Canada’s $140 Million Investment Propels B.C. Towards Global Leadership in Life Sciences

The Government of Canada recently announced a landmark investment of $140 million into Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), a University of British Columbia (UBC)-led national research initiative. Through Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, this investment underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing Canada’s readiness for future pandemics. It aims to expand domestic capabilities through strategic investments and partnerships to produce life-saving vaccines and therapeutics.

The funds received by CIEBH emphasizes the global recognition of the leadership, talent and innovation in British Columbia (B.C) as well as Canada’s dedication to strengthening its biomanufacturing and life sciences sectors. For B.C., this substantial investment further supports the province’s ongoing commitment to becoming a global leader in life sciences innovation.

The additional funding aligns with the B.C. Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, which aims to position the province as a worldwide life sciences hub. The strategy focuses on nurturing new talent, developing new lab space, growing and anchoring companies, developing clinical trials, leveraging the research capacities of B.C.’s post-secondary sector and supporting employment across the sector.

Building the Future of Life Sciences in B.C.

Canadian scientists and biopharmaceutical companies were key in creating COVID-19 vaccines and treatments that changed the global approach to making lifesaving medicines. Every COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development in 2020 used components developed or made by a B.C. scientist or company.

UBC and its sector-wide partners established CIEBH to build on this success and prepare Canada for the future. CIEBH, a coalition of more than 50 partners spanning academia, industry, not-for-profits and the health sector, aims to create an advanced biomanufacturing and immuno-engineering ecosystem.

The hub will not only enhance Canada’s ability to respond to future pandemics but also address critical health challenges through the rapid development and manufacturing of lifesaving medicines. The Province of British Columbia has contributed to three projects to build the CIEBH scientific infrastructure through funding from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF):

• AVENGER is a multi-institutional drug development platform for RNA vaccines, led by UBC with many academic partners such as Simon Fraser University (SFU) as well as industry leaders as key partners. The AVENGER team will create a library of vaccine formulations that can be quickly customized and used against pandemic pathogens and other diseases. The project is led by Dr. Pieter Cullis, a renowned UBC scientist who developed the drug delivery technology for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, and UBC professor Dr. Anna Blakney.
• PROGENITER is a multi-institutional project program led by UBC, with many academic partners such as SFU as well as industry leaders as key partners, focused on creating antibody therapies. The team will use advanced cryo-electron microscopy and AI to develop a range of ready-to-use antibody treatments for dangerous pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) and H5N1 influenza (bird flu). The project is led by UBC professor Dr. Sriram Subramaniam and infrastructure for the Antibody Discovery Suite and associated research will be conducted at SFU.
• The Bridge Research Consortium, led by SFU, with many academic partners such as UBC and the University of the Fraser Valley, brings together leading researchers from across Canada to better understand and support public trust in, and equitable access to, vaccines and other immune-based innovations. The team will conduct research to better understand diverse perspectives across the biomanufacturing pipeline and immunization system. The project is led by SFU professor Dr. Kelley Lee and Université Laval adjunct professor Dr. Ève Dubé.

These projects use CIEBH’s ecosystem of academic, industry and health sector partners to support the translation of scientific discoveries into patient-ready, commercially viable products.

“B.C. is home to the fastest-growing life sciences sector in the country. This rapid expansion in immuno-engineering and biomedical innovation is powered by a dynamic, multi-sector ecosystem led by CIEBH. There has never been a better time to engage with this sector, as B.C. and Canada gain increasing international recognition for their achievements in the life sciences.”

– Dr. Michelle Wong, Executive Director, Canada’s Immuno-engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub

Future Opportunities for International and Domestic Businesses

B.C. is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for life sciences companies looking to establish a foothold in North America. The creation of CIEBH boosts B.C.’s biomanufacturing abilities and fosters an environment of collaboration, talent development and innovation. This makes B.C. an excellent location for global biotech firms.

CIEBH’s advanced infrastructure and resources will provide a strong foundation for research and development and help turn discoveries into products ready for patients and commercialization.

As Canada and B.C. prepare to lead the world in biomanufacturing and life sciences, now is an excellent time to be part of this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector. Trade and Invest BC can help facilitate connections, offering support and introductions to relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth establishment process in B.C.

Domestic companies are expected to benefit from CIEBH’s infrastructure and opportunities for collaborative research. With CIEBH’s soon-to-be-developed cutting-edge research infrastructure, drug development platforms and training programs, local businesses will have more opportunities to collaborate with academia, expand their operations, innovate and compete on a global scale.

Trade and Invest BC provides comprehensive support to help B.C. companies navigate the expansion and export process, and for international companies to establish or expand your presence in British Columbia. Connect with Trade and Invest BC to learn more and become part of a global hub for life sciences innovation. Follow us on LinkedIn and X to stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities.