June 2011 monthly reporter
FEATURES
MEMBER RECOGNITION
EVENTS OPPORTUNITIES
NEW MEMBERS
- BDR Technologies Inc.
- Del Mar Pharma
- Growthworks Capital Ltd
MEMBER RECOGNITION
- Oncolytics
EVENTS OPPORTUNITIES
- Biotech Partnering Initiative at BioPharm America
- Participate at our BIO Roundtable (visit members' only section to apply)
POLICY & COMMITTEE WATCH – Building the bio-economy
- BIOTECanada Impacts pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review Disclosure Guidelines (visit members' only section)
- VIC Prepares for First Bilateral Meeting with BGTD in 2011 (visit members' only section)
- R&D Review Panel Seeks Industry Input on SR&ED
- BIOTECanada Holds Board/Presidents Meeting with CADTH (visit members' only section)
- UPDATE: CADTH-ILF Engagement Working Group (visit members' only section)
COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE
Mercer - Healthy workplace strategies effective in mitigating employer health care costs
- Federal Cabinet announcement – new Minister of Industry
FEATURES
Gold Leaf Winners Revealed
As a celebration of Canadian innovation,
BIOTECanada's Gold Leaf Awards program is an opportunity to recognize
both companies and individuals who have made significant achievements to
our industry. The following are winners for 2011.
Where do you see Cardiome five years from now?
2010 was a momentous year for Cardiome with the European marketing approval of vernakalant IV (Brinavess). Over the next five years, we look forward to seeing vernakalant IV approved in many additional territories beyond Europe. Cardiome also expects to leverage its expertise to build a diversified portfolio with projects at various stages of development. The focus for internal R&D efforts is, and will continue to be on targets for diseases with a high unmet need.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
Cardiome is proud to have developed vernakalant from discovery to commercialization. The Gold Leaf Company of the Year Award recognizes these efforts and will differentiate Cardiome as a biotech company with expertise at every stage along the development pathway.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
Diversify your funding sources – while capital markets have grown weary of high risk investments, big-pharma is looking for ways to re-build their pipeline. Early stage partnership deals are becoming an extremely valuable source of funding. Differentiate your science – regulatory bodies are increasingly hard on “me-too” drugs. Focus on first-in-class, novel targets in therapeutic areas with an unmet medical need.
Yves Rosconi – Industry Leadership
A highly accomplished leader, Mr. Rosconi has more than 30 years
experience in the pharmaceutical industry in Canada and internationally.
Equally comfortable in small and large organizations, his experience
covers the full gamut of activities in the biotechnology industry – drug
development, product licensing, market access management, government
relations, and sales and marketing – as well as providing direction and
strategic planning. Mr. Rosconi’s contribution to the biotechnology
industry is not limited to his achievements at Theratechnologies. He has
given his expertise and strategic planning skills to help BioQuebec
thrive as an organization and was elected President of the Board of
Directors for more than two years. He was also on the Board of
BIOTECanada, Rx&D and Montreal InVivo, as well as in the companies
Ulysses Pharmaceuticals, Minstal Pharma, Milestone Pharma, Cardio
Metabolics and Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical.
Where do you envision the company will be five years from now?
We aspire to be a market leader in the development and commercialization of CNS therapies. Building on our foundation of developing neuroprotective compounds for diseases such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, we would like to develop complementary products and technologies within the Neurology/CNS market. To be clear, we plan to have a sales and marketing function to enable us to sell our own products in North America.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
Allon is honored to receive this award given the other great nominees. We would like to use the award to differentiate the unique approach we are using to develop our lead product. We are using an Orphan Drug strategy to get a high potential therapy to patients as quickly as possible and reduce the time and cost to commercialization. On a technical level, there is a strong scientific rationale for Allon’s strategy. The pathology of PSP involves impairment of the brain protein tau – and Allon’s animal research plus a Phase 2 clinical trial in pre-Alzheimer’s patients demonstrate that davunetide is the most advanced tau therapy in the world.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with great people. Cutting edge technology is just the starting point. You need to build and attract a team with a track record for successfully developing biotechnologies. Our industry is highly regulated and the path to commercialization is long and complicated with many unknown obstacles. Build a good Board of Directors. Allon is very fortunate to have some of Canada’s most experienced and successful biotech entrepreneurs on its board. We have also been fortunate to attract strategic investment partners that can add value and support as we move forward with the development of our products.
