API Stories
Breaking ground for Canada’s largest manufacturing facility for critical medicines
Last month, API and the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute officially launched construction for the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC). The new 83,000+ -square-foot manufacturing facility, located on a 7-acre plot of land at Edmonton Research Park, is set to become Canada’s largest and best-equipped facility of its kind.
The CMPC is part of the nearly $200 million Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI) which aims to create an integrated research, commercialization, and manufacturing cluster in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
We’re honoured to have the support of our funders from all levels of government, as well as several regional and ecosystem partners. We extend our gratitude to the distinguished speakers who shared their inspiring remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, including:
- Hon. Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and the Prairies Economic Development Agency of Canada (PrairiesCan), Government of Canada
- Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, Government of Canada
- Hon. Adriana La Grange, Minister of Health, Government of Alberta
- Hon. Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Government of Alberta
- Councillor Keren Teng, Ward Karhiio, City of Edmonton
- Andrew MacIsaac, CEO, API
- Sir Michael Houghton, Director, Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute & Chief Scientific Officer, API
- Aminah Robinson-Fayek, Vice President of Research & Innovation, University of Alberta
Shaping the future of healthcare
In an interview with CBC Edmonton Radio Active, our CEO, Andrew MacIsaac, shared our journey towards establishing manufacturing capacity for critical medicines in Edmonton, and the significant benefits and impacts the CMPC will have on our economic growth, drug supply chain, and advancement of innovation in our health system.
Cultivating connections and collaboration at Calgary Stampede 2024
Truong Ta, VP of Commercialization & Partnerships, Madison Dube, Associate Director of Business Development & Partnerships, and Julianna Weber, Director of Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, were thrilled to join our ecosystem partners, representing Alberta’s life sciences sector at Calgary Stampede 2024!
Beyond experiencing the vibrant celebration of the Canadian West, our team had the opportunity to connect and engage with various industry leaders, exploring avenues for collaboration in Alberta’s life sciences sector.
Here are some snapshots of our team during the events:
Introducing our newest board member, Hari Sambasivam!
We’re thrilled to welcome Hari Sambasivam as our newest board member!
With 27 years of experience in North American capital markets, including 17 years as a biotechnology analyst at leading global and Canadian investment banks, Hari brings invaluable leadership and expertise.
Hari is also the Chair of the Board of Directors at Spark Centre, where he plays a key role in leading close collaboration with the board, management, and board committees, ensuring effective governance and oversight across critical areas such as financial performance, risk management, strategy formulation, and board revitalization.
“We are delighted to welcome Hari Sambasivam to our board. Hari’s expertise will be instrumental in guiding impactful decision-making and strategic direction at API, crucial for shaping our future initiatives. We look forward to his contributions and leadership in advancing our goals, aimed at catalyzing growth in the Canadian life sciences sector.” – Launa Aspeslet, API Board Chair
Meet our life sciences venture coaching program cohort
We’re proud to introduce this year’s impressive cohort for the 2024 Life Sciences Venture Coaching Program!
The ten selected companies began their 4-month mentorship journey last month, receiving comprehensive support, expert guidance and personalized coaching that will help them navigate the complexities of commercializing their innovations.
The program will culminate with a pitch session at Life Sciences Week’s Innovation Day in Edmonton, offering them access to potential investors, networking opportunities, and feedback from industry experts to further propel their innovations forward.
Congratulations to our venture companies!
Learn more about our cohort and venture coachesEvents
Life Sciences Week 2024
Only 70 days until Life Sciences Week 2024! From September 23 to 27, get ready to experience Alberta’s premier celebration of its burgeoning life sciences sector!
Interested in participating? During Life Sciences Week, you have the opportunity to host your own event! Whether you want to amplify an announcement, share your expertise in the industry, or host a tour of your facility, this event is the perfect time to highlight your game-changing breakthroughs!
Host your own event on Life Sciences Week and get the spotlight you deserve! Get access to the latest updates and news on Life Sciences Week by subscribing to our exclusive event newsletter!
Subscribe nowLife Sciences & Innovation News
PrairiesCan announced over $21 million in funding to boost Alberta’s agricultural sector
Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada, recently announced more than $21 million in funding to support 14 value-added projects that will bolster Alberta’s agricultural sector.
The funding will allow for the commercialization and advancement of new agricultural products, applications, and services, providing innovators across Alberta with opportunities to develop and bring their technologies to the market. Supported projects are anticipated to have significant environmental and economic benefits in Alberta’s agricultural sector, including supporting more than 800 jobs.
Resources from the agricultural sector play a crucial role in advancing life sciences research, and driving the development of natural health products and other innovative therapeutic solutions.
New funding opportunity to support cancer research
Earlier this month, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN), led by the Terry Fox Research Institute, announced the launch of their Patient Voices in Research Initiative, which will provide funding opportunities for researchers dedicated to advancing cancer research.
The initiative offers a total of up to $1 million in funding to help accelerate high-quality cancer research focused on six critical themes in precision oncology. The research themes have been identified by members of MOHCCN’s Patient Working Group (PWG), which includes a group of cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from across Canada who help guide the Network’s initiatives.
The deadline to apply is August 12. Apply here.