Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

ENTREVESTOR: Adaptiiv Lands Clients in 7 Countries

Read the original article here.  Halifax-based Adaptiiv has announced major new clients in Hong Kong and the U.S. as the young medical technology company expands its customer base to seven countries. The company – which uses 3D printing technology to improve radiation therapy in cancer treatment – said Monday it had signed a deal to sell its product to University of Hong Kong and work with the institution as a research partner. That announcement came days after Adaptiiv announced its 3D Bolus technology would be used by the U.S. Military at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Dubbed “The Nation’s Medical Center,” the Reed is the United States’ largest and most renowned joint military medical facility, providing services in over 100 clinics and specialties. “We have accomplished a lot in a short period of time and I am very proud of the team but I feel we are just getting started,” said CEO Peter Hickey in an email Sunday night. Just two years old, Adaptiiv has quickly found customers for its 3D Bolus product, which revolutionizes the use of a bolus in radiation therapy. A bolus is a piece of plastic placed over the cancerous area, assuming the tumours are close to or in the skin. The radiation hits the bolus, builds up and then is transferred into the tumour. There can be no air pockets between the bolus and the skin, which complicates matters given that every body is unique. Hospitals using the Adaptiiv product buy a system that includes 3D printers with special filaments, so boluses customized to each patient can be printed within seconds. They can be reused as the patient receives repeated radiation dosages. Or, if the patient’s body shape changes over the course of multiple treatments, the medical staff can print off another bolus quickly. In June, the company announced it had received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, allowing the product to be sold in the U.S. That opened the flood gates to more sales, and to announcements of new partnerships and projects. The company’s software is now used in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Israel, Ireland, England and now Hong Kong. The university in Hong Kong will use 3D Bolus in radiation therapy and its Department of Clinical Oncology will work with Adaptiiv to develop new applications. Meanwhile, Adaptiiv last week also released a new product called AccuCALC, which helps cancer centers to assess the business case for offering the 3D Bolus product. AccuCALC was developed by Churchill Consulting, which provides consulting and integrated system solutions to radiation therapy departments. Rules for billing insurers vary from state to state in the U.S., and facilities that offer radiation therapy can use AccuCALC to assess how and when they can charge for using the 3D Bolus product. “We have seen significant demand from our clients for information pertaining to 3D Bolus,” said Jordan Johnson, Churchill’s Director of Compliance. “Yet. as is common with many leading-edge technologies, our clients are unsure of whether they can bill for a new technology or its potential return on investment.  AccuCALC addresses that problem.”]]>

THE EMPLOYMENT JOURNEY: Summer students gain valuable experience at expanding bioscience company

Read the original article here. BioVectra Inc. is a bioscience business with three locations in Charlottetown and one in Windsor, Nova Scotia. The company, which has more than 300 employees, focuses on contract manufacturing and product development of active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmaceutical intermediates, and bio-reagents. The company is currently building another expansion to its site at 11 Aviation Way in Charlottetown. This past summer, BioVectra hired 11 students for summer jobs in a variety of positions, including engineering, product research and marketing, drug development, quality control, Human Resources, administration, and finance.

Two students share their stories

Luke MacAulay of Stratford is an Engineering student who has worked at BioVectra for the past three summers. His education path has centred around math, chemistry, and business. He took two years of Engineering at UPEI and then chose to study Chemical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He is continuing his interest in business by also taking a diploma program in Technology Management & Entrepreneurship. “I was very lucky to be hired here at BioVectra,” says Luke. “It’s great to have a summer job that is very relevant to my field and also close to home. Once I graduate, I need five years of relevant work experience to become a professional engineer. Up to a year of that time can be earned while completing my degree, so this experience at BioVectra is very valuable. “I’m not certain of my future plans, but I’m thinking of doing my Masters in Chemical Engineering or in Business. I hope to run my own business in the future. “I would like to live and work on the Island. More and more jobs are being created here, so ideally, I will be able to find something on PEI after finishing my education.” Lindsay MacGregor is from Charlottetown. After six years of study, she graduated this year from UPEI with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in English. “There are a lot of things I can do now, based on the skills I learned at UPEI,” says Lindsay. During her time at UPEI, Lindsay worked as a teaching assistant in the first-year biology and anatomy labs. “I was also a writing tutor. My science background was helpful because I could help both science students and arts students with different styles of writing.” This is her third summer job at BioVectra. For the first two summers, she worked in the Research and Development Biotech lab. This past summer, she chose a new opportunity in Human Resources. “It is fun to see what else I can do with a science degree beyond lab work. “In the human resources position, I learned more about the hiring process. I helped with recruitment, writing and posting job ads, vetting applications, and setting up interviews. I find my science background helps me better understand the positions we are hiring for.” In September, Lindsay started a new student position in Marketing at BioVectra’s Windsor Nova Scotia facility. “I really like the Windsor facility. Everyone works together to do what needs to be done to help it succeed. It has a really cool energy to it. “I’m excited about this opportunity. BioVectra is a great company to work for. The company is growing quickly, and they are hiring for new positions every month. “There are also opportunities for growth within the company. “You can start in one area, and if you are interested in learning something else, BioVectra is very receptive to moving you to another position where you would be a good fit.” For more information, visit www.biovectra.com. For a list of PEI bioscience job postings, visit www.peibioalliance.com.]]>