Where do you see the company five years from now?
EnWave’s goal is to radically transform the global dehydration industry by positioning our proprietary Radiant Energy Vacuum (“REV”) technology as a fourth player on the stage, along with the current industrial methods of freeze drying or lyophilization, spray drying and air drying. With a company so strongly focused on research and development, and just at the beginning of the commercialization ramp-up, it is difficult to predict exactly where we will be in five years. Looking out over the medium-term, however, our goal is to be in a positive cash flow position with a number of multinational customers paying royalties to use REV for products in the food, bulk biomaterials and biopharmaceuticals sectors.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
We hope that this award will bring attention to EnWave from the larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who are want to produce shelf-stable biopharmaceutical products in vials, but want a faster, cheaper process than lyophilization. The results we have already obtained from our single-vial and multi-vial freezeREV prototype tests, conducted with our partners at the Saskatchewan Research Council, are extremely encouraging. These tests have shown that a vaccine can be dehydrated in 50 minutes versus 40 hours for a comparable lyophilization process, and that a dried biomaterial can be produced with similar shelf-life expectations. Our next steps are to develop a larger version of this technology for further testing by the SRC, and to make this technology available for testing by potential partners in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
As we are still very much in the middle of the biotechnology entrepreneurial stage, it is difficult to offer too much advice to others. Having said that, we have definitely learned a few things (some the hard way!) over the past 5 years. Early stage technology commercialization plans need to be flexible – your intended market may change depending on your test results and the hurdles or opportunities you encounter during the development of your technology. Communicate early, effectively, and often with your investors and commercial partners to create a community of long-term support. Treat your investors fairly - like customers, they take a long time to become “brand loyal”, but a very short time to switch. Be realistic in your development timelines, under-promise and over-deliver at all times, and firmly resist the short-term urge to exaggerate or forecast success too aggressively. Enlist the support of the government through grants and other programs. Raise and spend your money very conservatively, buy only what you have to, and do as much work as possible with your existing internal resources. Perseverance and long-term focus are key!
Sanofi Pasteur Limited – Contribution to Canadian Communities
Sanofi Pasteur's contribution to Canadian communities goes beyond
the vital researching, manufacturing and production of vaccines for the
prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In addition to
supporting health-related initiatives in the local, national and global
community, Sanofi Pasteur is an established leader in science education
and a strong supporter of local community programs.
In 1994, the company founded the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC), an annual competition designed to raise awareness about the science of biotechnology and its applications in healthcare, agriculture and environment. The program gives students research funding to help develop their cutting-edge proposals, with assistance from professional/academic mentors and access to scientific skill training and facilities. SABC is supported by over 100 sponsors, including the National Research Council of Canada, Genome Canada and BioTalent Canada. It has grown to include competitions in 14 Canadian regions, covering a range of research topics- from cancer and Alzheimer's disease, to crops and the environment. SABC has benefited more than 4,000 students, with 63% of past participants making long-term career plans in medicine, research or natural sciences. The program's overall value is approximately $1.8 million annually.
To further its commitment to building talent for the future, Sanofi Pasteur boasts a Co-op Hiring program for university and college students. The company offered placement in key science and technology positions to 67 co-op students in 2010. Sanofi Pasteur also fosters a relationship with the Newtonbrook Secondary School in Toronto, by donating used computers and equipment to support the school's educational programs. In addition to these contributions, Sanofi Pasteur scientists offer students engaging talks on the pursuit of university education and careers in science.
