fi
SignalChem Pharmaceuticals Inc. Suite 550 – 5600 Parkwood Way, Richmond, BC V6V 2M2
604-232-4600 www.signalchem.com
Syreon Corporation 260 – 1401 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 1C9
604-676-5900 www.syreon.com
Viva Pharmaceuticals Inc. 13880 Viking Place, Richmond, BC V6V 1K8
604-718 0816 www.vivapharm.com
Wax-it Histology Services Inc. 202 – 2386 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-822-1595 www.waxitinc.com
Facilities & real estate
CB Richard Ellis 600-1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3
604-662-3000 www.cbre.com
Chernoff Thompson Architects 110 – 1281 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3J5
604-669-9460 www.cta.bc.ca
Discovery Parks Trust 155-887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
604-734-7275 www.discoveryparks.com
Vancouver Island Technology Park 2201-4464 Markham Street Victoria BC V8Z 7X8
250-483-3200 www.vitp.ca
Financial services & insuranceAon Reed Stenhouse Inc. 900 Howe Street, 5th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2M4
604-688-8591 www.aon.com
BDC Venture Capital 505 Burrard Street Suite 2100, P.O. Box 6, Vancouver, BC V7X 1M3
604-666-7875 www.bdc.ca
CMW Insurance Services Ltd. 700 – 1901 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5C 6R6
604-294-3301 www.cmwinsurance.com
Deloitte & Touche LLP 2800-1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7X 1P4
604-669-4466 www.deloitte.ca
Ernst & Young LLP 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C7
604-891 8200 www.ey.com/GL/en/Home
KPMG LLP Suite 900 – 777 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K3
604-691-3000 www.kpmg.ca
PricewaterhouseCoopers 250 Howe Street, Suite 700, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S7
604-806-7000 www.pwc.com
RBC Knowledge Based Industries 1055 West Georgia St., 36th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6E 3S5
604-665-8470 www.rbcroyalbank.com/kbi
VenturesWest Management Inc. Suite 400, 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W2
604-688-9495 www.ventureswest.com
GovernmentBCIC 900 – 1188 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A2
604-683-2724 www.bcic.ca
British Consulate-General 800-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4V6
604-683-4421 www.uktradeinvestcanada.org
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Suite 200, 1285 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8
604-730-8322 www.msfhr.org
NRC-Industrial Research Assistance Program 1200 Montreal Road, Bldg. M-58, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
613-993-9101 www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
NSERC Pacific Suite 407 – 138 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4S3
604-666-8818 www.nserc.ca
International pharmaceutical corporationsAbbott 8401 Trans-Canada Highway, St. Laurent, QC H4S 1Z1
514-832-7000 www.abbott.com
AstraZeneca Canada Inc. 1004 Middlegate Rd., Mississauga, ON L4Y 1M4
800-565-5877 www.astrazeneca.ca
Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada 2344 Alfred-Nobel Boulevard, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec H4S 0A4
800-267 0005 www.bms.com
Eli Lilly Canada Inc. 3650 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M1N 2E8
416-694-3221 www.lilly.ca
GlaxoSmithKline 7333 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON L5N 6L4
905-819-3000 www.gsk.com
Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. 2455 Meadowpine Boulevard, Mississauga, ON L5N 6L7
905-542-5555 www.rochecanada.com
Life Sciences 2012.indd 43 3/19/12 8:50:48 PM
44 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
Merck 16711 Trans Canada Highway, Kirkland, QC H9H 3L1
514-428-8600 www.merckfrosst.ca
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. 385 Bouchard Blvd, Dorval, QC H9S 1A9
514-631-6775 www.novartis.ca
Nycomed Canada Inc. 435 North Service Rd. West 1st Floor, Oakville, ON L6M 4X8
905-469-9333 www.nycomed.com/ca
Pfizer Canada Inc. 17300 Trans-Canada Highway, Kirkland, QC H9J 2M5
514-695-0500 www.pfizer.ca
Sanofi Canada 2150 St. Elzear Blvd. West, Laval, QC H7L 4A8
514-331-9220 www.sanofi.ca
Sanofi-Pasteur 1755 Steeles Avenue West, Bldg. 83, Room 214J, North York, ON M2R 3T4
416-667-2700 www.sanofipasteur.com
Legal servicesBlake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP 595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49314 Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre, Vancouver, BC V7X 1L3
604-631-3300 www.blakes.ca
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 1200 – 200 Burrard Street, PO Box 48600, Vancouver, BC V7X 1T2
604-687-5744 www.blgcanada.com
Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP 3000 Royal Centre, PO Box 11130, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3R4
