Canada has a long history of global leadership on regenerative medicine and diabetes treatments, as both stem cells and insulin were discovered by Canadian researchers. The federal government builds on this legacy by supporting the technology development and manufacturing of next generation bioprinted tissue therapeutics with applications for diabetes and other serious health conditions including liver disease. This support will strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in a new wave of therapeutic innovations and medicines.

“Today’s investment in Aspect Biosystems strengthens Canada’s biotech sector, enhancing innovation and leadership in health care. It accelerates our transition from ideas to globally competitive products, while also bolstering our response to health emergencies, attracting international investments and creating high-quality jobs for Canadians. British Columbia’s impressive talent pool further fuels our innovation and leadership in the next generation of medicines.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“This significant investment from the governments of Canada and B.C. sends a strong signal of support for building and integrating the capabilities needed to discover, develop, and clinically manufacture new medicines for people with serious diseases. This is a major step forward on our bold mission to pioneer an entirely new category of regenerative medicine and build an enduring and globally leading biotech that is delivering sustainable, life-changing impact to patients at home and around the world.”
– Tamer Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Aspect Biosystems

“British Columbia is home to the fastest growing life sciences sector in Canada and continues to get noticed on the global stage for the incredible work being done here. Helping British Columbia based life sciences and biomanufacturing companies like Aspect Biosystems anchor and grow in our province is enhancing health care outcomes for British Columbians and creating hundreds of new, high-paying, highly skilled jobs for people.”
– Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

• This project aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy by advancing cutting-edge technologies that build on Canada’s strengths and by growing our domestic ecosystem with skills development, investment and international partnerships. With this contribution, Aspect Biosystems is contributing to the country’s innovative capabilities in emerging research and development areas, such as regenerative medicine, and is expected to create high-skilled jobs, fostering economic growth and innovation in the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.

• Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy presents a long‑term vision to protect Canadians against future pandemics and other health emergencies and to grow an innovative, competitive domestic life sciences sector.

• Aspect Biosystems is a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, pioneering the development of cell-based bioprinted tissue therapeutics through its proprietary full-stack end-to-end tissue therapeutic platform.

• The federal government’s $49 million contribution through the Strategic Innovation Fund will support Aspect Biosystems in establishing the first clinical-stage biomanufacturing facility in Canada for cell-based bioprinted tissue therapeutics, as well as in advancing the company’s innovative platform and expanding its therapeutic pipeline.

• Budget 2021 provided a total of $2.2 billion over seven years toward growing a vibrant domestic life sciences sector and strengthening pandemic preparedness. This budget funding provides foundational investments to help build Canada’s talent pipeline and research systems, as well as to foster the growth of Canadian life sciences firms.

Associated links

• Biomanufacturing: Advancing health sciences industry in Canada
• Strategic Innovation Fund
• Aspect Biosystems

Audrey Milette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
audrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

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