BC honours life science innovators

VANCOUVER – Life Sciences BC is pleased to announce the recipients of the 23rd Annual Life Sciences BC Awards, presented by FARRIS. These awards recognize the talented individuals and organizations who contribute to the vibrant life sciences ecosystem in B.C. Among the winners is Kardium, a Vancouver company that has created a single-catheter solution for treating cardiac arrythmias.

Kardium was founded in 2007, with the vision of providing a complete solution for the treatment of the world’s most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. The Globe Mapping and Ablation System consists of a sophisticated catheter with a 122-electrode array and advanced software that enable rapid pulmonary vein isolation, high-definition mapping, and the ability to ablate anywhere in the atrium – all with a single catheter.

In January, the company announced that it has raised US$115 million, which will be used to promote its technology across Europe and to conduct tests leading to FDA approvals in the United States.

“Life Sciences BC is delighted to celebrate the life sciences sector at the 23rd Life Sciences BC Awards ceremony, presented by FARRIS,” said Wendy Hurlburt (pictured), president and CEO of Life Sciences BC. “The BC Life Sciences sector has shown extraordinary leadership over the past 16 months, where BC innovation has been critical in contributing solutions and technologies for vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices and much more during the global pandemic.”

British Columbia has a vibrant and thriving life sciences industry that is distinguished not only by local and national accomplishments, but also by international recognition.

The 2021 Life Sciences BC Award Winners are:

Company
Life Sciences Company of the Year – AbCellera
Medical/Digital Technology Company of the Year – Kardium
Deal of the Year – Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Strategic Life Sciences Partner of the Year – Novateur Ventures
Emerging Life Sciences Company of the Year – Notch Therapeutics

Individual
Milton Wong Award for Leadership – Northview Ventures: Doug Janzen
Dr. Don Rix Award for Achievement in Life Sciences – Dr. Helen Burt

Research
Genome BC Award for Scientific Excellence – Dr. Michael Russello
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research – Aubrey J. Tingle Prize – Dr. Ruth Grunau

Impact
BC Life Sciences innovation has been globally recognized for addressing the unique challenges that arose as a result of the pandemic. Through collaboration between academic and research institutions, local SME and global pharmaceutical companies, we saw BC take a leadership role in the development of vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics, and digital health solutions. While many BC companies and individuals have contributed greatly, Life Sciences BC would like to recognize the extraordinary efforts made within our sector with two special awards that celebrate leadership.

Global Impact Award: Company – Acuitas Therapeutics
Leadership Impact Award: Individual – Dr. Mel Krajden, BCCDC

The 2021 Life Sciences BC award winners will be recognized at this year’s 23rd Annual Life Sciences BC Awards, presented by FARRIS, to be held on Zoom at 2pm on September 23, 2021.

Please visit our event page https://lifesciencesbc.ca/event/23rd-annual-life-sciences-bc-awards/

About Life Sciences BC
Life Sciences BC is a not-for-profit, non-government, industry association that supports and represents the life sciences community of British Columbia through leadership, facilitation of investment and partnering, and promotion of our world-class science and industry. Life sciences sectors, from biopharmaceuticals and medical technology to digital health and medical devices, are integrated into our organization and all that we do, ensuring that no life sciences sector is working in isolation – and that all sectors come together in a comprehensive, complementary and coordinated fashion. Throughout the year, Life Sciences BC undertakes numerous programs and projects in support of these sectors. These include public policy initiatives, facilitating linkages between global industry and our local organizations, raising the profile of our industry internationally and thus facilitating investment and global partnering opportunities, and helping nurture economic development in British Columbia through the life sciences industry.