Distribution and Development Agreement Signed Between Sona Nanotech Inc and Expedeon

Read the original article here Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 11th, 2018 – Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) today announced the signing of an agreement with global biotech company Expedeon Ltd. (ETR: EXN) for the supply of Sona’s unique gold nanorods for integration into Expedeon’s product range. Expedeon is a global provider of innovative technologies and services for the life sciences and diagnostics industries.  Following evaluation of the quality and sensitivity of Sona’s gold nanorods, Expedeon decided to include their Gemini and Omni products within their complete range of gold nanoparticles and conjugation technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, signed Oct 3rd, 2018, Expedeon has exclusive rights to promote and market the nanorods to life science researchers and diagnostic companies around the world via its extensive distribution network and strong direct sales channels. The company will invest in R&D to incorporate Sona’s technology into its comprehensive product range coupled with its own proprietary technologies.  Both companies are exploring how they can develop the partnership even further to increase the offerings to their customers. Sona Nanotech CEO Darren Rowles said: “Expedeon has a built a reputation as a world-leading business in the life sciences and diagnostics industries and is considered the go-to company for innovative reagents. We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Expedeon, which will open access to new markets, new technologies and new lateral flow test developers for Sona to collaborate with and develop next-generation lateral flow assays. To have our products integrated into the Expedeon product line is a huge milestone for Sona as we continue to work towards our goal of becoming a global life sciences brand.” Expedeon CEO Heikki Lanckriet said: “We are excited to be incorporating Sona’s technologies into our range of gold nanoparticle technologies. We were really impressed by the quality and sensitivity of their gold nanorods. We believe many of our customers are going to be interested in this innovative technology and the multiplex capabilities, and we are eager to be expanding our offering to new markets.” About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech Inc. is a nanotechnology life sciences firm that has developed two proprietary methods for the manufacture of rod-shaped gold nanoparticles. The principal business carried out and intended to be continued by Sona is the research and development of its proprietary technology for use in multiplex diagnostic testing platforms that will improve performance over existing tests in the market. Sona’s gold nanorod particles are CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium) free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. It is expected that Sona’s gold nanotechnologies may be adapted for use in applications, as a safe and effective delivery system for multiple medical treatments, pending the approval of various regulatory boards including Health Canada and the FDA. Sona is a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange existing under the laws of Nova Scotia, with its operations in Nova Scotia. About Expedeon Expedeon is an enabler of exciting advances in medical science and patient care. The Company’s core technologies, innovative products and services are used in research laboratories around the world, enabling scientists to push the boundaries of research and product development, and play an integral part in new diagnostic tools being brought to market. With applications spanning the entire workflows in genomics, proteomics and immunology, Expedeon’s technologies both accelerate and simplify research and make new and cost-effective processes available to biopharmaceutical and diagnostic organisations alike, thereby underpinning its customers’ development and commercialisation objectives. Expedeon’s products are sold through a direct sales force and several distribution partners in Europe, the USA and Asia. Expedeon AG has offices in Germany, Australia Spain, UK, USA and Singapore. The Company is listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Ticker: EXN; ISIN: DE000A1RFM03) Revenues have grown from €1.8m in 2016 to expected revenues of €13-14m in 2018. For More Information For more information about Sona, please contact: Darren Rowles President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (902) 442-7192 Email: Darren Rowles [email protected] Neither Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the Amalgamation (including the structure of the Amalgamation), the Amalgamation (including shareholder approval, shareholder support, and other terms), the Private Placement (including its completion and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement), the directors and management of the resulting issuer upon completion of the Amalgamation, and the implementation of Sona’s business plan. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the completion of the Amalgamation and matters relating thereto; and risks associated with the marketing and sale of securities, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to Sona’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to Sona’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to Sona and its business generally, such as infringement of intellectual property rights and conflicts of interest. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS]]>

ENTREVESTOR: A Plan To Double NS Biotech by 2030

Read the original article here.
BioNova, the association for Nova Scotia’s life sciences industry, has released its plan to at least double the biotech sector in the next 12 years, creating 2,700 jobs with average salaries of more than $100,000.
Titled BioFuture 2030, the report outlines a plan to increase the number and size of life sciences companies, with the goal of increasing jobs, investment and research. Penned by BioNova staff with the aid of a 10-member advisory group, the report was released Wednesday at a ceremony in Halifax attended by government and industry leaders.
It stresses that the life science sector now constitutes a $9 trillion industry worldwide, which provides a huge opportunity for Nova Scotia. The province so far has grown its industry strongly and should take concrete steps to ensure that it continues to capitalize on this booming industry, says the report.
“BioFuture 2030 allows us to see what is possible,” said BioNova chair Kevin Sullivan in the introduction of the report. “This strategy sets some ambitious goals that will benefit our sector, our community, and move our economy into a prosperous future.”
The report says Nova Scotia has already established a health and life sciences cluster comprising more than 100 companies with total annual revenues of more than $300 million. These companies directly employ more than 1,500 people, earning an average salary of about $61,000 a year – almost $25,000 more than the provincial average.
With an underlying theme of collaboration among industry, government and academia, the BioFuture 2030 report outlines a series of goals the industry hopes to attain by 2030. It also sets out five projects that will help to reach these goals, which are:

