LIFE SCIENCES - INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS GROWING BRITISH COLUMBIA'S BIO-ECONOMY - Life Sciences British Columbia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LIFESCIENCES 2017 INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS Fifteen life science visionaries translating insights into action GROWING BRITISH COLUMBIA’S BIO-ECONOMY OFFICIAL PUBLICATION SPONSOR PUBLISHED BY 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 1 2017-03-16 10:04 AM
Driving talent development and innovation in BC Introducing the I2C Program Many talented health researchers in BC are discovering cures and treatments that have the potential to improve health outcomes and enrich BC’s health research and life sciences ecosystem. Targeted breast Better prostate Tools for safer To help these researchers take cancer treatment cancer outcomes maternal care their discovery and turn it into a viable product, MSFHR has Dr. Torsten Nielsen and his team A 2004 Research Unit Award Dr. Mark Ansermino, Dr. Peter launched the new Innovation developed PAM50 — a test that helped Dr. Martin Gleave establish von Dadelszen (2006 Scholar) to Commercialization (I2C) measures key genes expressed by PC-TRiADD, a research program and colleagues developed the Program. Awards from this breast cancer. The test identifies focused on developing new phone oximeter, a mobile program will help BC researchers roughly one-third of early breast services and products to improve diagnostic tool that uses undertake feasibility research cancer patients whose tumours prostate cancer outcomes. Since smart phone technology to and commercialization activities. are of a low-risk subtype and inception, PC-TRiADD has spun off measure blood oxygen levels. whose likelihood of survival four biotechnology companies and The technology has proven With this program, MSFHR hopes without chemotherapy is greater developed eight new intellectual valuable in predicting the onset to support a new generation than 95%. The PAM50 test, FDA- property-protected cancer drugs. of serious complications caused of researchers to follow in the cleared and marketed around In 2015, a potential treatment by pre-eclampsia, a condition of footsteps of past MSFHR award the world under the brand name for advanced prostate cancer pregnancy that is responsible for recipients like Dr. Torsten Nielsen, Prosigna, helps patients avoid was licensed to pharmaceutical 76,000 maternal deaths annually Dr. Martin Gleave and Dr. Mark unnecessary chemotherapy, and company Roche, to date the that occur primarily in low- and Ansermino, all of whom have helps ensure medical resources largest licensing agreement to middle-income countries. The gone on to commercialize are deployed more efficiently. come out of a Canadian university. researchers founded LionsGate their discoveries. Technologies to bring the product Dr. Torsten Nielsen Dr. Martin Gleave to market. 2003 Scholar & 2008 Senior Scholar 2004 Research Unit Award Dr. Mark Ansermino, 2007 Scholar Since 2001, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research has empowered world-class health innovation with global impact, supporting nearly 1,600 individual researchers and 80 research teams. Our funding programs support a vibrant health research community in BC that: @ Develops, attracts and retains leading health researchers. @ Leverages funding to develop innovative ideas into new products, new treatments and new companies. @ Addresses our province’s health priorities. @ Finds solutions to our most pressing health challenges, including cancer, genomics and HIV/AIDS. In 2016, MSFHR launched a refreshed suite of eight targeted funding programs, including the new Innovation to Commercialization Program. These programs are designed to address health system priorities and to support a strong health and life sciences ecosystem in BC, today and in the future. For more information, connect with us. info@msfhr.org | www.msfhr.org | Twitter: @msfhr | YouTube: themsfhr | 604.730.8322 MSFHR is dedicated to the memory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Smith (pictured right). 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 2 2017-03-16 10:04 AM
Congratulations to the Annual LifeSciences BC Award Winners! Our 2017 Winners are: t(FOPNF#SJUJTI$PMVNCJB"XBSEGPS Scientific Excellence – Dr. Leonard Foster t.JDIBFM4NJUI'PVOEBUJPOGPS)FBMUI3FTFBSDI o"VCSFZ+5JOHMF1SJ[Fo%S+BNFT3VTTFMM t%FBMPGUIF:FBSo$FMBUPS1IBSNBDFVUJDBMT*OD t(SPXUI4UBHF-JGF4DJFODFT$PNQBOZPGUIF:FBS o*OOPWBUJWF5BSHFUJOH4PMVUJPOT*OD t(SPXUI4UBHF.FEUFDI$PNQBOZPGUIF:FBS o$MBSJVT.PCJMF)FBMUI$PSQ t4USBUFHJD-JGF4DJFODFT1BSUOFSPGUIF:FBS o*OEVTUSJBM3FTFBSDI"TTJTUBODF1SPHSBN *3"1 o1BDJmD3FHJPO t.JMUPO8POH"XBSEGPS-FBEFSTIJQo%S8JMMJBN)VOUFS t%S%PO3JY"XBSEGPS-JGFUJNF"DIJFWFNFOUo%S"MBO8JOUFS t-JGF4DJFODFT$PNQBOZPGUIF:FBSo.D,FTTPO*NBHJOHBOE8PSLnPX4PMVUJPOT Celator Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Alan Winter In congratulating all of this year’s winners, we are most delighted and proud to have been the legal advisor to Celator Pharmaceuticals from BC Cancer Agency spin out through its seed and Series A rounds before migration to the US, and in supporting Dr. Alan Winter’s leadership in launching GenomeBC. Success At All Levels Life Sciences is a global business for our clients. Farris has been in involved in Life Sciences from the earliest days of the industry, guiding our clients through some of the largest and most ground-breaking financing, commercialization, and merger transactions in Canadian history. We advise significant public institutions, listed companies and private corporations, balancing a strong national presence with an international client base that includes the Americas, Europe and Asia. For further information, please contact R. Hector MacKay-Dunn, J.D., Q.C. at 604-661-9307, hmackay-dunn@farris.com or ca.linkedin.com/in/hectormackaydunn. 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 3 2017-03-16 10:04 AM
CONTENTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION 38 34 40 PUBLISHER: Sue Belisle VICE-PRESIDENT, AUDIENCE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Kirk LaPointe LIFESCIENCES BC LIAISON: Susan Ogilvie EDITOR: Meg Yamamoto 22 INTEGRATED SALES MANAGERS: Pia Huynh, Laura Torrance, Chris Wilson DESIGN: Randy Pearsall 30 PRODUCTION: Rob Benac WRITERS: Marke Andrews Peter Caulfield, Ian Jacques, Peter Mitham, Brigitte Petersen PROOFREADER: Christine Rowlands 24 ADVERTISING SALES: Joan McGrogan, Corinne Tkachuk ADMINISTRATORS: Katherine Butler, Marie Pearsall SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER: 36 Michelle Myers RESEARCH: Anna Liczmanska, Carrie Schmidt Life Sciences 2017 is published by BIV 10 Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 303 Fifth Avenue West, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6, 604-688-2398, fax 604-688-1963, 42 www.biv.com. Copyright 2017 Business in Vancouver 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 list of services provided in this publication is not necessarily a 32 complete list of all such services available in Vancouver, B.C. The publishers are not 44 responsible in whole or in part for any 13 errors or omissions in this publication. ISSN 1205-5662 Publications Mail Agreement No: 16 40069240. Registration No: 8876. