May 15, 2024
Genome BC’s Annual Genomics Forum 2024, themed “Living Innovations: BC’s Path to Biological Engineering,” brought together experts from diverse sectors such as life sciences, business and industry.
Watch the full sessions on the Annual Genomics Forum 2024 YouTube Playlist, or catch some of the highlights below.
Kicking off the event, Suzanne Gill, Genome BC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, underscored the forum’s theme of exploring the potential of genome engineering to tackle issues in health, bioproduct development and conservation. She highlighted how genome engineering enables precise modifications to the DNA blueprint, paving the way for disease-resistant crops, novel medicines and other innovations. She emphasized the importance of integrating genome engineering responsibly into various aspects of life and industries.
Keynote Address by David Altshuler – “Humanizing Drug Discovery”
A highlight of the forum was the keynote address by David Altshuler, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Altshuler delved into advancements in genetic medicine. He showcased Vertex’s collaboration with CRISPR Therapeutics in utilizing genome editing CRISPR to develop treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Altshuler emphasized the pivotal role of genetics in guiding medical interventions, citing positive clinical trial results as a testament to the potential of genetic therapies in improving patients’ lives.
Session 1: Advancements in Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine
Moderated by Kyla Hingwing, Research and Innovation Manager, Health, this session featured a panel of experts including Saad Sirop Kenderian, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Immunology, and Oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; Megan Levings, Canada Research Chair in Engineered Immune Tolerance, BCCHR Lead, Childhood Diseases Theme, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver Research Institute; Nathan J Michaels, PhD, Director of Precision Medicine and Genetic Services at BC Ministry of Health; and Kevin Song, MD FRCPC, Medical Director of the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program at The University of British Columbia (UBC).
The panel discussed the remarkable potential of living therapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy, in combating cancer and autoimmune disorders. They highlighted recent successes and ongoing research aimed at revolutionizing treatment approaches and improving patient outcomes.
Session 2: Engineering Solutions for Complex Diseases
Moderated by Chen Wan, Director of Research and Innovation Health, this session brought together a panel of experts in the field. The panelists included Carl de Boer, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Health Research Scholar at UBC, and Michael Smith Health Research BC; Blythe Sather, Vice President and Head of Research at Tune Therapeutics; Alice Virani, Executive Director of Clinical Ethics and Spiritual Care Service at Provincial Health Services Authority; and Sam Wadsworth, Chief Scientific Officer at Aspect Biosystems.
Throughout the session, panelists delved into cutting-edge developments in gene, cell and tissue engineering. Their discussions explored the potential of genome regulation and bio-printed tissue therapeutics in personalized medicine, while also addressing critical ethical considerations surrounding genetic editing technologies.
Virani brought up important questions in the realm of equity, ethics and environmental considerations.
Keynote Address by Orlando Rojas – “Enabling Technologies for Bioproduct Development”
Orlando Rojas, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Bioproducts and Scientific Director of the UBC BioProducts Institute, delivered a comprehensive keynote address, shedding light on the latest advancements in clean energy solutions and sustainable byproducts, particularly emphasizing research conducted at the Biproduct Institute at UBC.
From utilizing biological materials for sustainable construction and product development to exploring innovative approaches for managing construction waste and harnessing biomass for energy production, Rojas discussed the potential of recycled materials.
Moreover, he highlighted the role of nanotechnology and bacteria in enhancing the performance of natural materials for various applications, including water purification. Through his insights, Rojas underscored the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive forward sustainable practices and address environmental challenges.
Fueling the Future with Clean Energy and Bio-Products
Moderated by Simran Brar, Research and Innovation Manager, this session featured Joerg Bohlmann, Professor and Distinguished University Scholar, Michael Smith Laboratories at UBC; Sarah Graham, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder, Lite-1; Krishna Mahadevan, Canada Research Chair in Metabolic Systems Engineering, University of Toronto; and Orlando Rojas.
This panel delved into the intersection of genomics and sustainable bio-products. Rojas highlighted the potential of biological materials for sustainable construction and product development. Discussions revolved around leveraging advanced technologies to transform waste into valuable resources, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy. Sarah Graham also highlighted the missed opportunity in scaling biomanufacturing in Canada.
Preserving Our Planet through Genomic Engineering
In the final session, the forum addressed the role of genomic engineering in species conservation and environmental preservation. Moderated by Dorota Stefanowicz, Research and Innovation Manager, this panel brought together experts including Bridget Baumgartner, Director of Research & Development and Program Manager for Wild Genomes at Revive & Restore; Lisa Giacomelli, Researcher at Fondazione Edmund Mach; Ben Novak, Lead Scientist Program Manager for Biotechnology for Bird Conservation at Revive & Restore; and Ann Thresher, Postdoctoral Scholar in Philosophy at Stanford University.
Ben Novak spotlighted innovative conservation methods, including gene editing technologies, to restore biodiversity and mitigate the extinction crisis. The panel underscored the importance of ethical and practical considerations in deploying genomic technologies for conservation efforts.
Conclusion by Federica Di Palma
Genome BC’s Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President of Research and Innovation, Federica Di Palma, closed the forum and highlighted key takeaways from the event. She emphasized the imminent breakthroughs in personalized medicine and sustainable bioproducts, underlining that while progress has been made, there’s still much to learn about biology. Di Palma stressed the importance of sustaining and building upon foundational knowledge for future generations.
Watch the full sessions on the Annual Genomics Forum 2024 YouTube Playlist.