604-687-6576 www.bht.com
Christensen O’Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC 1420 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA 98101-2347 USA
206-682.8100 www.cojk.com
DuMoulin Black LLP 595 Howe Street, 10th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5
604-687-1224 www.dumoulinblack.com
Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP 25th Floor, 700 W Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1B3
604-684-9151 www.farris.com
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Bentall 5 2900 – 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3
604-631-3131 www.fasken.com
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP 550 Burrard Street Suite 2300, Bentall 5, Vancouver, BC V6C 2B5
604-683-6498 www.gowlings.com
MBM Intellectual Property Law LLP 700 West Pender Street, Suite 700, Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8
604-669-4350 www.mbm.com
McCarthy Tétrault LLP PO Box 10424, Pacific Centre, 1300-777 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K2
604-643-7100 www.mccarthy.ca
Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP 480 – The Station, 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
604-669-3432 www.patentable.com
Seed Intellectual Property Law Group PLLC 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5400, Seattle, WA 98104 USA
206-622-4900 www.seedip.com
Tees Consulting Corp. 2880 Trimble Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 4L4
604-839-4284 www.teesconsulting.com
Medical devicesBiolux Research Ltd. 220-825 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1H7
604-669-0674 www.bioluxresearch.com Biolux Research Ltd. is a world leader in the development of innovative Light Accelerated Regeneration technology and products for use in orthodontics, implantology and other dentistry markets.
Daan Diagnostics Ltd. 200 – 5050 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4H2
604-451 7588 www.daandiagnostics.com Daan Diagnostics is a leader in the development and commercialization of innovative technology-based products and services for clinical laboratory, veterinary and food applications.
Evasc Medical Systems 107 – 1099 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6H 1C3
604-742-3811 www.evysio.com Evasc Medical Systems is a medical device company focused on developing technologies for the treatment of vascular disease. With a strong background in interventional cardiology, Evasc’s mandate is to refine early stage intellectual property and take new endovascular products from concept to pilot production.
Farabloc Development Corp. #211 – 3030 Lincoln Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3B 6B4
604-941-8201 www.farabloc.com Farabloc Development Corporation is a private company headquartered in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, a suburb of Vancouver. The company was incorporated in 1983 for the purposes of research and development focused on the product Farabloc.
Heart Force Medical Inc. Suite 305 – 1818 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C7
604-566-8200 www.heartforcemedical.com HeartForce Medical Inc. is an early stage medical devices company dedicated to researching, developing and commercializing products and services for general physicians and cardiologists, specifically for Seismocardiographic and Ballistocardiographic assessments of patients.
Innovatek Medical Inc. #3 – 1600 Derwent Way, Delta, BC V3M 6M5
604-522-8303 innovatekmed.com Innovatek Medical Inc. is a Canadian company selling rapid diagnostic kits in the areas of women’s health, drugs of abuse and infectious diseases.
Kardium Suite 100 – 12851 Rowan Place, Richmond, BC V6V 2K5
604-248-8891 www.kardium.com Kardium is a technology pioneer developing new medical devices to address cardiovascular diseases. The company was founded in 2007 by a team that has a track record of excellence in medicine, business and engineering.
LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. 235-5589 Byrne Rd., Burnaby, BC V5J 3J1
604-434 4614 www.velscope.com LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. is the parent of company of LED Dental which recently launched the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment system, a cordless, affordably priced instrument that helps dental practices screen patients for oral cancer and other oral disease.
LifeScan Canada Ltd. #300 – 4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6
604-320-2904 www.onetouch.ca/english/index.asp
LifeScan Canada Ltd. is committed to improving the quality of life for people with diabetes and has created a unique system of products and services tailored to meet the needs of health care professionals and people with diabetes.