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 28 Circulation Department: 303 Fifth Avenue West, INDUSTRY 20 Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6 Email: subscribe@biv.com INFLUENCERS Cover: B.C. life sciences movers and shakers, clockwise from centre: Karimah Es Sabar, Quark Venture Inc.; Sally Greenwood, Genome BC; Norma Blin, Augurex Life Sciences Corp.; Catalina Lopez-Correa — Strengthening the ecosystem 10 Kathryn Hayashi, Advanced Applied Norma Biln — Collaboration is key 13 Physics Solutions; Nancy Harrison, formerly of MSI Methylation Sciences Sandra Dunn — War on cancer 16 Inc.; Natalie Dakers, Accel-Rx Health Nancy Harrison — Venturing on 20 Sciences Accelerator; Lesley Esford, LifeSciences BC; Kathleen Martin Ginis, Terry Thomas — Switching gears 22 MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER UBC Okanagan; Anne Stevens, Aequus OF SCIENCE 6 Pharmaceuticals; Catalina Lopez-Correa, Elisabeth Maurer — In the blood 24 Genome BC Kathleen Martin Ginis — Research in action 28 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 8 Photo: Chung Chow Edie Dullaghan — On target 30 CORPORATE PROFILES 47 Kathryn Hayashi — Connecting science with society 32 LIFE SCIENCES PRODUCED BY COMPANIES AT A GLANCE 50 Lynda Brown-Ganzert — Providing a platform 34 Helen Burt — Pharmacy all the way 36 LIFE SCIENCES MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 52 Mary Ackenhusen — Health authority 38 BIGGEST LIFE SCIENCES Anne Stevens — All about access 40 COMPANIES IN B.C. 56 Karimah Es Sabar — Outcomes and impact 42 SPONSOR 2016 CLINICAL MILESTONES IN Natalie Dakers — Accelerating life sciences 44 B.C.’S LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR 58 2016 INVESTMENTS IN B.C.’S LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR 59 19TH ANNUAL LIFESCIENCES BC 2017 AWARD WINNERS 60 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 4 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
MTM_AD_S_8.625x11.25_inches.indd 2 2/11/15 12:31 PM 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 5 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
6 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER Message from the Minister of Science Many of Canada’s remarkable scientists are inspired by one truth: science has the power to change lives. And perhaps no branch of science does this more directly than the life sciences. The study of cell biology and genomics, among others, is the study of the wonder that is life. Life science is a critical research area in which Canada has Hon. Kirsty Duncan, PC, MP, Minister of Science world-leading expertise. It is also a scientific discipline for which I have great respect and admiration. When I first arrived in Ottawa, I worked to promote life $12 million to support the Stem Cell Network’s research, sciences. I was able to get all-party support to create a training and outreach activities. subcommittee of health on neurological disease, disorder As Minister of Science, I also believe it is my duty to en- and injury, and promote health research. I later worked courage young women to choose a career in science, tech- with researchers from across the country on areas such nology, engineering or math (STEM). Only 22 per cent of as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and dementia. people working in STEM fields in Canada are women, and The Canadian life sciences sector is an important con- only about one in four engineering degrees go to women. tributor to our economy, creating the innovations that That’s why I have been taking specific steps to advance will improve health-care delivery in Canada and abroad. equity such as introducing diversity requirements into the Our government’s investments are targeted to areas Canada Excellence Research Chairs program, and bringing where Canada has demonstrated its strengths. We have back the University and College Academic Staff System also made major investments in the fundamental science survey. I also recently had the pleasure of launching a to ensure Canada’s international leadership position women and girls in STEM campaign. This campaign aims remains strong. to start the conversation on how we can encourage more Our most significant commitment to research is the young women to choose a scientific career, and how to boost in support for discovery at Canadian post-secondary foster a culture of curiosity in all Canadians. institutions. We have provided a $95 million top-up to In the life sciences alone, there are major opportunities the granting councils, the highest amount of new annual for Canada to excel in areas such as regenerative medicine, funding for this purpose in over a decade. oncology and neurology. The possibilities to advance We provided $237 million to support the pan-Canadian innovations in these areas are enormous and we cannot activities of Genome Canada, and are supporting brain be left behind. Increasing the diversity of talented people research by providing $20 million to the Brain Canada fuelling our country’s future will enhance the richness Foundation. To further Canada’s long-standing leader- of these discoveries and innovations to the benefit of all ship in the field of stem cell research, we also invested Canadians. É 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 6 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
8 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER Message from the president I’m proud and humbled to have been recently chosen to lead LifeSciences BC. Throughout my career in academia, industry and government, I have been fortunate to work in an area that I love, life sciences, focused on supporting the growth of this ever-evolving and dynamic sector. Lesley Esford, PhD, president As an industrial technology adviser for the National health outcome potential, we require innovation, as a of LifeSciences BC Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Pro- critical next step. A rising tide lifts all boats. gram, I have had the pleasure of working with numerous We have many strengths in B.C., including generating thought-provoking and motivated entrepreneurs who great science. Optimizing and aligning the life sciences have successfully grown their companies from startup sector to support translation of our world-class science to commercialization. Interestingly, Statistics Canada into new innovations and commercial products will be reports that 1.2 million small and medium-sized enter- key. Our challenge is to ensure that we have the resour- prises (SMEs) drive more than half of Canada’s GDP and ces, capital and talent to achieve our goals. account for 63 per cent of private-sector employment. The various players – academic institutions, govern- B.C. has a strong SME and startup ecosystem in the life ment, industry associations, accelerators, incubators sciences. Now I have the opportunity to lead our associ- and industry – need to recognize (and support) the ation in a manner that promotes the vibrancy