Sanofi Pasteur supports outreach efforts initiated by employees as well. Among these is the Visions of Science program, founded by a long-time employee, dedicated to promoting science and technology in minority communities across Toronto. Each year, employees volunteer to share their experiences, inspiring youths to pursue education and careers in science. Sanofi Pasteur is a program Gold Sponsor, donating over $80,000 to its annual Science Symposium to date.
Sanofi Pasteur is proud to be a socially-responsible member of the community, through active participation in green initiatives such as SmartCommute (winner 2010, Employer of the Year), energy-conscious new building construction and retrofitting, as well as 44% waste diversion achieved in 2010.
Gord Jans, PwC – Contribution to the Association
Mr. Gord Jans has played an instrumental role in the development of
BIOTECanada’s proposal to expand the federal government’s flow-through
shares program to Canada’s life sciences industry. As a member of
BIOTECanada’s flow-through shares working group, Gord has introduced
other PwC colleagues to the association and has helped the association
produce supporting advocacy material, such as the PwC report entitled
‘The Economic Impact of Flow-through Shares in Canada’s Biotechnology
Industry.’ Gord’s leadership on expanding Canada’s flow-through tax
regime has been invaluable and has helped BIOTECanada galvanize support
from a broad array of stakeholders in the professional services
community.
Gord also works with BIOTECanada in producing the bi-annual Canadian Life Sciences Industry Forecast, with the most recent publication released in January 2011. The Forecast provides a unique perspective on current issues, forecasted trends and implications for the life sciences and biotechnology industry in Canada. Gord’s personal leadership in supporting the industry association’s policy initiatives is a testament to his strong commitment to improving the operating environment for Canadian life sciences companies.
Gord is the national leader for PwC’s Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals industry practice. Gord is also a partner in the Tax Services practice of PwC working in the Mississauga office.
Cardiome Pharma Corp. – Company of the Year
Cardiome Pharma is a Vancouver based life sciences company focused on developing proprietary drugs to treat or prevent cardiovascular and other diseases. In September 2010, Cardiome was granted approval for marketing of vernakalant (iv) in the European Union, Iceland and Norway under the trade name BRINAVESSTM for the rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in adults.Where do you see Cardiome five years from now?
2010 was a momentous year for Cardiome with the European marketing approval of vernakalant IV (Brinavess). Over the next five years, we look forward to seeing vernakalant IV approved in many additional territories beyond Europe. Cardiome also expects to leverage its expertise to build a diversified portfolio with projects at various stages of development. The focus for internal R&D efforts is, and will continue to be on targets for diseases with a high unmet need.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
Cardiome is proud to have developed vernakalant from discovery to commercialization. The Gold Leaf Company of the Year Award recognizes these efforts and will differentiate Cardiome as a biotech company with expertise at every stage along the development pathway.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
Diversify your funding sources – while capital markets have grown weary of high risk investments, big-pharma is looking for ways to re-build their pipeline. Early stage partnership deals are becoming an extremely valuable source of funding. Differentiate your science – regulatory bodies are increasingly hard on “me-too” drugs. Focus on first-in-class, novel targets in therapeutic areas with an unmet medical need.
Yves Rosconi – Industry Leadership
A highly accomplished leader, Mr. Rosconi has more than 30 years
experience in the pharmaceutical industry in Canada and internationally.
Equally comfortable in small and large organizations, his experience
covers the full gamut of activities in the biotechnology industry – drug
development, product licensing, market access management, government
relations, and sales and marketing – as well as providing direction and
strategic planning. Mr. Rosconi’s contribution to the biotechnology
industry is not limited to his achievements at Theratechnologies. He has
given his expertise and strategic planning skills to help BioQuebec
thrive as an organization and was elected President of the Board of
Directors for more than two years. He was also on the Board of
BIOTECanada, Rx&D and Montreal InVivo, as well as in the companies
Ulysses Pharmaceuticals, Minstal Pharma, Milestone Pharma, Cardio
Metabolics and Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical.Allon Therapeutics Inc. – Early Stage Company of the Year (Health)
Allon Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on bringing to market innovative central nervous system therapies.Where do you envision the company will be five years from now?
