Collaboration : the Key
BioCanRx is Canada’s immunotherapy network. Launched in 2015 with a vision to provide Canadian cancer patients with novel, effective treatments for cancer, our focus is the development of immunotherapies, which train a patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. We provide support for the world-class science being carried out in Canada and leverage existing infrastructure to deliver a translational research program that is helping develop Canadian discoveries into products that will benefit Canadian cancer patients, and supporting the biomanufacturing infrastructure required to make these treatments a reality in Canada.
Cancer immunotherapy in Canada is supported by a complex network of institutions, individuals, and organizations. BioCanRx sits at the center of this network– the hub connecting researchers, clinicians, academia, industry and patients. Our function is to enable collaboration throughout the network, bringing together knowledge, expertise, and function to carry forward our vision of making all cancers curable diseases. Canada has established itself globally as a source of innovative cancer research. However, translating our laboratory discoveries into therapies that directly benefit patients has proven difficult. Often referred to as the “valley of death”, the expanse between innovation and application is fraught with structural challenges as well as scientific ones, and much of our Canadian research falls to funding difficulties, expertise shortages, and misaligned incentive structures. BioCanRx bridges these gaps, facilitating the relationships and funding necessary to maintain research momentum.
BioCanRx supports collaborations across our network members and partner organizations and facilities. We fund research projects, enable internships, and support trainings for the next generation of biomanufacturing professionals. Working with 202 partners in diverse sectors, our network has
- launched 12 made-in-Canada cancer immunotherapy trials to benefit Canadian patients
- provided novel therapies to over 400 patients in BioCanRx-funded and supported clinical trials
- enabled the training of 675 highly qualified personnel in translational research, GMP biomanufacturing, and science communication
- Introduced over 34 new therapies to the Canadian ecosystem and supported the creation of 8 new spinouts, and
- Leveraged an initial $40 million investment by the Government of Canada’s NCE Program into $109.49 million of partner investments.
We also recognize the important role of patients in our life sciences innovation ecosystem. Every year we facilitate the BioCanRx-Cancer Stakeholder Alliance Learning Institute, bringing together leaders from oncology patient communities and academic scholars from the immunotherapy research community to engage in knowledge exchange activities at the annual Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy. Academic scholars are exposed to the realities of the cancer patient experience and patient leaders are familiarized with research concepts in immuno-oncology. Patient and caregiver feedback are essential to creating accessible clinical trials, and we prioritize collaboration with patient communities wherever possible.
Establishing a strong system of care that provides innovative cancer immunotherapies to Canadian patients in need demands collaboration across the Canadian research ecosystem. As Canada’s cancer immunotherapy network, BioCanRx creates, fosters, and maintains these collaborations. The success of our model demonstrates what we have always known to be true – the only way we can beat cancer is by working together.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Nelson
Director, Communications & Marketing
vnelson@biocanrx.com