and global role each plays in our ecosystem in order to fortify the interest of this ever-changing and influential industry. connections between them. Each performs an essential In this 2017 edition of LifeSciences, we feature 15 pro- role in the efforts to facilitate lasting growth, but none files of exceptionally talented and dynamic “industry will be as effective in isolation. influencers” in the life sciences ecosystem – and they We have many of the ingredients for fostering innov- also happen to be women. Women in the life sciences ation in B.C., and we are moving in the right direction. sector are often lifelong contributors to research and We need to continue to generate great science, and innovation, but, like myself until recently, many work the related discovery and development will continue in isolation away from the spotlight. The LifeSciences to advance new startups. Recognizing the need to do BC board of directors and I thought it was time the many a better job of scaling up those small companies and women who have contributed, studied, worked and dedi- supporting their progress and growth, as a community cated their lives to the betterment of health outcomes we should commit to: for all, had their moment in the spotlight. What is also ■Strengthening the network and connection of key play- exciting is that there were many more women who could ers in the ecosystem within B.C., Canada and the world. have been added to this list. ■Assisting our SMEs in accessing smart capital – intro- As we move into 2017 we don’t want to leave anyone out ducing and promoting B.C. companies to investors from of the bigger, broader picture, as it will take our collect- around the world. ive efforts to move us forward. This year our theme of ■Finding ways to support adoption and procurement of “Translating Insights into Action” is about strengthening innovation at all levels of the public and private sectors. our life sciences ecosystem and ensuring that we con- If we can do this, we will have secured our place in tinue to support the fundamentals of company creation Canada and around the world, while being a beacon and growth. We require research to drive new knowledge, of inclusion, resourcefulness, talent and opportunity and in order for this to realize its full economic and for all. É 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 8 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
THANK YOU LifeSciences British Columbia relies greatly on the support of our sponsors – without which we would not be able to undertake many of our important industry-building initiatives. We are proud to list the companies below as organizational sponsors. PLATINUMSPONSORS GOLDSPONSORS SILVERSPONSORS BRONZESPONSORS AON Canada Fasken Martineau Medtronic AstraZeneca Canada LifeLabs Novateur Ventures Inc. Centre for Drug Research and Genome British Columbia Sanofi Canada Development (CDRD) UBC Sauder School of Business Janssen Pharmaceuticals/ Discovery Parks LifeScan Canada Ltd. Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 9 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
10 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER STRENGTHENING THE ECOSYSTEM Genome BC chief scientific officer champions genomics research PETER MITHAM G enetics research has come a long way since Czech monk CATALINA LOPEZ-CORREA Gregor Mendel’s studies of pea plants. Yet those humble CHIEF SCIENTIFIC beginnings laid the foundation for the more than 120 pro- OFFICER AND VICE- PRESIDENT, SECTOR jects and $800 million in investment Genome BC oversees. Allowing DEVELOPMENT, GENOME BC scientists to understand the hereditary characteristics that enhance Where there is a living organism, life and contribute to disease, and how diseases respond to various the genome and therapies, the research is revolutionizing how we tackle problems genomics have a role to play in areas from medicine to the environment. “Where there is a living organism, the genome and aquaculture sectors are close behind. genom ics have a role to play,” says Dr. Catalina “The most recent areas that we’re covering are all the Lopez-Correa, chief scientific officer and vice-president, areas that are related to mining and the environment,” sector development, with Genome BC. “My responsibil- Lopez-Correa adds, explaining how bacteria can re- ity is to be leading all the scientific strategy at Genome mediate soil and purify waste water. BC, and I work on what we call sector development – The application of genomics research is key for meaning ensuring the use and adoption of genomics in Lopez-Correa, who trained as a medical doctor before different sectors.” specializing in genomics. Raising awareness of how While health care is the single biggest sector applying genomics research can create a new way of doing things genomics research at present, the forestry, agri-food and is key for her. 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 10 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 11 “We see Genome BC [as] much more than a funding like, ‘Oh my God, this is what I would like to do.’ It was Catalina Lopez-Correa, chief agency. It’s not about giving money to projects,” she really clear for me,” she says. scientific officer and vice- says. “It’s about creating environments and ecosystems She practised for two years in Colombia and then president, sector development, here in the province, where genomics is really helping moved to France, part of a desire to spread her wings Genome BC, says “it’s about economic development. … It’s about working together and see the world. It ultimately led to a master’s degree creating environments and with industry, with the province, with the federal en- in human genetics at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. A ecosystems here in the tities to build those ecosystems.” doctoral program in Belgium followed, balanced by province, where genomics Born in Colombia in 1967, Lopez-Correa was strongly medical practice on Saturdays. is really helping economic influenced by her father, an engineer who was pas- “It was a good transition for a medical doctor, not just development” | CHUNG CHOW sionate about computers and new technology. This jumping into the [lab] bench but always having patients was immensely stimulating for her, as was the small in mind, and the application of the science,” she says. farm he maintained where he took an active interest in Work at a bioinformatics company in London opened improving the quality of his livestock – her first intro- doors in Reykjavik as head of cytogenomics with deCode duction to genetics. Genetics Inc., which established the world’s first biobank “Genetics, always either with my dad in the farm or at with DNA samples from the Icelandic population. medical school or in my PhD, genomics or genetics has “For me, it was really like the mecca – the place to be in always been not an end but a means to improve a process, terms of genomics and genetics,” she says. improve economic development.” An appointment as principal research scientist with She initially studied to be a physician at Universidad Eli Lilly and Co. followed in 2005. She moved to In- Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia, graduating dianapolis with her partner, María Adelaida Escobar, in 1991, but the science, rather than the clinical practice but when Escobar’s student visa expired in 2008, hard of medicine, attracted her. decisions followed. “When I had my genetic classes in medical school, I was “We couldn’t stay in Indianapolis,” Lopez-Correa 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 11 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