We aspire to be a market leader in the development and commercialization of CNS therapies. Building on our foundation of developing neuroprotective compounds for diseases such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, we would like to develop complementary products and technologies within the Neurology/CNS market. To be clear, we plan to have a sales and marketing function to enable us to sell our own products in North America.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
Allon is honored to receive this award given the other great nominees. We would like to use the award to differentiate the unique approach we are using to develop our lead product. We are using an Orphan Drug strategy to get a high potential therapy to patients as quickly as possible and reduce the time and cost to commercialization. On a technical level, there is a strong scientific rationale for Allon’s strategy. The pathology of PSP involves impairment of the brain protein tau – and Allon’s animal research plus a Phase 2 clinical trial in pre-Alzheimer’s patients demonstrate that davunetide is the most advanced tau therapy in the world.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
Surround yourself with great people. Cutting edge technology is just the starting point. You need to build and attract a team with a track record for successfully developing biotechnologies. Our industry is highly regulated and the path to commercialization is long and complicated with many unknown obstacles. Build a good Board of Directors. Allon is very fortunate to have some of Canada’s most experienced and successful biotech entrepreneurs on its board. We have also been fortunate to attract strategic investment partners that can add value and support as we move forward with the development of our products.
Enwave Corporation – Early Stage Company of the Year (Industrial)
EnWave Corporation is an industrial technology company developing commercial applications for our Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) dehydration technology. Since 2006, we have developed or acquired the rights to six REV platforms for high-speed drying of food, bulk liquids, and pharmaceuticals. EnWave’s commercial nutraREV™ technology is used in the food industry to produce high-quality dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats and seafood more quickly and less expensively than conventional methods. The Company plans to expand our current list of multinational collaborators for each of the platforms, with the goal of achieving our first commercial license agreement by the end of 2011.Where do you see the company five years from now?
EnWave’s goal is to radically transform the global dehydration industry by positioning our proprietary Radiant Energy Vacuum (“REV”) technology as a fourth player on the stage, along with the current industrial methods of freeze drying or lyophilization, spray drying and air drying. With a company so strongly focused on research and development, and just at the beginning of the commercialization ramp-up, it is difficult to predict exactly where we will be in five years. Looking out over the medium-term, however, our goal is to be in a positive cash flow position with a number of multinational customers paying royalties to use REV for products in the food, bulk biomaterials and biopharmaceuticals sectors.
How will you use this award to differentiate yourself amongst your competition?
We hope that this award will bring attention to EnWave from the larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies who are want to produce shelf-stable biopharmaceutical products in vials, but want a faster, cheaper process than lyophilization. The results we have already obtained from our single-vial and multi-vial freezeREV prototype tests, conducted with our partners at the Saskatchewan Research Council, are extremely encouraging. These tests have shown that a vaccine can be dehydrated in 50 minutes versus 40 hours for a comparable lyophilization process, and that a dried biomaterial can be produced with similar shelf-life expectations. Our next steps are to develop a larger version of this technology for further testing by the SRC, and to make this technology available for testing by potential partners in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector.
What advice would you share with the next generation of biotechnology entrepreneurs?
As we are still very much in the middle of the biotechnology entrepreneurial stage, it is difficult to offer too much advice to others. Having said that, we have definitely learned a few things (some the hard way!) over the past 5 years. Early stage technology commercialization plans need to be flexible – your intended market may change depending on your test results and the hurdles or opportunities you encounter during the development of your technology. Communicate early, effectively, and often with your investors and commercial partners to create a community of long-term support. Treat your investors fairly - like customers, they take a long time to become “brand loyal”, but a very short time to switch. Be realistic in your development timelines, under-promise and over-deliver at all times, and firmly resist the short-term urge to exaggerate or forecast success too aggressively. Enlist the support of the government through grants and other programs. Raise and spend your money very conservatively, buy only what you have to, and do as much work as possible with your existing internal resources. Perseverance and long-term focus are key!
Sanofi Pasteur Limited – Contribution to Canadian Communities
Sanofi Pasteur's contribution to Canadian communities goes beyond
the vital researching, manufacturing and production of vaccines for the
prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In addition to
supporting health-related initiatives in the local, national and global
community, Sanofi Pasteur is an established leader in science education
and a strong supporter of local community programs.In 1994, the company founded the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge (SABC), an annual competition designed to raise awareness about the science of biotechnology and its applications in healthcare, agriculture and environment. The program gives students research funding to help develop their cutting-edge proposals, with assistance from professional/academic mentors and access to scientific skill training and facilities. SABC is supported by over 100 sponsors, including the National Research Council of Canada, Genome Canada and BioTalent Canada. It has grown to include competitions in 14 Canadian regions, covering a range of research topics- from cancer and Alzheimer's disease, to crops and the environment. SABC has benefited more than 4,000 students, with 63% of past participants making long-term career plans in medicine, research or natural sciences. The program's overall value is approximately $1.8 million annually.
To further its commitment to building talent for the future, Sanofi Pasteur boasts a Co-op Hiring program for university and college students. The company offered placement in key science and technology positions to 67 co-op students in 2010. Sanofi Pasteur also fosters a relationship with the Newtonbrook Secondary School in Toronto, by donating used computers and equipment to support the school's educational programs. In addition to these contributions, Sanofi Pasteur scientists offer students engaging talks on the pursuit of university education and careers in science.
Sanofi Pasteur supports outreach efforts initiated by employees as well. Among these is the Visions of Science program, founded by a long-time employee, dedicated to promoting science and technology in minority communities across Toronto. Each year, employees volunteer to share their experiences, inspiring youths to pursue education and careers in science. Sanofi Pasteur is a program Gold Sponsor, donating over $80,000 to its annual Science Symposium to date.
Sanofi Pasteur is proud to be a socially-responsible member of the community, through active participation in green initiatives such as SmartCommute (winner 2010, Employer of the Year), energy-conscious new building construction and retrofitting, as well as 44% waste diversion achieved in 2010.
Gord Jans, PwC – Contribution to the Association
Mr. Gord Jans has played an instrumental role in the development of
BIOTECanada’s proposal to expand the federal government’s flow-through
shares program to Canada’s life sciences industry. As a member of
BIOTECanada’s flow-through shares working group, Gord has introduced
other PwC colleagues to the association and has helped the association
produce supporting advocacy material, such as the PwC report entitled
‘The Economic Impact of Flow-through Shares in Canada’s Biotechnology
Industry.’ Gord’s leadership on expanding Canada’s flow-through tax
regime has been invaluable and has helped BIOTECanada galvanize support
from a broad array of stakeholders in the professional services
community.Gord also works with BIOTECanada in producing the bi-annual Canadian Life Sciences Industry Forecast, with the most recent publication released in January 2011. The Forecast provides a unique perspective on current issues, forecasted trends and implications for the life sciences and biotechnology industry in Canada. Gord’s personal leadership in supporting the industry association’s policy initiatives is a testament to his strong commitment to improving the operating environment for Canadian life sciences companies.
Gord is the national leader for PwC’s Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals industry practice. Gord is also a partner in the Tax Services practice of PwC working in the Mississauga office.
World Congress in Toronto - A success!
Lanxess, Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, BC Life Sciences, BioAtlantech, BioAlberta and DFAIT recently hosted more than a dozen international investors and more than 80 Executives from the European Union, the United States and Canada. This Canadian Business Networking dinner, offered an exclusive opportunity for some behind the scenes match making. We look forward to watching where these relationships will lead in the commercialization of the next generation of solutions aimed at addressing the most important issues facing the world today, tomorrow and in the future. Through opportunities such as the World Congress, BIOTECanada builds recognition for bio products expertise. We are able to offer companies a diverse portfolio of solutions, turn these resources into new products, reaching new markets and offering positive long-term results for the Canadian economy.