LightIntegra Technologies 650-999 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K5
604-734-3548 www.lightintegra.com LightIntegra Technology Inc. is developing ThromboLUX, a medical device that analyzes the quality of platelets immediately prior to a transfusion
Lungpacer Medical Inc. 8888 University Drive, Room L9003, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
778-782 3141 www.lungpacer.com Lungpacer’s mission is to develop and commercialize a novel, award-winning therapeutic system to prevent diaphragm atrophy and protect the lungs from damage associated with mechanical ventilation in critically ill ICU patients
Neovasc Inc. #2135-13700 Mayfield Place, Richmond, BC V6V 2E4
604-270-4344 www.neovasc.com Neovasc Inc. is a specialty medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets products for the rapidly growing cardiovascular marketplace. Its products include the Reducer™, Tiara™ and a line of advanced implantable biological tissues.
Ondine Biomedical Inc. 888-1100 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A6
604-669-0555 www.ondinebiopharma.com Ondine Biopharma Corporation is developing non-antibiotic therapies for the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections.The company is focused on developing and commercializing innovative products using its patented light-activated technology.
Pyng Medical Corporation 7 – 13511 Crestwood Place, Richmond, BC V6V 2E9
800-349-7964 www.pyng.com Pyng Medical is committed to bringing award-winning, professionally preferred trauma and resuscitation products to critical care personnel around the world, helping them respond and treat patients faster and more effectively.
Response Biomedical Corp. 1781-75th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6P 6P2
604-456-6010 www.responsebio.com Response Biomedical is commercializing a new class of diagnostic with the world’s only immunoassay platform that provides lab-quality information in a matter of minutes, anywhere, every time.
Sorin Group Canada – Mitroflow Division Heart Valve Manufacturing Operations 5005 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, BC V5J 5M1
604-412-5650 www.sorin.com Sorin Group is a global medical device company and a leader in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The company develops, manufactures and markets medical technologies for cardiac surgery and for the treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders.
Starfish Medical 455 Boleskine Road, Victoria, BC V8Z 1E7
250-388-3537 www.starfishmedical.com StarFish provides medical device development services, from business, market, and product planning to proof of concept to manufactured devices. Our focus is on great design.
Verathon Medical (Canada) ULC 2227 Douglas Road, Burnaby, BC V5C 5A9
604-439-3009 www.verathon.com Verathon® (formerly Diagnostic Ultrasound Corporation) designs, manufactures and distributes reliable, state-of-the-art medical devices and services that offer a meaningful improvement in patient care to the health care community.
Verisante Technology, Inc. #306 – 2309 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6M 2A3
604-605-0507 www.verisante.com Verisante is a medical device company dedicated to skin cancer detection. The company’s award-winning device, AuraTM, is approved for sale in Canada, Europe and Australia.Verisante is a TSX Venture 50® company (TSX-V: VRS).
Scientific suppliersAirgas North Pacific 12365 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC V3V 3K2
604-580-3000 www.airgas.com
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. 400 – 570 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1B3
604-877-0713 www.stemcell.com
VWR International Ltd. 2360 Argentia Road, Mississauga, ON L5N 5Z7
800-932-5000 www.vwrcanlab.com
OtherArbutus Dental Centre #203 – 4255 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4R1 604-731-4188
Life Sciences 2012.indd 44 3/19/12 8:50:48 PM
BIV Magazines LifeSciences/2012 45
LIFESCIENCES BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARDS
From investigation to innovationRecognizing today’s foremost achievements in the field
Each year, LifeSciences British Columbia
presents the LifeSciences British
Columbia Awards to individuals and
organizations that have made outstanding
contributions to B.C.’s life sciences.
In 2012, LifeSciences BC recognized the
following distinguished recipients.
Tim Durance
Innovation & Achievement Award
Tim Durance, founder, chairman and co-
chief executive officer of EnWave Corp.,
is a world leader in the innovation and
advancement of high-speed vacuum
microwave drying technology. Since 1996,
he has grown his radiant energy vacuum
(REV) technologies from early-stage con-
cepts invented at his laboratory at the
University of British Columbia into a pipe-
line of technologies ranging from proto-
type to industrial offerings, all positioned
to challenge the conventional industry
standards of freeze-drying (lyophilisation),
air-drying and spray-drying.
