Biotechnology Focus Podcast

079 | Acknowledging some of the industry’s best Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you the lowdown on the Canadian biotech scene. Today, I will be discussing such topics as empathic distress, the top industry leaders that stood out from the pack this past year, a plausible link between white matter in the brain and Alzheimer’s, and how a multi-use drug could benefit those combatting esophageal cancer. +++++ Ever felt like you were picking up someone’s stress just from being around them? As if their experiences radiated and permeated your own mind? Well, studies being done at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary are studying precisely that. Researchers have been told by healthcare workers that empathic nuances seem to transfer from soldiers’ who suffer from PTSD to their partners or family members, despite never having served in the military. Jaideep Bains, PhD, and his team at the Hotchk

Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. This week we are discussing a recent investment, the engineering of a CAR molecule to combat cancer, a new surgical treatment and a study notifying us that viruses are literally falling to Earth. I am your host Michelle Currie, here to bring you the lowdown on the Canadian biotech scene. +++++ Ontario Genomics is investing $100,000 in one of Toronto’s newest start-up companies, Bright Angel Therapeutics to develop anti-fungal treatments. Fungal diseases are a growing global public health problem. Data compiled by the Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections shows that “over 300 million people are afflicted with a serious fungal infection and 25 million are at high risk of dying or losing their sight.” Mortality due to fungal infections is primarily due to the development of resistance to the few available anti-fungal compounds. Ontario Genomics’ Pre-commercial Business Development Fund investment will help Bright Angel Therapeutics develop new compounds

Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. This week we are discussing some of the recent mergers and acquisitions that have been rocking the headlines, some recently awarded grants and how machines are moving fast. I am your host Michelle Currie, here to bring you the lowdown on the Canadian biotech scene.  +++++  Celgene, a biotech giant, has merged with and acquired Juno Therapeutics and their leading blockbuster drug cancer therapy in one of their largest deals ever. For a total of $9 billion, Celgene will pay $87 a share in cash for those not already owned by this corporation.  Celgene and Juno have been collaborating since June 2015 under which the two companies would leverage T cell therapeutic strategies to develop treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases with an initial focus on CAR-T and TCR technologies. In April 2016, Celgene exercised its option to develop and commercialize the Juno CD19 program outside of North America and China.  Juno develops cell-base

076 | Regulations, Drug Discovery, and Collaborations Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. This week we’ll be discussing regulations when working with drugs, financing drug discoveries, and an East Coast collaboration that will develop new opportunities for marine biotechnology. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene. +++++ Health Canada maintains tight control over the sale of drugs in Canada by applying the Food & Drug Regulations to all involved parties. In order to bring a drug product to market, a manufacturer must provide evidence to Health Canada on drug safety and efficacy, and demonstrate that processes planned for production are consistent with the regulations. Enforcement of the regulations is not limited to the pre-approval phase. After receiving approval, license holders must continue to ensure that all parts of their supply chain operate in compliance with Health Canada regulations. Logistic partners inclu

075 | Partnerships, potential cures and pandemics      Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. This week has brought new partnerships and novel research to light from across Canada.   An international partnership sets its sight on developing a cure for Alzheimer’s disease  A recent study on Huntington’s could aid cognitive decline  Research suggests link between mortality rates of influenza pandemics   And implanting a potential cure for type 1 diabetes   Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene.    +++++    A deal has been signed between the Krembil Research Institute and French multinational pharmaceutical company, Servier, for the development of a potential disease-modifying drug for Alzheimer’s disease.  This strategic research partnership agreement with Toronto-based company Treventis Corp., a company founded by the director of Krembil,

074 | An unprecedented act of kindness, a jump in cancer immunotherapy, and trusting your gut On this episode of Biotechnology Focus radio are some of the top stories this week: How an unprecedented act of kindness will transform lives Promising news out of Ottawa that could take cancer immunotherapy to the next level How a known anti-psychotic has the possibility of being a solution to ALS And how a researcher’s gut reaction turned out to be right. ++++++ Making headlines this week is about the staggering $100 million anonymous donation that was received by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto to combat the causes of mental illness and develop cures to save lives and further hope. This anonymous gift leaves many incredulous and excited to fuel discovery and create social change for all Canadians. The donor made a comment on how they had seen first-hand the impact mental illness has on individuals and their families, and that they just wanted to support the next generation of researche

