API Stories
Fostering Collaboration in Canada’s Biomanufacturing Sector
This week, Truong Ta, our VP of Commercialization & Partnerships, joined leading industry experts to discuss the latest trends, emerging opportunities, and challenges in Canada’s biomanufacturing sector at the Next Great Big Ideas Summit in Ontario.
Truong was thrilled to exchange insights with fellow experts including Oliver Technow, CEO at BioVectra, Mitchel Sivilotti, CEO at OmniaBio, Isabelle Caron, CEO at Biologics Manufacturing Centre (CPPB-BMC), and Matthew Miller, Executive Director of Global Nexus at McMaster University, during the National Biomanufacturing Panel. Together, they explored key drivers shaping the future of biomanufacturing in Canada, from scaling production to leveraging technologies for innovation and efficiency.
We’re proud to contribute to these important conversations, solidifying Canada’s position as a global leader in biomanufacturing. With Alberta’s growing biomanufacturing capacity and increasing opportunities for innovation, we look forward to continued collaboration to strengthen our global competitiveness and overall enhance Canada’s health system.
Building a Resilient Future: CMPC Progress Continues
We’re thrilled to share a recent look at the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC) in the Life Sciences Campus at the Edmonton Research Park, a key facility within the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative (CCDI).
Since construction began in June, significant progress has been made on the building’s structural framework, with the steel frame now erected and the second-floor decking close to completion. This state-of-the-art facility will play a pivotal role in enhancing Canada’s capacity to produce and manufacture small-molecule drugs, offering further support to innovators through all phases of drug development while securing supply of critical medicines for Canadians.
The CMPC is anticipated to be completed by 2026.
Learn more about the Critical Canadian Drug InitiativeST Innovations and API Explore the Future of MedTech
Last month, we were excited to exhibit with ST Innovations at this year’s MedTech Conference in Toronto to showcase our efforts to accelerate the development of innovative medical solutions and support medical technology innovators.
Together, we engaged with industry leaders, innovators, and healthcare professionals at the forefront of transforming the medical technology landscape. Through dynamic sessions and interactive programming, we also explored the latest trends and breakthroughs across key areas, from digital health and AI-powered solutions to clinical and regulatory challenges.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with ST Innovations and other ecosystem partners, as we work together to commercialize transformative solutions that enhance quality of life.
The Pharmacometrics Fellowship Program Is Back
We’re excited to announce that the API Pharmacometrics Fellowship program is returning in January 2025!
Following a successful pilot earlier this year, the Pharmacometrics Fellowship program is back to offer more graduates and industry professionals comprehensive training on fundamental biostatistics and pharmacometrics skills.
Specializing in three study areas—Statistical and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PKPD) Modeling, Quantitative Systems Toxicology and Pharmacology, and Advanced Drug Modeling—this program will equip talent with the tools and expertise needed to advance drug development, enhance data-driven decision-making, and contribute to cutting-edge research.
Applications are now open! Visit our website to apply and advance your career in pharmacometrics.
I’m interested!Events
Life Sciences Investment Summit Finale Night
The Finale Night of the Startup TNT Life Sciences Investment Summit powered by API is just around the corner! 🚀🌟
Join us on November 21 at Edmonton Unlimited to witness groundbreaking pitches from our Top 5 finalists! These companies have been selected for their outstanding innovative solutions in the life sciences, spanning areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals.
For the past couple of months, participants have undergone a rigorous due diligence process, including sessions to refine their business strategies, strengthen their investor pitches, and gain valuable insights into scaling their ventures. Now, they’re ready to showcase their cutting-edge solutions to a panel of top investors and industry leaders!
Don’t miss out — connect with leading investors, entrepreneurs, and experts in the life sciences ecosystem, and discover startups that are poised to revolutionize the industry!
Count me in!Life Sciences & Innovation News
- Future Fields announced the launch of their new service line and a 6,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Edmonton called Instar 1.0. The facility will offer custom protein production, including exotic cell-specific proteins like neurons and brain cells to support critical research into diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS.
- MACH32 has been awarded a $750,000 USD EZ-BAA Advanced Research and Development contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. This funding will support the development of an intramuscular formulation of tranexamic acid to treat life-threatening bleeding after traumatic injury.
- My Viva, Revive Wellness, and Molecular You have formed a strategic partnership to integrate advanced molecular testing with personalized lifestyle medicine, and digital health programs. The initiative offers Edmonton-based clients comprehensive tools for proactive health management and chronic disease prevention.
- Northern RNA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kaster Technologies to collaborate on enhancing Canada’s life sciences sector by combining their expertise in nucleic acid manufacturing and digital tools. The partnership aims to drive innovation, expand commercial opportunities, and strengthen Canada’s position in the global life sciences industry.
- PanTHERA CryoSolutions won the honours for the innovation of the year at the 35th annual ASTech Awards, held in Edmonton on Nov. 1. Charles Wong and Alex Gervais of CarePros were recognized as entrepreneurial change-makers, and NanoTess co-founders Megan Leslie and Julian Mulia were recognized with the award for medical, healthcare, and/or pharmaceuticals – application. Health researchers from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary also won honours, while Tammy Mah-Fraser, executive director of health platforms for Alberta Innovates, won a special award for being an Alberta-wide champion.
- PanTHERA CryoSolutions published a study that shows the company’s ice recrystallization inhibitors are effective in the cryoprotection of induced pluripotent stem cells with lower DMSO concentrations.
- PulseMedica CEO Nir Katchinskiy pitched at Eyecelerator in San Francisco, highlighting the company’s progress in commercializing the first 3D image-guided treatment platform for eye floaters.
- Revive Wellness announced the integration of metabolomic testing into its care packages to enhance client health journeys and improve early disease detection.
- Voyageur Pharmaceuticals has initiated a private placement financing opportunity. The company invites interested parties to join its efforts in addressing the global shortage of radiology drugs.
- Western Canada’s economic development agencies, PacifiCan and PrairiesCan, have allocated $17.7 million to support technology commercialization in companies across BC and Alberta. Notable recipients include TEKTELIC and Surface Medical.
- Glyconet at the University of Alberta, the only hub of its type in Canada, recently received $24.7 million from the federal Strategic Science Fund competition, as well as $1 million from Genome Canada. The university said in a post the support will fund work that enhances human health through glycan-related solutions. “We have people who are working on animal vaccines, on small-molecule drugs for neurodegeneration, and on new anti-infective strategies,” said Warren Wakarchuk, the scientific director of the project. More than 30 researchers at the university are linked to Glyconet.
- The Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre in Calgary has officially opened, marking a significant development in Alberta’s healthcare infrastructure and aiming to position the province as a leader in cancer treatment and research. This $1.4-billion facility, one of the largest projects in Alberta’s history, offers extensive resources, including more than 100 patient examination rooms, 160 inpatient beds, and dedicated research space, with a focus on prevention and early detection of cancer. The facility, alongside resources like the Life Sciences Innovation Hub at the University of Calgary, is attracting international companies and fostering entrepreneurship in Calgary.
- Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange announced the creation of Primary Care Alberta, a new agency that will oversee primary care. Kim Simmonds will act as Primary Care Alberta’s CEO, and she joined CBC’s Edmonton AM to talk about what changes Albertans can expect.
- A team led by University of Alberta oncology researcher John Lewis has discovered a new way to deliver gene therapies that bypass the liver, allowing the drug to reach its intended target. Lewis spoke to CBC Edmonton’s Radio Active about the proteolipid vehicle platform.