Canadian Biomanufacturing Partnering Mission to the UK - October, 2021

Request for Expression of Interest

Global Affairs Canada, through the High Commission of Canada in London in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), invites you to apply to the “Biomanufacturing Partnering Mission to the UK”, which will take place virtually on 20, 21, 25 & 26 October 2021.

This mission is being organised in partnership with Innovation, Science & Economic Development (ISED) Canada. Interested companies must apply no later than September 10, 2021 *extended*. Additional application information is provided below.

Mission Objective

The past few years have seen a significant increase in the clinical development of advanced therapies (ATs). This sector is even more prevalent now considering the global COVID pandemic and the need for new biologics and RNA-based COVID vaccine(s). The UK has taken an early lead in basic and clinical research in cell & gene therapies. Given Canada’s similar strengths and capabilities in this sector, Canadian companies are well-placed to co-innovate with UK partners. This virtual mission will focus on introducing Canadian SMEs with innovative technologies/solutions in advanced therapies and bio-manufacturing to potential British partners for possible R&D collaboration, with the goal of future commercialization.

Examples of R&D collaborations targeted include:

• validation of Canadian technologies in the UK market;
• adaptation of Canadian technologies to meet British and global market needs; and,
• co-development of new products and/or services combining Canadian and UK research and technologies.

Canadian Delegate Profile

This mission is targeting Canadian companies working on emerging technologies such as:

• Adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy and lentiviral vector optimization and vaccine manufacturing;
• Distributed manufacturing models and associated clinical trials, point of care manufacturing, microfluidics etc.; and,
• Non-viral based gene delivery systems (e.g. oligo/mRNA-related technologies and cancer vaccines), including lipid nanoparticles etc., and their components and payloads.

Mission participants should meet the requirements below in order to benefit from this initiative:

• Innovative, profit-oriented, SMEs incorporated in Canada;
• Previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic or international markets;
• Capacity and interest to co-develop technology with UK partners;
• Committed to expansion to the UK market; and,
• Sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize the results within 2-5 years.

Mission Description

Given that the outbreak of COVID-19 has imposed substantial challenges and uncertainties for international travel, all activities for this mission will take place virtually.

The mission’s is designed to help increase Canadian company’s awareness of the opportunities available within the U.K. and introduce those that are capable and ready to pursue joint R&D partnerships to UK stakeholders. The mission will take place over 4 half day sessions and will include pre-mission briefings and pitch training sessions. The planned elements of the mission are:

• Pre-mission briefing and pitch training
• Overview of UK landscape for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) – to include introductions to key stakeholders, infrastructure and regulatory environment
• Canada and UK pitching sessions and community introductions (to those in academia, industry and government).
• Bespoke program of B2Bs – some arranged in advanced but with an opportunity to sign-up for meetings throughout and after the mission via a partnering platform.

Why the UK?

The past few years have seen a significant increase in the clinical development of advanced therapies (ATs), including gene therapies, cell therapies, CAR-T cell therapy, and tissue engineering products. In 2019, the market size was valued at over $3 billion USD. It has been estimated that by 2028, gene therapy will be embedded in the UK healthcare system and given to 10,000 patients each year. This has been accelerated considerably during 2020/21 as a result of the global pandemic and the need for new biologics and RNA-based COVID vaccines. The sector is now at a critical point as it prepares to commercialise, adopt and scale-up the manufacturing of these new treatments, including for current and future pandemics. However, to deliver ATs at scale will require huge improvements in viral vector and manufacturing technologies, as well as specialised skills and regulated facilities. Hence, now, more than ever, there is a need to collaborate globally to create a strong, agile and sustainable medicines manufacturing community.

The UK took an early lead in basic and clinical research in cell & gene therapies. This was backed by a strategic policy framework and significant investment to grow the sector (for example a £300m Medicines Manufacturing Challenge to develop first-of-a-kind technologies for the manufacture of medicines). The UK is now widely recognised as a global leader in the development of advanced therapies, with world-class research, an extensive clinical pipeline (currently 1 out of 8 of the world’s advanced therapy trials are taking place in the UK), impressive manufacturing infrastructure, an innovative approach to adoption, investors and many SMEs & pharmaceutical companies concentrating their research in the UK.

How to Apply for Participation

1. Interested companies should request an application form from Caroline Martin (caroline.martin@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in London. A full application form requesting additional information on your company, your technology and your interest in discussing possible R&D opportunities with UK partners will be sent to you;
2. Completed application forms are due no later than September 10, 2021 *extended* to Caroline Martin (caroline.martin@international.gc.ca);
3. The High Commission of Canada in London and NRC IRAP will select companies to participate in the mission. Selected applicants can expect to be notified on or before September 17, 2021 *extended*.

Please note: Participation is limited. Applications submitted will be assessed to determine the eligibility of the applicant to participate in this R&D mission. It will be based on the quality of the information provided in regards to the technology and the appropriateness of the technology for the UK market.

If you have any questions concerning application process, please see the CIIP webpage and/or email CIIP at innovation@international.gc.ca.

Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)

Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) delivers the Canadian International Innovation program (CIIP) in the UK. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including the UK.