Happy 2018 from Biotechnology Focus! Ahead on today’s episode are some of the headlines that are shaking things up in the new year.   Sanofi launches digital clinical trials for increased probability of participation  A repurposed drug could be the key to successful stem cell transplants  Experts advise caution of the use of Sanofi’s dengue vaccine as new warnings are added to the label  Virus vs. Virus – could Maraba knock out HIV?  Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene.  +++++  First up this week, Sanofi launches a digital way to partake in clinical trials – to make participation more widely available and lower the duration of the trial itself. Clinical trials are a crucial step to putting the potentially life-saving medication on to shelves. However, due to the specifics required for each participant and their proximity to a research centre, 80 per cent of clinical tri

Ahead of Biotechnology Focus radio are some of the highlights of the week. ImmunoBiochem is haloed with angel investors after completing a new round of financing. Biotalent Canada provides subsidy to fund more “green jobs” for young graduates. eSight named one of the best inventions in 2017 by giving the gift of sight. Zymeworks presents results of ongoing completed dose escalation phase 1 oncology study. Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene. +++++ Our first story this week takes us to the heart of Toronto with ImmunoBiochem Corporation as it completes a new round of financing led by angel investors and the company’s founding investor. The corporation has expanded its operations and is now located at Johnson & Johnson, JLABS, in the centre of Toronto. The company is focused on solving tumour heterogeneity by targeting a class of proteins in the tumour microenvironment with antibody

Ahead on Biotechnology Focus radio are some of the stories from universities across the country and their innovative research this week. The University of British Columbia presents research that Alzheimer’s might be a whole-body problem. The University of Guelph identifies key protein in cancer metastasis. A University of Toronto scientist will be conducting a real-time study of astronauts while on mission. And, Western University’s National Centre for Audiology will be testing a device that may lay the foundation for hearing in the future. Welcome to another episode of Biotechnology Focus radio. I am your host, Michelle Currie, here to give you a run-down of the top stories of Canada’s biotech scene.  Our first story this week takes us to British Columbia, where recent studies are showing that Alzheimer’s might be linked to more than just deteriorating brain matter and plaque. It could be a whole-body phenomenon. The findings that were published in Molecular Psychiatry offer hope that future drug therapies m

Hi! This is Michelle Currie and on this episode of Biotechnology Focus radio, we will be discussing outsourcing. A topic defined as “the strategic use of outside resources to perform activities traditionally handled by internal staff and resources.” It is a strategy used by organizations to contract out major functions to specialized providers.  +++++  I have with me today, Michael Stopay, the director from Pacer Air Freight, a Canadian life science logistics company to discuss with us the advantages of outsourcing for small to mid sized enterprises and how his company plays a role.   +++++  Well, that concludes our Biotechnology Focus radio for this week. I would like to thank Michael Stopay for being with us today and hope that you will listen in next week! From my desk to yours – this is Michelle Currie.   

The field of biotechnology is constantly evolving. It encompasses everything that harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that will improve our lives and the health of our planet. This is Michelle Currie with the breaking biotechnology news of the week from Biotechnology Focus radio. Today, I will be discussing how a Canadian drug firm was fined this week for overcharging the U.K. health system roughly £34 million pounds; how the University of Alberta’s researchers have built on the studies from the Edmonton Protocol’s in hopes of making a powerful revolution in diabetes treatment; the release of the first digital pill that will track when it has been ingested; and, how partnerships, like Hoffmann-La Roche Limited and the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Master of Biotech program are fruitful and beneficial – allowing this metropolitan stem hub to reap the awards of such collaborations. +++++++++++++++++++++ Britain’s National Health Services has slapped a £34 mil

In the previous episode of the Biotechnology Focus podcast, we heard from Dean Fulford, vice-president of Stratford Managers Corp. talked about the impact that a younger cohort of workers on the biotech industry. We’re still on the topic of the 2017 Bio Employee Survey. Janet Le Clair, senior HR consultant for Stratford Managers, will talk about further takeaways from the survey and how Canadian biotech companies can use the survey results to enhance their relationships with employees and further grow their businesses. Listen to what Janet had to say …

In this episode of the Biotechnology Podcast, Dean Fulford, vice-president of HR consulting for Stratford Managers Corp. discusses some key points from the recently concluded 2017 Bio Employee Survey conducted by Biotechnology Focus, Stratford Managers and BioTalent Canada. A younger cohort of employees are making their voices heard, and it will serve biotech companies to listen to their demands, according to Dean.