12 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER Strengthening the ecosystem explains. “We consciously chose Canada, not just out to key potential partners,” she says. “There is more because of the professional opportunities for us, but freedom to be creative.” because … we wanted a culture and a country that Her current priorities include securing the funding respected the environment, respected human rights, that supports that freedom, as well as maintaining where diversity was valued.” and enhancing the local and international reputation CATALINA Lopez-Correa became scientific director at Genome of Genome BC. She also works to make industry aware LOPEZ-CORREA Quebec, the province’s counterpart to Genome BC, and of genomics’ potential, as well as to make researchers was soon vice-president and chief scientific officer. aware of the opportunities. CHIEF SCIENTIFIC While there, she saw what Genome BC was doing well, She’s particularly keen to encourage women to enter OFFICER AND VICE- and sought to enhance what Genome Quebec was doing. the field. While gender equity is not a significant issue PRESIDENT, SECTOR “I asked Genome BC if they could host me for one week at Genome BC, she believes more can be done in the life DEVELOPMENT, to learn what they did and how they did it,” she says, sciences sector as a whole. “Almost 80 per cent of the GENOME BC establishing connections that laid the foundation for team of PhDs and scientists that we have here are women, We have the her arrival in B.C. in 2016. because this is an environment where they can have “Genome BC was my example to follow, so what [better] some flexibility to take care of the families and their kids. possibility to than to go work for your example?” It’s intellectually stimulating, and they can grow,” she interact with all Even more exciting for Lopez-Correa is B.C.’s strategic says. “[But women] are not represented in our funding; location on the Pacific Rim. they’re not represented on our expert panels.” these companies “It’s a very powerful position we have; we are the door With the growth of the sector in a part of the country in Singapore, to Asia, we have the possibility to interact with all these with a high quality of life, Lopez-Correa would like to in Australia, in companies in Singapore, in Australia, in China, that are see a more diverse genomics community. starting to also lead the way,” she says. “We love hiking, we love camping, we love skiing,” she China, that are An entrepreneurial spirit and cluster of skilled scien- says of her own recreational pursuits. “So what can be starting to also tists anchored by a single research university strength- [better] in Canada than moving to B.C., and Vancouver, lead the way ens B.C.’s position. having all the outdoors that we love and having a way “We have the expertise, we have the ecosystem or to grow and – for me – having much possibility to grow environment, and also we have the possibility to reach internationally?” É HealthTech Connex Inc. advances science into innovative health care technologies and solutions. With a premier focus on advanced brain technologies, HealthTech Connex team help individuals to achieve peak brain performance and guide best possible treatment options for people with devastating brain illness. HealthTech Connex is driven by team of clinicians, scientists and engineers, who connect advanced R&D with innovative clinical neuroscience breakthroughs for the ODUJHVWSRVVLEOHVRFLHWDOEHQHÀWV healthtechconnex.com 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 12 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 13 COLLABORATION IS KEY Augurex CEO: ‘Surround yourself with good people’ MARKE ANDREWS N orma Biln learned to collaborate at an early age. She was just a baby when her family emigrated from Syria and the seven of them – four children, two parents and one grand- parent – spent six years in a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal. Curtains divided the living space; everyone waited their turn for the bathroom. Young Norma, the youngest of the clan, slept in a crib for the first six years of her life. NORMA BILN CO-FOUNDER AND “They did remove the bars of the crib,” she says now the extracellular protein; a positive test indicates the CEO, AUGUREX LIFE with a laugh. person has a five to 50 times greater chance of developing SCIENCES CORP. Learning to share and collaborate served her well. RA than someone without it. Early RA diagnosis and Today, Biln is co-founder and CEO of Augurex Life Sci- treatment improve clinical outcomes. People kept ences Corp., a Vancouver biotechnology company that JOINTstat has been adopted by clinical labs throughout develops biomarker blood tests, making major inroads the world: LifeLabs in Canada; Quest Diagnostics, Lab- talking about in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and oratory Corp. of America and RDL Reference Laboratory [work-life] other autoimmune diseases affecting joints. in the U.S.; and Medical & Biological Laboratories in balance, and I Augurex comprises just seven people, including Japan. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has co-founders Biln and Dr. Anthony Marotta. It is import- approved it for use in Australia, and it is CE-marked thought that ant that the company collaborates with government and for Europe. balance was for private funding bodies to further its work. It collaborates Genome BC is one of the organizations investing in with researchers and other health professionals, paying Augurex. seniors contractors and sharing data with them. “Augurex is helping to speed up diagnosis for patients, That is what Augurex did in its work developing a which is enabling better health outcomes,” says Dr. 14-3-3 eta blood test, called JOINTstat. The 14-3-3 eta Tony Brooks, chief financial officer and vice-president protein usually exists within a body’s cells; if it moves of research programs at Genome BC. “Augurex is well to outside cells, it can cause inflammation and joint positioned to make JOINTstat, and other tests in their damage. The blood test developed by Augurex looks for therapeutic pipeline, accessible across global markets. 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 13 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