NEW MEMBERS
BIOTECanada is pleased to welcome our newest member companies to our community:
BDR Technologies.
Del Mar Pharma. www.delmarpharma.com
Growthworks Capital Ltd. is a
recognized leader in the Canadian venture capital industry, specializing
in the management and growth of regionally based venture capital funds
(RVCs). We have assets under management of approximately $480 million.
GrowthWorks has a diversified investment strategy with a strong
commitment to Life Sciences. Our portfolio is one of Canada’s largest
with exposure to therapeutics, devices, healthcare, agricultural
biotechnology and bio-industrial applications. www.growthworks.ca
MEMBER RECOGNITION
Oncolytics may launch cancer treatment in 2013
Oncolytics, a Calgary-based biotechnology company, develops specialized viruses to treat cancer. Reolysin is its lead product and is a formulation of a human reovirus that is associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
The company says reolysin -a short form of the term respiratory enteric orphan virus -is designed to destroy cancer cells alone or in combination with chemotherapy treatments. It is currently being tested on humans.
Partnerships are key for smaller biotech companies, which need the scale of global or regional pharmaceutical companies to distribute and market their products.
"Basically you engage in (partnering) activities and you run like you don't have a partner. You do those two things in parallel," Thompson said.
"We'll do a partnership when it gives us a better financial outcome than not having a partner does," Thompson said.
The timing of regulatory approval depends on factors such as how quickly people are enrolled for studies that are underway in several countries.
Late-stage clinical studies for head and neck cancer have been approved in six countries and that should expand to 10 or 11 countries by the end of the summer, Thompson said.
OPPORTUNITIES
Biotech Partnering Initiative at BioPharm America
BIOTECanada and the Consulate General of Canada in Boston would like to invite you to participate in the upcoming Biotech Partnering Initiative, which is open to Canadian biotechnology companies, working on drug development, including therapeutics and vaccines. It takes place in partnership with The BioPharm America™ 2011 International Partnering Conference http://www.ebdgroup.com/bpa/index.htm in Boston, September 6-9, 2010.
This mission is limited to 10 Canadian biotechnology companies.
Canadian companies who apply to participate and are accepted will be entitled to the following benefits:
- One-on-one coaching from professional consultants in preparation for presenting at the event and for partnering meetings. Coaches are experienced in running companies, funding companies and making pitches to global investors and companies.
- The arrangement of a minimum of three one-on-one meetings with technology partners from pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical device industries, who are based in the Boston area or attending the BioPharm America conference. We can also arrange meetings with venture capitalists, angels or other funding organizations, if this is your objective. The consultant will work with you to identify the best meetings to meet your needs. If you have identified organizations of interest, the consultant can work to get you connected. Also, the consultant will make recommendations and then contact the local company to determine their interest in meeting with you. Local venture capital firms that invest in life sciences include: MPM Healthcare, Oxford Bioscience, VIMAC, Clarus Ventures, Seaflower, among others. The Boston area is also home to corporate venture funds, including those at Novartis, Genzyme and Biogen Idec. A well connected local consulting firm will be engaged by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada through the Consulate General in Boston to work with you.
- Participation in an invitation-only dinner on Tuesday, September 6, with venture capitalists, angels, biotechnology and pharma industry executives who would be of interest to the Canadian companies participating in the initiative.
-
Reduced registration to BioPharm America™ 2011
- All registrants will have access to the EBD Group's partnering software, which will allow you to schedule meetings onsite with individuals of interest.
- Reduced rate for hotel accommodations in Boston during your stay.
