The latest information regarding the BioCanRx researchnetwork and biotherapeutic research

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MESSAGE FROM THE FLIGHT DECK AND CREWWelcome to BioCanRxrsquos first volume of anewsletter that will bring you important newsabout the network and highlights from the fieldof cancer biotherapeutics in Canada Pleaseshare it freely and do let us know if there aretopics and items you want to see in thisnewsletter In late June we coshyhosted a very successfulwellshyattended inaugural annual scientificmeeting mdash Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy(Summit4CI) Delegates participated inkeynote addresses from Dr Ira Mellman (ViceshyPresident Cancer Immunotherapy Genentech)and Dr Elizabeth Jaffee (Deputy Director TheSidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centerat Johns Hopkins) and engaged in plenarydiscussions over four warm days in HalifaxThe team extends our thanks to the CanadianCancer Immunotherapy Consortium who coshyhosted the event with us This newslettercontains more information about the eventsome feedback we have received and plans fornext years Summit4CI As many of you know work is well underwaywithin our research program BioCanRx issupporting 14 panshyCanadian multishydisciplinaryprojects funding research across all of thebiotherapeutic platforms touching on multipletypes of cancer such as ovarian brain cancerand melanoma Through our core facilitysupport these projects are being provided withthe essential tools and technologies needed to

We have also invested in projects in theClinical Social and Economic Impact Programthat will look at barriers facing biotherapeuticproducts and platforms as they progressthrough the translational pipeline Our rollingopen call submission deadlines are organizedaround the meeting dates of our ResearchManagement Committee Our next submissiondeadline is Nov 9 2016 We are eager to seewhat projects the community will put forwardIf you have any questions about an idea youwant to propose please contact Kelley ParatoYou can find application details on our website

We have made great progress in developingrelationships with key stakeholders partnersand opinion leaders in the area ofbiotherapeutics Although much work remainsto be done we are confident that our work ishelping to create opportunities for researcherswho face the challenging task of transformingpromise in the lab to outcomes for cancerpatients across Canada This monthrsquos newsletter includes key datesaround funding opportunities upcomingevents updates for our trainees and HQP theprofile of an immunotherapy patient pioneerand a feature on Dr David Stojdls CatalystProject mdash the first in a series that will focus onprojects funded by BioCanRx We appreciate hearing from our stakeholder

move these therapeutics to clinic If you arepart of the network and would like to learnmore about the offerings of the BioCanRx corefacilities please visit our website

community members Please do take the timeto reach out

| FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES |We have launched our next round of funding through our rolling open call process for our fourresearch programs BioCanRx is now accepting letters of intent (LOIs) for itsmiddot Clinical Trials Programmiddot Enabling Studies Programmiddot Catalyst Programmiddot Clinical Social and Economic Impact Program The review deadline for LOIs is November 9 2016 by 1159 pm EDT For more information see the Apply for Funding page at the BioCanRx website

| PROJECT PROFILE |

Finding the sweet spot A tricky job for the right virusto treat brain cancer

David Stojdl (centre) and team (from left toright Ananda Mookerjee Melanie LabelleKristina Allan Katelynn Rowe StephanieSwift Charles Lefebvre Stephen Baird)

Defeating brain cancer requires a delicatebalance At least thatrsquos how Dr David Stojdlsees it On the one hand Dr Stojdl is engineeringviruses that seek out tumour cells in the braininfect them and flag them as dangerous mdash yetdonrsquot infect healthy cells ldquoBrain tissue is not very amenable toregeneration So if you are using a virus in thebrain you have to be sure it is only going toinfect and destroy the cancer cellsrdquo says DrStojdl a BioCanRxshyfunded investigator who isa senior scientist at the Childrenrsquos Hospital ofEastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute anda professor at the University of Ottawa

On the other hand the virus needs to bepotent enough to do its job kickshystarting theimmune system and launching a deadly attackon cancer cells without causing too muchinflammation which can have seriousconsequences

Read more

INAUGURAL SUMMIT FOR CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY (SUMMIT4CI)CO-HOSTED BY BIOCANRX AND CCIC

At the end of June sunny Halifax weatherwelcomed more than 260 experts in cancerbiotherapeutics from Canada and abroad toshare scientific advancements andexperiences and to strengthen and createcollaborations across disciplines The diverse and dynamic group of speakers

HQP AWARDS AT SUMMIT4CIThe Summit was a fantastic time ndash bothscientifically and socially Training programs atthe Summit were well attended and receivedgreat feedback from HQP Congratulations to the HQP below for being

and panellists from academia industry patientgroups and government provided inshydepthinsight and highlighted the impact that thisannual conference will play in strengtheningthe global response to cancer Below are a few highlights of the feedbackreceived from delegates regarding theconference If you attended Summit4CI anddid not have the opportunity to providefeedback please connect with AmandaDevost We are always looking to improve theexperience for delegates BioCanRx and CCIC(Canadian Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium)would like to thank organizers sponsors anddelegates for making the first conference atremendous success