14 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER Collaboration is key Norma Biln is co-founder and “The success of Augurex speaks to Norma’s leadership psychology from McGill University and then a master of CEO of Vancouver-based as well as the strength of the life sciences community business administration from the University of Phoenix, biotechnology company in British Columbia.” with a career goal of “being a COO of a pharmaceutical Augurex, which develops So how did Biln get on this track? With an X-ray tech- company.” biomarker blood tests that aid nician father and a mother who worked as a nurse, health While working for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, she in early diagnosis of rheumatoid care was always in her family. As a student, she loved took what was supposed to be a nine-month sales arthritis | CHUNG CHOW biology, but it was really volunteering as a candystriper job in Vancouver. Here, she met her husband and fell in her teens that made the biggest impression. for the West Coast lifestyle, though that took some “My role was to keep seniors company on the chronic acclimatizing. wards and to assist nurses and ward aides with work “The culture here was laid back and more relaxed than overflow,” Biln says. “My exposure to aging, humanity, it is in other cities,” she recalls. “I was young and ambi- health crises and death, along with the many stories tious, and knew I could only go so far here in a pharma- shared by patients, made me realize how important ceutical company. People kept talking about [work-life] every one of our stories is.” balance, and I thought that balance was for seniors.” She earned a bachelor of science in physiology and Biln moved around to different companies (including 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 14 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 15 Amgen and Abbott Laboratories) before landing at possibilities; preclinical animal studies demonstrate Stressgen Bioreagents, where she met her future busi- that anti-14-3-3 eta monoclonal antibodies delay ness partner, Marotta. They talked about ideas they the onset of and mitigate the severity of arthritis shared, and in 2006 they created Augurex. development. Augurex’s blood test and its adoption internationally Asked what advice the Augurex CEO has for any person is a major coup for the company. Biln says her biggest wanting to lead a company in the biotechnology field, challenge does not come from competition with other Biln has two important points. companies in the medical field, but from getting phys- “You must realize that it is not about you; it is about icians to make the switch. your team,” she says. “It is important to surround “They’ll say, ‘I’ve never used this in the past,’ so the yourself with good people. challenge is to convince them that this will make life “And if you’re a founder, you must have an unrelenting better for their patients,” Biln says. ‘we will make this a success come hell or high water’ atti- Aug u rex is cu rrently exa m i n i ng treatment tude. Because there are so many opportunities to fail.” É by Lark Group Bringing together the brightest minds, academics, entrepreneurs, startups and multinational companies to transform the way high quality health care is delivered BC’s most rapidly growing and dynamic new Developed by Canadian-based Lark Group, the DISTRICT health tech sector hubs, the HealthTech Innovation is developing over 1 million square feet bringing over HUB within the Health & Technology DISTRICT 15,000 jobs, and will contribute over $1.1 Billion annually on Innovation Boulevard, includes a series of eight into BC’s economy when complete. In BC’s tech high-tech buildings underway immediately adjacent sector, the Health & Tech DISTRICT is recognized to Surrey Memorial Hospital. It has created a highly for its international partnerships, leading to a series of successful and unique ecosystem for clinicians and investments by local startups as well as global leading health care providers to work alongside innovators, organizations, and is seen as an unparalleled landscape for entrepreneurs and tech companies. research, development and innovation. www.healthandtechnologydistrict.com 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 15 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
16 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER WAR ON CANCER For Phoenix Molecular Designs founder Sandra Dunn, the mission is personal MARKE ANDREWS F or the past quarter century, Dr. Sandra Dunn, founder and CEO of Phoenix Molecular Designs, has devoted her time to researching cancer and trying to put the deadly disease on the run. That mission is very personal for Dunn. Her paternal grandparents, with whom she was very close, both died from cancer. “They were like parents to me,” recalls Dunn, her voice by Carl Barrett. Sandra Dunn, founder and choked with emotion, at the Phoenix office in Richmond. Many students take a gap year. Dunn took five years CEO of Phoenix Molecular “Cancer touching my family like that made me realize between undergraduate and graduate school, working Designs | CHUNG CHOW there is so much more that needs to be done.” as an analytical chemist. Students in the sciences face Born in Berea, Ohio (population: 19,093), Dunn and her two career paths: they can go into academia, teaching four siblings grew up in a working-class family at a large what they know, or they can work in industry. There was farmhouse in Brunswick, Ohio. Her dad worked at the no question what Dunn wanted. steel mill, her mother toiled as a nurse, and Dunn had “I loved [working in labs] and told people, ‘I want to work regular summer jobs throughout her teens. She loved in industry and develop drugs for patients with cancer.’” school, particularly science, and decided in high school However, those industry plans took a 15-year detour she wanted a career in research. into academia, all because a supervisor asked her to Dunn studied biology at Hiram College, choosing write a grant application to start a lab in a university that school because it had research opportunities and environment. She wrote the proposal, got the grant and research jobs for undergraduate students. From there spent the next decade and a half teaching, though she she moved south to North Carolina State University was still able to carry on with cancer research, first at to get a master’s and PhD in toxicology, specializing North Carolina State University and then – moving to in cancer research. Her post-doc fellowship was at the Vancouver in 2001 – at the University of British Colum- National Institutes of Health, where she was mentored bia’s (UBC) faculty of medicine. 