Durance was a professor in the food,
nutrition and health program at UBC and
has been a member of the faculty since
1987. He is the owner of 15 patents and
author of more than 60 peer-reviewed
scientific publications and numerous book
chapters and scientific presentations.
Durance received his PhD and M.Sc. in
food science from UBC, as well as a B.Sc.
in microbiology from the University of
Guelph and a BA in anthropology from
the University of Waterloo. He has grown
EnWave from a university startup to a
TSX-listed company with a market cap-
italization of over 100 million, employing
25 persons and owning engineering and
biotechnology facilities and a pilot plant.
Durance’s ability to innovate while
leading a team of highly skilled engineers
and scientists has led to the creation of
technologies that have interested large
multinational companies, including
Merck, with which EnWave announced
a research evaluation agreement in
December 2011.
Bruce M. McManus
Milton Wong Award for Leadership
Bruce McManus is professor, department
of pathology and laboratory medicine,
UBC. He serves as director, UBC James
Hogg Research Centre at St. Paul’s
Hospital; and co-director, Institute for
Heart + Lung Health; and director, NCE
CECR – Centre of Excellence for Prevention
of Organ Failure (PROOF). McManus served
as inaugural scientific director of the
Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory
Health, Canadian Institutes of Health
Research, from 2000 to 2006.
McManus received BA and MD
degrees from the University of
Saskatchewan, an M.Sc. from Pennsylvania
State University and a PhD from the
University of Toledo. He pursued post-
doctoral fellowships at the University
of California, Santa Barbara, and at
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, and resi-
dency training at the Peter Bent Brigham
Hospital, Harvard University. After 11 years
on faculty at the University of Nebraska
Medical Center, he joined the UBC faculty
of medicine where he served as depart-
ment head of pathology and labora-
tory medicine from 1993 to 2000. He is a
fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada, the College
of American Pathologists, the American
College of Cardiology and the American
College of Chest Physicians.
McManus has co-authored approxi-
mately 350 peer-reviewed publications
and several book chapters. He co-holds
numerous patents and serves on various
editorial boards and advisory committees.
He has also served as councilor for the
International Society for Heart Research
and the American Society for Investigative
Pathology and as president of the Society
for Cardiovascular Pathology. He was co-
recipient of the prestigious Max Planck
Research Award in 1991, was elected to the
Royal Society of Canada as a fellow of the
Academy of Sciences in 2002 and became
an inaugural fellow of the Canadian
Academy of Health Sciences in 2005. He
has received the Research Achievement
Award of the Canadian Cardiovascular
Society, the British Columbia Innovation
Council’s Lieutenant Governor’s
Technology Innovation Award and the
CSATVB Scientific Excellence Award from
the Canadian Society for Atherosclerosis,
Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 45 3/19/12 8:50:52 PM
46 LifeSciences/2012 BIV Magazines
LIFESCIENCES BRITISH COLUMBIA AWARDS
Neil Cashman
Genome BC Award for Scientific
Excellence
Neil Cashman is a neurologist and neuro-
scientist and an internationally recognized
leader in prion and neurodegenerative
disorders. He has received numerous
accol ades over three decades. As a senior
investigator at UBC’s Brain Research Centre
and the scientific director of PrioNet
Canada, he has focussed on translating
research discoveries in protein misfolding
into innovative therapeutics and diag-
nostics for neurodegeneration such as
Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s dis-
ease, as well as protective vaccines for the
infectious prion diseases, such as mad cow
disease. Cashman’s ground-breaking dis-
coveries and globally collaborative efforts
have shaped the Canadian research land-
scape in this field. Cashman has authored
more than 300 scientific publications and
has filed 30 patent applications.
In 1998, Cashman was the scientific
founder of Caprion Pharmaceuticals, and
in 2004 he founded Amorfix Life Sciences
Ltd., a company focussed on the diag-
nosis and treatment of protein misfolding
diseases. To kick-start Canadian prion re-
search after the outbreak of mad cow dis-
ease, he organized a Network of Centres of
Excellence named PrioNet Canada in 2003,
with the purpose of networking multi-
disciplinary researchers in Canada and
internationally to investigate the causes
and prevention of animal and human
prion diseases. He also holds the Canada
Research Chair in Neurodegeneration and
Protein Misfolding Diseases, is a professor
of neurology at UBC and serves as an
expert consultant for the Canadian gov-
ernment and international industry.