If accepted, companies must designate a specific executive from the firm who will participate in the initiative and will communicate with the consultant in order to ensure a productive program. We strongly recommend that the CEO attend if a presentation slot is requested at BioPharm America. Also, note that BioPharm America will be reviewing all applications to present and selecting companies that would be of most interest to their audience.
This program is being organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Boston in cooperation with BIOTECanada. It is funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Technology Partnering Program, Client Service Fund and North America Platform Partnership program and is supported by the National Research Council of Canada.
If connecting with potential R&D partners or raising capital would benefit your company and you would like to participate in this mission, please reply promptly with your profile. You will be notified as to the status of your acceptance by June 20.
For more information and to apply visit the members' only section
Participate at our BIO Roundtable
The BIO International Convention is the global event for biotechnology attracting 15,000 participants. You will be able to meet with industry leaders from around the world to discuss biotechnology issues affecting healthcare, agriculture and the environment.
Again this year, BIOTECanada will be collaborating with international industry leaders from 60 countries. Being held in Washington, DC BIO presents a wonderful opportunity for unparalleled access to national decision makers.
We invite you to join us at the 3rd Annual Federal / Provincial Roundtable. This is a unique opportunity to connect with key decision makers and hear how their respective governments are continuing to improve the landscape for companies operating in the biotechnology sector. As a Canadian industry leader you will be able to demonstrate how you are building the bio-economy by sharing updates and showcasing Canadian innovation.
A backgrounder on the Roundtable can be found in the members' only section
POLICY & COMMITTEE WATCH – Building the bio-economy
BIOTECanada Impacts pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review Disclosure Guidelines
The pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) disclosure guidelines are now final and posted on the pCODR website. The industry working group, which included BIOTECanada member representatives Farzad Ali (Pfizer) and Alain Boisvert (BMS), worked closely with senior staff and board members at pCODR to address key issues identified with the draft version of the guidelines.
READ MORE: log in the members' only section, monthly reporter page
VIC Prepares for First Bilateral Meeting with BGTD in 2011
On June 14th the Vaccine Industry Committee (VIC) members will meet with Health Canada’s Biologics and Genetic Therapies Directorate (BGTD) to discuss a number of key regulatory issue.
READ MORE: log in the members' only section, monthly reporter page
R&D Review Panel Seeks Industry Input on SR&ED
As part of Budget 2010, the Government of Canada announced a year-long review of federal support for business and commercially-oriented R&D in Canada. A six-member Panel was announced in October 2010, with a mandate to review all existing federal support for business-sector R&D and examine how the current suite of support programs could be enhanced in order to maximize the federal government’s investment in these programs.
BIOTECanada has taken the position that SR&ED must be enhanced by simplifying the program’s filing requirements, reducing the administrative burdens associated with the program, and applying a set of fair and consistent rules across the country. The Panel is expected to provide its recommendations to the federal government in October 2011. BIOTECanada will continue to update members with the latest news and information about the Panel’s work.
For more information about the Government of Canada’s R&D Review, please contact Cate McCready
BIOTECanada Holds Board/Presidents Meeting with CADTH
On May 20th, BIOTECanada Board member and Treasurer, Brian Lewis, and Peter Brenders met with CADTH Board Chair Terry Sullivan and CADTH President Brian O'Rourke to discuss the strategic priorities for both organizations, share thoughts about the ongoing work of the Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) and discuss new opportunities for collaboration.
For more information and to apply visit the members' only section
UPDATE: CADTH-ILF Engagement Working Group
On Monday, May 16th, the CADTH-Industry Liaison Forum (ILF) Engagement Working Group held its second meeting of the year. Overall, the meeting was an important step to review the working group’s achievements-to-date, understand the recent changes to the Common Drug Review (CDR), and amicably work together on a topic of common interest.
For more information and to apply visit the members' only section
COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE
Government of Canada Announces Cabinet
The
Government of Canada recently announced Cabinet appointments at swearing
in ceremonies held at Rideau Hall. Key ministries including Finance and
National Defence, portfolios held by Jim Flaherty and Peter MacKay
respectively remained in place. Tony Clement moves to Treasury Board
where it is predicted he will be tasked with meeting the performance and
expenditure targets to be outlined in the upcoming budget. This shift
allowed Christian Paradis to become the new Industry Minister. Minister
Paradis will also maintain his roll as Minister of State with
Agriculture. In addition Minister Gerry Ritz has remained at the helm of
Agriculture and Agri-Food, offering us a chance to keep working at the
agenda of issues we have established with him and his department.Back to Top
Key Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries
The Honourable Christian Paradis (Quebec) Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture)
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry - Mike Lake
The Honourable Gary Goodyear Minister of State (Science and Technology)
The Honourable James Michael Flaherty (Ontario)
Minister of Finance
Shelly Glover – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq (Nunavut)
Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Colin Carrie - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
The Honourable Gerry Ritz (Saskatchewan)
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture - Pierre Lemieux
The Honourable Joe Oliver (Ontario)
Minister of Natural Resources
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources – David Anderson
The Honourable John Baird (Ontario)
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Parliamentary Secretaries to the Minister of Foreign Affairs - Deepak Obhrai and Bob Dechert
The Honourable Edward Fast (British Columbia)
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade - Gerald Keddy
The Honourable Peter McKay (Nova Scotia)
Minister of National Defence
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence - Chris Alexander
Next steps
The House of Commons will resume June 2nd to elect a Speaker who
will guide parliamentary business. There will also be a Speech from the
Throne on Friday, June 3rd which will outline the governments agenda
building from their campaign commitments. Minister Flaherty has
indicated his intention to bring a federal budget to the House of
commons on June 6th.
BIOTECanada is currently writing to all MP’s and the new Cabinet to congratulate them on their election and assignments highlighting the value and success of our industry as a global leader in biotechnology research and development. Now, with Cabinet announced we will be writing to each of our key Ministers requesting meetings with them for National Biotechnology Week Lobby Day. In the interim BIOTECanada staff will be introducing themselves to key staffers in those same respective offices to highlight our industry agenda.
We will be publishing our Parliamentary Quarterly for distribution to MP’s and their staff in early June and will feature a showcase of Canadian biotechnology innovations, leadership and success. As well we will seek to meet with the Conservative Biotech Caucus and work to develop an agenda of activities with them.
Within our membership we will be working with each of our Policy Advisory Boards to determine policy priority messaging and data to support our positions as we seek to reinvigorate our arguments for action. This will include developing a set of our policy features to support our National Biotechnology Week Lobby Day program set for September 20th in Ottawa.
Please contact us with any questions or recommendations you have.
BIOTECanada is currently writing to all MP’s and the new Cabinet to congratulate them on their election and assignments highlighting the value and success of our industry as a global leader in biotechnology research and development. Now, with Cabinet announced we will be writing to each of our key Ministers requesting meetings with them for National Biotechnology Week Lobby Day. In the interim BIOTECanada staff will be introducing themselves to key staffers in those same respective offices to highlight our industry agenda.
We will be publishing our Parliamentary Quarterly for distribution to MP’s and their staff in early June and will feature a showcase of Canadian biotechnology innovations, leadership and success. As well we will seek to meet with the Conservative Biotech Caucus and work to develop an agenda of activities with them.
Within our membership we will be working with each of our Policy Advisory Boards to determine policy priority messaging and data to support our positions as we seek to reinvigorate our arguments for action. This will include developing a set of our policy features to support our National Biotechnology Week Lobby Day program set for September 20th in Ottawa.
Please contact us with any questions or recommendations you have.
BUSINESS SOLUTION
Health and productivity expert Sue Brown of Mercer's Toronto office discusses recent studies demonstrating the effectiveness of healthy workplace strategies adopted by organizations taking a more preventative and comprehensive approach to employee welfare management, and presents best practice criteria required to maximize their effectiveness.
Listen to the full podcast here