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 16 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 17 In January 2012, she founded Phoenix Molecular De- The Phoenix team aims not only to combat cancer the signs, bringing UBC post-doctoral student Aarthi Jayan- first time it hits, but also to stop it from hitting again. than on board to get things going. She was able to open a “We’re going after what causes cancer to recur,” she lab and focus full time on the company three years later. says. “We’re developing durable therapies for patients, British Columbia, she says, has unlimited opportun- completely different from what’s out there. It’s not only ities for health-care companies. SANDRA DUNN effective against the cancer, it’s safer. No nausea, no hair “There’s this wonderful culture here of people who FOUNDER AND CEO, loss, and it reduces the cancer.” want to work together,” she says. “You could say Can- PHOENIX MOLECULAR Phoenix has targeted triple-negative breast cancer, a ada’s West Coast is the Wild West, but people aren’t DESIGNS particularly lethal cancer that affects 15 to 20 per cent of afraid of that. They embrace the opportunity to think women, most of them young women. For triple-negative outside the box. You could say breast cancer, Phoenix has developed the compounds, “Now is a better time than ever to start a company Canada’s West patented them and tested them on mice, and will go into in British Columbia. There are incredible tax incen- clinical trials next year. tives. There’s a wealthy investor community here. And, Coast is the Wild Through collaborations with other researchers in Japan, moreover, there’s an opportunity to set ourselves apart West, but people Italy and the United States, the company also keeps data from others. aren’t afraid of on prostate, melanoma, ovarian and blood cancers. “I found I kind of fell out of the nest and learned to “Sandi has always been high-energy and highly driven,” fly here.” that says Emma Guns, associate professor in UBC’s faculty of 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 17 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
18 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER War on cancer From left, Sandra Dunn and Phoenix Molecular Designs team members Mymy Huynh, Aarthi Jayanthan and Chris Williamson | CHUNG CHOW medicine and senior research scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. “Whenever I might feel like throwing in the towel, I call Sandi and she turns me around.” Phoenix has five full-time employees and 30 contracted employees both in B.C. and in San Diego, Montreal and Boston. Dunn’s fundraising experience back in her univer- sity days has served her well: last year, she was able to raise $1 million for Phoenix; this year her target is $10 million. En route to becoming a CEO, she learned from her grandmother that she must lead by example. Even more important, she says, she must work with others as a team. “None of this success we’ve had at Phoenix is about me; it’s about us and the countless hours and dedication that went into the research to get us to where we are today,” she says. There’s no question where Dunn wants to go in the coming years. “If I have another 15 years of my career, I really want to make a difference in the cancer area,” she says. “I want to focus on fixing the problem.” É What gets you up in the morning? For us, it’s cutting edge science and technology, the endless possibilities this union holds and the sheer opportunity to be part of something big. And winning the battle against cancer. If this speaks to you, consider a career with us. zymeworks.com/careers 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 18 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
AD299-LifeSciencesBC.indd 1 2/15/2017 2:11:41 PM 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 19 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
20 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER VENTURING ON Nancy Harrison nurtures a lifelong love for life sciences BRIGITTE PETERSEN A fter spending more than two decades help- NANCY HARRISON ing shape the B.C. life sciences industry, VICE-CHAIR, Nancy Harrison stepped down from her LIFESCIENCES BC It is unbelievable position as president and chief business officer of the lengths that MSI Methylation Sciences Inc. in March, but she people go to to build these has no plans to leave the sector. companies Harrison, who co-founded MSI in 2008, says she will earning a bachelor of applied science in engineering continue to aid the Burnaby-based clinical-stage phar- from Queen’s University. maceutical company, but is going to take time off to The 52-year-old North Vancouver resident is proud consider her next move. of her work as a partner and senior vice-president of “The company is in that stage where it makes sense for Ventures West. During her time there, the life sciences me to transition out. It’s just time to evolve and do the portfolio grew from zero to about 30 per cent of the next step,” says Harrison, vice-chair of LifeSciences overall investment portfolio. Her strategic investments BC. “I owe life sciences my career and I love it. I couldn’t while with Ventures West included Angiotech Pharma- imagine doing something that is more intellectually ceuticals Inc., AnorMed Inc., Caprion Pharmaceuticals stimulating or more meaningful.” Inc., Celator Technologies Inc., Alder BioPharmaceut- After graduating with her MBA from McGill Univer- icals Inc., Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Salmedix Inc., sity, Ottawa-born Harrison moved to Vancouver at the SemBioSys Genetics Inc. and many other firms. age of 29. Shortly afterward, she joined venture capital “The transition [into life sciences] was really a fascin- firm Ventures West Management Inc., where she spent ation with biology,” Harrison says. “With building the about 14 years building and managing life sciences companies, I find that all the issues of strategy, science investment funds. and the regulatory environment make a very complex “I was lucky enough to meet the people at Ventures West web. I was just really interested in looking for medicines when it was a relatively small venture capital company that worked better, and working with companies and in 1993, and they were interested in life sciences,” says entrepreneurs who did that.” the geophysical engineer who worked for Shell after P rev iously na med a w i n ner i n the Business in 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 20 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 21 Vancouver Forty under 40 and Caldwell Partners Can- including the late Ronald Cape, who co-founded one Nancy Harrison, co-founder ada’s Top 40 Under 40 awards, Harrison cites the major of the first biotechnology companies, Cetus Corp., in and former president and highlight of her career as being able to help pharma- Berkeley, California, in 1971. chief business officer of ceutical companies navigate the challenging, heavily “Other mentors I’ve had include each of my partners at MSI Methylation Sciences, regulated industry waters where companies often invest Ventures West. Each one of them taught me a ton about has thrived for more than hundreds of millions of dollars to get a drug through different things, even when I didn’t want to learn,” she two decades within a clinical trials before they are able to earn a penny. recalls. “At MSI, I learned a ton from co-founder Barry challenging life sciences “I’ve just been really fortunate to be able to inter- Guld about being entrepreneurial and thinking things ecosystem | CHUNG CHOW act with entrepreneurs and the companies to see the through.” breadth of ideas, strategies and drugs that people can Harrison, a mother, believes the life sciences industry dream up and scientifically discover,” says the avid holds as many promising opportunities for women as skier. it does for men. As one of the most experienced