Gordon Jans, PricewaterhouseCoopers - 2011 Contribution to the Association

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.

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Dr. Karen Burke, Amgen and Mr. James Willoughby, Hoffman-La Roche
2010 Contribution to the association

As co-chairs of the BIOTECanada Subsequent Entry Biologics (SEBs) Task Force, Karen Burke and Jim Willoughby made invaluable contributions to the Association. Their personal leadership of the Task Force, one of the largest working groups ever within BIOTECanada, ensured strong and industry-wide engagement with federal and provincial public servants on the development of regulatory documents for SEBs. Through their leadership, the task force quickly established itself as a highly credible voice for the industry with federal government officials (who commented positively on the group) even while addressing complex issues involving patient safety, intellectual property protection, market access, the development cycle for emerging biologics and, ultimately, the credibility of the Canadian regulatory system.

The Task Force also became recognized as a leader by our international counterpart organizations, helping the industry synchronize its global outreach. The group galvanized strong industry collaboration, and the model created by Karen and Jim will serve the industry well as it continues to champion increased market access for biologics within the Canadian healthcare system.

Karen Burke holds the role of Director of Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Drug Safety at Amgen, and is a member of the executive team of Amgen Canada. Jim Willoughby is Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.

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Dr. Lesia Babiak, Janssen-Ortho Canada - 2009 Contribution to the association

Currently Director, Federal Affairs & Health Policy at Janssen-Ortho Canada, Lesia Babiak has more than 20 years of experience in clinical and pharmaco-economic research, health policy, and reimbursement within Canada’s pharmaceutical market. Dr. Babiak has worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors, including experience with the Government of Ontario, the Canadian Society for International Health, the Ottawa General Hospital, and Glaxo Canada Inc. Dr. Babiak holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto.

As the Chair of the BIOTECanada Health Advisory Board, Dr. Babiak has provided the leadership necessary to advance the Committee’s ambitious project agenda, leading on core industry issues including Subsequent Entry Biologics (SEBs), Market Access and PMPRB. Her leadership style is inclusive and ensures that the views of all members, regardless of size are heard. Dr. Babiak is a strong advocate for the biotechnology industry, leveraging her extensive personal network and engaging global partnerships at Johnson & Johnson to create innovative solutions to complex market access and pricing reform issues for the benefit of all BIOTECanada members. Her efforts have established BIOTECanada as key stakeholder organization at CDR and PMPRB in particular. During her tenure as Chair, participation on the Health Advisory Board has more than doubled, resulting in an effective forum for decisive and effective action.