Ian de la Roche
Dr. Don Rix Award for
Lifetime Achievement
Ian de la Roche is adjunct professor,
forest resource management, UBC.
For four decades, he has helped usher
Canada’s traditional agriculture and
forestry into the new bioeconomy. A
plant geneticist, he started his career as
a research scientist and head of genetic
engineering at Agriculture Canada, pub-
lishing more than 80 scientific articles on
plant genetics, physiology and biotech-
nology and moving into leadership roles
such as overseeing crop R&D programs
at 50 facilities nationwide. De la Roche
went on to lead three national research
institutes focused on biotechnology and
crop improvement. He then became
director general, priorities, strategies and
national programs. Among his many ac-
complishments, he led the development
of the National Agriculture Biotechnology
Initiative, established the first Industry
Relations Office to facilitate commer-
cialization of new technologies and
formulated the Canadian Biotechnology
Strategy for dealing with the European
Economic Community.
In 1988, he was appointed assistant
deputy minister at Western Economic
Diversification Canada. He became a
key architect of the International Centre
for Agricultural Science and Technology
and the Plant Biotechnology Cluster in
Saskatoon. In 1992, he became president
and chief executive officer of Forintek
Canada Corp., Canada’s national wood-
products research institute, where he
oversaw a major expansion into value-
added and secondary manufacturing.
Under his leadership, Forintek became
a key organization during the onset of
the mountain-pine-beetle epidemic and
helped counter many of the concerns
about beetle-killed wood by conceiving
scientifically-based strategies to recover
value from the resource and maintain
market access. In 2006, he oversaw the
creation of FPInnovations, a merger of the
three national forestry R&D institutes and
the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre.
De la Roche has helped change how
we think about forestry: from a finite nat-
ural resource to a sustainable, diversified
sector with a strong innovation system.
Neovasc Inc.
Medical Device Company of the Year
Neovasc Inc. focusses on treating
advanced cardiovascular disease and heart
failure: an area of immense clinical need
and rapid technological development.
The company made significant advances
in 2011, growing revenues and achieving
important development and regulatory
milestones to establish itself internation-
ally as a leading developer and provider of
cardiovascular devices.
Neovasc has three distinct product
lines: 1) its biological-tissue business,
2) the Reducer product for treating refrac-
tory angina and 3) the Tiara transcatheter
mitral-valve replacement.
Neovasc has customers around the
world, ranging from small startups to
some of the largest companies in the
medical-device industry, with more than
25,000 patients implanted with devices
fabricated from Neovasc’s biological
tissue in 2011. The Reducer received a
CE mark in November 2011, allowing
the company to begin marketing the
product in Europe and treating the large
population of patients suffering from
debilitating angina pain. Neovasc’s Tiara
transcatheter mitral-valve program is
now recognized internationally as one
of the most promising technologies in
this area, and the company expects to
undertake first-in-man implantations
within a year: an accomplishment never
before achieved clinically.
Neovasc has seen steady growth in rev-
enue every year since the company’s for-
mation in 2008, and it forecasts continued
growth for 2012.
Life Sciences 2012.indd 46 3/19/12 8:50:54 PM
Life Sciences 2012.indd 47 3/19/12 8:50:54 PM
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Life Sciences 2012.indd 48 3/19/12 8:50:55 PM
Company page urlAmgen 47 www.amgen.caArazy Group 42 www.arazygroup.com; www.globarhub.comBC Centre for Excellence 26 www.cfe.ubc.caBCIT 14 www.bcit.ca/healthBioTalent 9 www.biotalent.caDeloitte 6 www.deloitte.caGenome BC 7 www.genomebc.caIotron 33 www.iotron.comMerck 2 www.merck.caMinistry of BC 5 www.britishcolumbia.caOyen Wiggs 28 www.patentable.comPfizer 3 www.pfizer.caPhyton Biotech 41 www.phytonbiotech.comPRA 22 www.clearlypra.comProof Centre 41 www.proofcentre.caStemcell 39 www.stemcell.comVancouver Coastal Health 16 www.vchri.caWorld Courier 48 www.worldcourier.comXenon 16 www.xenon-pharma.com