SUMMIT4CI 2017BioCanRx will be hosting the next Summit4CIin OttawashyGatineau from June 25shy28 2017 mdashin the leadshyup to the countryrsquos 150thAnniversary celebrations Stay tuned to theSummit for Cancer Immunotherapy website forinformation on registration sponsorship andtrainee opportunities

recognized in the following categories

Top Plenary Presentation by a HQPVictor Naumenko Mahoney LabUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB

Top Speed Poster PresentationsLaiumllashyAiumlcha Hanafi Turtle Lab

Fred Hutch Cancer Research Centre SeattleWA (Session 1)

Sandy Pelletier Turcotte LabCRCHUM Montreacuteal QC (Session 2)

Top Poster Presentations by HQP

Andrew Nguyen Wan LabMcMaster University Hamilton ONCarole Bonkoungou Melichar Lab

HMR Montreacuteal QCKwame TwumasishyBoateng Nelson Lab

BCCA Victoria BCLarissa Pikor Bell LabOHRI Ottawa ON

SeongJun Han Ohashi LabUHN Toronto ON

Simon Gebremeskel Johnston LabDalhousie University Halifax NS

| TRAINING AND EDUCATION |

Career OpportunitiesThis jobs board will list career opportunitiesfrom our network core facilities and partnersin cancer biotherapeutics sector on ourwebsite There are currently job postingsfeatured from Zymeworks and Caprion

BioCanRx Lab Exchange ProgramExchanges aim to establish partnershipsfocused on training in particular skillsdevelopment and technology transfer as wellas strengthen connections between networkmembers andor industry

Mitacs Accelerate InternshipsThis program enables graduate students or

| EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES |

Featured on the BioCanRx website is acollection of helpful educational onlineresources and inshyperson workshopopportunities related to professionaldevelopment We will continue to addresources to this section Check out whatweve compiled so far

You can find more information abouttraining education and careeropportunities at the BioCanRx Training website

Engage with other HQP in the cancer

postshydoctoral fellows to bridge the gapbetween academia industry and nonshyprofitorganizations by working on intersectoralresearch projects

biotherapeutics sector on our onlinecommunity Join now

| PROFILE |

From pioneer to pioneers A patient view on research

ldquoI am so damn lucky and I know itevery morning when I get out ofbedrdquo

When Kathy Barnard says this she means it

Kathy Barnard founded and runs Save YourSkin a patient advocacy and supportorganization that has been on the front lines asimmuneshyoncology has emerged

Save Your Skin helps inform legislation(Federal Bill Cshy386 Tanning Bed Legislation forYouth) patientshycare policies and guidelinesand provides individual financial informationaland emotional support to cancer patients

She started the group in 2006 because sheneeded to fill a gap in information available topatients to help answer questions she had asshe tackled her own melanoma diagnosisldquoWhat treatment options are there for merdquoldquoHow can I get that treatmentrdquo

Read more

| IN THE NEWS |

| IN THE NEWS |

Harnessing the immune system to fight cancerNew York Times | July 30 2016

Pfizer bags option on oncolytic virus partners up to advance through PhlFierceBiotech | July 29 2016

Investment to link business and researchers to move ideas to marketCBC | July 26 2016

Breakthroughs in cancer from experts behind the scenesMacLeans | July 2016

FDA lets cancer trial resume after three patient deathsStatNews | July 15 2016

Cancer patients on immunotherapy trials react to emotional weekStatNews | July 15 2016

Surgery can prevent the immune system from attacking cancerOHRI | June 29 2016

Opdivo gets breakthrough designation for bladder cancerFierceBiotech | June 27 2016

Worldshyrenowned scientist Dr Ira Mellman discusses cancer immunotherapyBioCanRx | June 26 2016

| MEETINGS AND EVENTS |

International Conference on Replicating Oncolytic Virus TherapeuticsVancouver BC | October 1 shy 5 2016

Cancer Research Institutes Immunotherapy Patient SummitNew York NY | September 24 2016

Copyright copy BioCanRx All rights reserved

Be a part of the BioCanRx community Please send news and information toAmanda Devost Manager Communication and Corporate Affairs BioCanRx

Email adevostbiocanrxcom

Our mailing address is501 Smyth Road Box 611 Ottawa Ontario K1H 8L6

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BioCanRx middot 501 Smyth Road Box 611 middot Ottawa On K1H 8L6 middot Canada