The results of this year’s Bio Employee Survey are in. And for this week’s episode of the Biotechnology Focus podcast, we’re providing you with an exclusive sneak peek of what the pollsters found. The follow-on poll to Canada’s first-ever biotech and life science HR-focused survey shows encouraging signs regarding the industry’s workplace, according to Dean Fulford, vice president of human resources consulting at Stratford Managers Corp. A few weeks ago, Biotechnology Focus, Stratford Managers, and BioTalent Canada launched the poll in order to take the pulse of the Canadian biotech and life science workplace. This is only the second time such a survey was conducted by the group. The first one in 2015, helped established key benchmarks for the industry. How did the Canadian biotech and life science sector workplace fare this time? Listen to what Dean Fulford has to say……

China’s 3SBio gains a North American through its $290 million purchase of Canada’s Therapure Biopharma Marck’s cladribine tablet Mavenclad achieves sustained control of relapsing multiple sclerosis. A patient enrolled in a CAR-T trial dies. I’m Nestor Arellano. And these are the stories we’ll discuss today on the Biotechnology Focus Podcast. But first, let’s talk about the future of Canada’s life science workplace and workforce +++++ What are the things that employees in Canada’s life science industry value about their workplace? What is it about their organization that keep life science professionals and workers engage and productive each day? How can you, as an employer attract and retain great talent? These are just some of the crucial questions many operators and owners of Canadian life science companies face as they work to grow their business. The key to finding the answers to these questions is data. And the best way to get that data is through the ongoing Biotechnology Focus, Stratford Managers Corpor

In this episode of the Biotechnology Focus podcast, Rob Henderson, the president and CEO of BioTalent Canada, discusses what can be done to avert a life science industry talent shortage and why it is important to take the pulse of the sector's workforce landscape.  Recently, BioTalent Canada has partnered with Biotechnology Focus and Stratford Managers Corporation on a life science HR-focused online survey which is open to Canada's life science professionals and organizations from August 28 to September 15.  Henderson discusses how data from the survey can be used by companies to attract new talent, and enhance workplace conditions and work-life balance to retain existing life science professionals. 

What are the things that employees in Canada’s life sciences sector value about their workplace? What attributes of their organization keep them engage and productive each day? How can you, as an employer attract and retain great talent? How can you, as an employee, let your employee recognize what you need to grow your career, become more productive, and engage in your work? In this episode of the Biotechnology Focus podcast, Deal Fulford, vice-president of human resources consulting for Startford Managers Corporation, talks about the nationwide life sciences HR-focus survey his company is conducting with Biotechnology Focus and BioTalent Canada. The poll is one of the most comprehensive attempts to take the pulse Canada’s life science workplace environment. The findings of survey will provide organizations a critical guide on what areas to focus on in order to enhance their operations and relationships with their workers. Dean explains why is important for Canada’s life science professionals, businesses and

  Mario Lebrun, former BIO Quebec managing director passes away, Mylan introduces three generic drugs for HIV, and Shire Pharma’s Onivide has been approved for metastatic adeno carcinoma of the pancreas. In this week’s Biotechnology Focus Podcast, we observe the passing of Mario Lebrun. The former managing director of BIO Quebec succumbed to cancer earlier this month. In other news, Mylan of the Netherlands announced it is rolling out in Canada, three generic drugs for the treating HIV. Shire Pharma Canada ULC said its injectable drug Onivyde has been approved for the treatment of metastatic adeno carcinoma of the pancreas. The read the whole stories, please click on the links below: MARIO LEBRUN FORMER BIO QUEBEC MANAGING DIRECTOR PASSES AWAY MYLAN INTRODUCES THREE HIV DRUGS IN CANADA ONIVYDE APPROVED FOR TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC CANCER: SHIRE PHARMA

The ups and down of an Ontario-based pharma company seeking to develop a solution for the world’s deadly opioid epidemic. A custom DNA nucleotide maker locks in on the problem of CRISP Cas9 off-targets I’m Nestor Arellano. And these are the biotech news we’ll talk about today on the Biotechnology Focus podcast +++ Intellipharmaceutics International of Etobicoke, Ont. was decidedly upbeat when it announced a couple of weeks ago the upcoming review by the FDA of its tamper resistant opioid medication called Rexista. Rexista was product squarely aimed at an unmet need. In recent years, Opioid addiction has become a major problem and growing cause of drug overdose deaths in Canada and the United States. At least 2,458 people were reported to have died in Canada last year due to opioid-related overdose. INtellipharma’s product appeared to promise to turn the tide. Rexista was being positioned as an abuse and alcohol-deterrent . It was a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride. A Bioequivalet