biotech financial “I don’t have a sense of gender inequality in life sci- people in the Canadian life sciences industry, Harrison ences. I think life sciences is a good place for women to has earned a reputation for her passionate drive as a bio- be. I think you have to do it in the way that you would technology venture capitalist, company co-founder and do it as an individual, not in a male way or in a female active board member. Watching the B.C. biotechnology way, but how you would do it with all the components industry transform since 1993 and supporting and of your own personality,” advises Harrison. “Try to witnessing the successes of companies in this province stay true to your path, your values, and do what you have been some of the highlights of her career, she says. think is the right thing, and ask for help.” “It is unbelievable the lengths that people go to to build Harrison has served on numerous boards over the these companies. The passion they show, the fortitude, years and is currently on the National Research Council the spirit of hope, and they all do it to develop better of Canada’s industrial research assistance program medicines, devices, diagnostics and better outcomes advisory board and on entrepreneurship@UBC’s board. for people.” And is also an adviser for Genome BC’s I2 Fund and the Harrison had a number of mentors along the way, BC Tech Association’s HyperGrowth:Life program. É 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 21 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
22 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER Terry Thomas, chief scientific officer of Stemcell Technologies: “making a positive impact on cancer, immunology and stem cell research” has made for a rewarding career in life sciences | CHUNG CHOW SWITCHING GEARS Terry Thomas started out as a marine biologist and is now Stemcell Technologies’ chief scientific officer 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 22 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 23 PETER CAULFIELD D r. Terry Thomas is chief scientific officer of Stemcell Tech- TERRY nologies Inc., located up the hill from False Creek and just a THOMAS few blocks from Vancouver General Hospital. “I lead research CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, STEMCELL and development, product development, strategic marketing and TECHNOLOGIES Switching licensing,” Thomas says. “I also play a key role in corporate strategy.” scientific fields Starting when she was young, Thomas has followed her Vancouver General Hospital, for giving me the oppor- was not easy. dreams. But she also hasn’t been afraid to strike off on a tunity to make such a bold switch.” Essentially, I did different path when her dreams changed. Thomas says a highlight of her career took place while As a young schoolgirl in Montreal and Toronto, Thomas she was working with Lansdorp at TFL, when she in- a second PhD, excelled in biochemistry and biology. vented tools and reagents to improve the purification learning on the “My focus on creativity and innovation I attribute to of cells from blood and bone marrow. my father, Bill Thomas, who was an automotive engineer “In 1994, when this technology was licensed to Stem- job and in my and a boat builder,” she says. “As a child, novel ideas and cell, I joined the 12-person company as head of R&D to spare time inventions were part of our daily routine.” commercialize these cell separation reagents,” she says. On her mother’s side of the family, education was an “The resulting products are now responsible for over one- important value. third of the company’s sales of $150 million per year.” “My mother, Mary Morrison, studied and became a Thomas says Eaves, who is founder and CEO of Stem- nurse,” Thomas says. “And my grandfather, George cell, has been her mentor for more than 20 years. Morrison, was a research chemist at Shawinigan Chem- “Allen’s clear vision of what was important – advance- icals in Shawinigan, Quebec. I knew I wanted to do ment of science and being truthful and ethical in all research, too.” our dealings – has never wavered. He coached me in Thomas earned a PhD in marine biology from the decision-making, managing people, strategic thinking University of British Columbia in 1983. She was awarded and leadership.” a two-year Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Thomas says she has also had the opportunity to Council of Canada post-doctoral fellowship to study the mentor many gifted young scientists. chemical and physiological effects of heavy metals on “I have guided over 25 PhD graduates to become senior marine organisms. managers in technology development. Most recently, But then her research interests changed. four of that number – two men and two women – are “I had dreamed of becoming a marine biologist ever now vice-presidents and senior directors at Stemcell.” since I was 10 years old,” Thomas says. “I held on to In addition, many members of her team have come to that dream much longer than most people, thoroughly her looking for not only career advice but also insight enjoying my career as a marine biologist.” on creating work-life balance. She came to the realization, however, that what she Thomas says women thrive in the life sciences. really wanted to do was to make a contribution to hu- “My goal has been to create a work environment that man health. promotes not only innovation, but also trust, respect and “I declined job offers for post-doctoral positions in teamwork,” she says. “Women tend to thrive in such an marine biology and applied instead for life sciences environment, as is shown by the high proportion – 70 positions, relying heavily on my laboratory experience per cent – of women in R&D at Stemcell. Working in and my knowledge of biochemistry and general cell groups gives women the confidence to say what they biology,” Thomas says. really think.” In 1986, she changed her field of scientific research Looking back, is there anything Thomas would have to hematopoietic stem cell research and landed a job done differently? at the Terry Fox Laboratory (TFL) at the BC Cancer “Well, I ended up switching my field of research three Research Centre. years after my PhD,” she says. “Did I make the wrong “Switching scientific fields was not easy,” Thomas says. choice to start? Yes, probably, but for me, it was an “Essentially, I did a second PhD, learning on the job and enriching and empowering phase of my life.” in my spare time.” Thomas says she started off pursuing the romantic idea Thomas says she was very fortunate to get a job at TFL. of youth, to be a marine biologist like Jacques Cousteau. “To this day, I am grateful to Dr. Peter Lansdorp, who is “But later I also got the opportunity to pursue a most principal investigator at the lab, and to Dr. Allen Eaves, rewarding career in life sciences, making a positive im- who is director of the lab and head of hematology at pact on cancer, immunology and stem cell research.” É 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 23 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