  • Double the number of health and life sciences companies to 200.
  • Almost triple the number of employees at these companies to 4,200.
  • Increase the average annual income to $102,000 per employee.
  • And almost quadruple annual sales for the sector to $1.1 billion.

The first project to help reach these goals will be to improve business development tools so companies grow more quickly. The biotech community plans to support and improve the best organizations and programs that help companies to grow. It also aims to identify and alleviate gaps in the programing.
Second, BioNova and its partners hope to attract more talent by improving their network and database of life sciences professionals. They also plan to promote Nova Scotia as a place for these professionals, and institute training programs to develop more talent.
Third, the community plans to develop the ecosystem by enhancing links between research institutions and industry. It is proposing the creation of industry-institution liaison groups, and chief innovation officers at key institutions and within government.
The fourth project involves communications and marketing. The community wants to broadcast the benefits of a strong life sciences industry to Nova Scotians, and use the same messaging to attract talent and capital to the province.
Finally, BioNova plans to establish a hub for life sciences sales and business development. It will create a life sciences-focused sales training program and create an understanding within the industry of what it means to be globally competitive.
“We have the right ingredients, the talent and resources needed to grow our sector, develop products that will change the world, and transform Nova Scotia’s economy,” said BioNova managing director Scott Moffit in a statement. “BioFuture 2030 is the recipe that pulls it all together.”

BioNova Unveils Plan to Grow Nova Scotia’s Health and Life Sciences Sector

NEWS RELEASE: October 10, 2018 – Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA – Today BioNova released BioFuture 2030, the first industry-led economic strategy to grow Nova Scotia’s health and life sciences sector. BioFuture 2030 leverages the expertise and resources within the sector to deliver the tools entrepreneurs need to commercialize life-changing research, attract investments, create jobs, access new markets and improve the quality of life of Nova Scotians.
“The comprehensive strategic plan, BioFuture 2030, is a call to action for all Nova Scotian life sciences organizations,” said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Taking a sector-wide approach and sharing best practices will speed up and spread out the adoption of innovations and leverage new ideas in world-class health products for commercialization, making the sector stronger as a whole.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a $495,000 contribution to BioNova to further the development, growth and support of health and life sciences companies. The non-repayable investment, provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program, builds on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by making strategic investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce.
“Our CEOs see health and life sciences as a driver of economic growth,” said Scott Moffitt, Executive Director of BioNova. “This is our action plan to compete for a piece of the $9 trillion global health and life sciences economy.”
BioFuture 2030 is the result of over 50 in-depth interviews and numerous collaborations between CEOs and industry leaders across Nova Scotia.  These sector champions shared their ideas on how making the health and life sciences industry a priority would deliver economic and health benefits to Nova Scotians and Canadians, as well as prepare companies for success on the world stage.
The vision of BioFuture 2030 is to achieve a connected and collaborative Health and Life Sciences community that reaches its full potential. The plan sets out a clear path for implementation and will be led by five action teams that will focus on making connections, recruiting talent, improving public policies, unifying the sector’s value proposition and building a sales culture.
“We have the right ingredients, the talent and resources needed to grow our sector, develop products that will change the world and transform Nova Scotia’s economy. BioFuture 2030 is the recipe that pulls it all together,” continued Mr. Moffitt.
Hosted at the Life Sciences Research Institute, the launch was attended by over 50 health and life science industry leaders. Members of government and Industry leaders were there to present the plan including Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, Jeffrey Mullen, Director of Enterprise Development, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Brian Lowe, Vice Chair of BioNova, and Peter Hickey, CEO of Adaptiiv Inc.
Download the full plan at www.BioNova.ca/BioFuture2030
Download a copy of the BioFuture logo and other graphics here

About BioNova:
BioNova leads, accelerates, and advocates for Nova Scotia’s growing health and life sciences sector. Since 1993, BioNova has been accelerating the growth of its member companies. By hosting networking and educational events, and providing connections to potential funders and business resources, BioNova helps companies succeed.  While these companies commercialize life-changing research to improve healthcare, provide healthier food, and develop sustainable solutions, BioNova advocates on behalf of the sector. BioNova champions the sector’s cluster of world-class research facilities, incubator programs, and companies who, together, bring investment and jobs to Nova Scotia.
www.bionova.ca

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For further information, media may contact:
Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager, BioNova
902-421-5705
[email protected]