24 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER IN THE BLOOD ThromboLUX inventor encourages young women to pursue the field of science IAN JACQUES T aking risks can be hard, even scary at times, ELISABETH MAURER but for Dr. Elisabeth Maurer, building a PRESIDENT AND company from the ground up would never CTO, LIGHTINTEGRA TECHNOLOGY have been achieved without taking a few risks. One of my early The founder of LightIntegra Technology and principal “I think I have always been interested in learning and advisers said to inventor of ThromboLUX has more than 20 years of re- observing things, and that’s why I went into science,” me, ‘Remember, search experience, devoting her career to understanding she says. “I was really lucky having good teachers in blood platelet function and the application of dynamic high school who fostered that interest in looking deeper you can’t do it light scattering. into why things work a certain way and not another.” alone,’ and that is LightIntegra was incorporated in November 2008 to Early in her career Maurer was a scientist with Can- so, so true commercialize ThromboLUX, a non-invasive, easy-to- adian Blood Services (CBS), and she has held the position use optical test to determine the size and distribution of adjunct scientist with CBS since 2010. of all particles in a platelet sample and evaluate their LightIntegra Technology got its start in the CBS re- response to temperature stress. ThromboLUX is ideal for search and development labs through Maurer’s efforts. determining microparticle content in samples derived Her years of research on platelet function led to a break- from patient or donor blood and platelet concentrates. through discovery about the temperature response of Originally from Austria, Maurer received her PhD in platelets. She recognized the opportunity to use this physical chemistry from the Karl-Franzens University discovery – coupled with advances in laser and optics of Graz, Austria. She came to Vancouver in 1994. technology – to address a market need to provide a safe, 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 24 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
| 25 quick and simple diagnostic test for microparticles, she also admits she could never have achieved anything Elisabeth Maurer, platelet quality and function. Knowing the microparticle without a lot of support along the way. founder, president and content of platelet transfusions is particularly important “I think one really, really important thing was to bring CTO of LightIntegra for optimal patient care, she explains. Paul Geyer into the company as CEO, because as a sci- Technology | CHUNG CHOW “It was around 2004 that I started to think about using entist, one is just not prepared to run a company – at this technology,” she says. “CBS and the University of least, I felt like that. In my view they are very different British Columbia [UBC] gave me a lot of support along job descriptions,” she says. “I started it off, but it was a the way, and we did a successful pilot study at Vancouver real milestone in 2009 when Paul came on as CEO and General Hospital.” started to build a team. Maurer, who is LightIntegra’s president and chief tech- “One of my early advisers said to me, ‘Remember, you nology officer, also holds a position as clinical associate can’t do it alone,’ and that is so, so true. I’m very for- professor at UBC and is an active member of a number tunate to have a wonderful team who shares my passion of organizations with a focus on blood transfusions. and strives to do good work for people.” She says starting the company was a huge risk, but she Over the years, Maurer has had many influencers who was confident in the products and the technology. But have helped her, but she credits her father for really 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 25 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
26 | LIFESCIENCES 2017 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER In the blood Elisabeth Maurer medical, scientific and research affairs at Canadian with her invention, Blood Services, who was Maurer’s longtime supervisor, ThromboLUX | CHUNG CHOW for significantly shaping her career. Being a woman and a leader in her field comes with many challenges, but Maurer would like to encourage more young women to pursue the field of science, despite those challenges. “I would encourage any woman who has an idea or a willingness to try to get into this industry. I work a lot with men and it is always a really good experience,” she says. “I would encourage women to take chances. Sometimes I think that being a woman in this industry would be a disadvantage, but when I took the steps necessary, re- ality proved to be OK. You can do anything you set your mind to. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man.” “When I look back at my life, the challenge is really balancing your career and a family life,” she adds. “I am very grateful having had a family. While I was doing it I often felt stretched thin and not being able to give 100 per cent to my family and 100 per cent to my work, so I think it is a very fine balance to make it work. “It can be done, though, and that is the message young starting her on the right path. women probably need to hear. You are not a bad mother “While [I was] growing up, my dad, being an engineer if you try to pursue a career, because you will actually himself and always trying to improve the product that generate interesting things for your children. If you have he was working on, was for sure an influence,” she says. some fulfilment in your job, it will actually be good for She also credits Dana Devine, vice-president of your family.” É [Your Innovation Partners] 1201 Third Avenue 206.682.8100 COJK.com Suite 3600 Seattle, WA 98101 Biochemistry Computer Science Immunology Medical Devices Protecting the ideas that make the world a better place. Contributions to medical research, health care and pharmaceuticals have led to better health, longer lives and significant discoveries in disease prevention and treatment. COJK intellectual property attorneys partner with innovators in the life sciences to protect, enforce and license their cutting-edge achievements. Our depth of experience in science, technology, business, academia and IP law allows us to deliver comprehensive strategies that apply patent, trademark, copyright, litigation and other IP services to protect groundbreaking work in a competitive world. Microbiology Molecular Genetics Nanotechnology Pharmaceuticals 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 26 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
Multi-Drug Resistant Infections… “the Single Most Dangerous Problem Facing Humanity Today” CDC Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms cause 40% of all Healthcare Associated Infections Photodisinfection Solution: Fast & Effective Technology for Treating and Preventing Infections Ondine Biomedical Inc. Simple Solutions to Complex Infections Global leader of Photodisinfection based therapies that treat or prevent topical multi-drug resistant infections www.ondinebio.com 00_Life Sciences 2017_01_64p.indd 27 2017-03-16 10:05 AM
You can also read