Victoria pharma gets extension on U.S. patent
Victoria-based Aurinia Pharmaceuticals has been given the green light from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to modify the dose of its drug voclosporin during clinical trials on patients with lupus nephritis.
That approval could protect voclosporin’s method of use and dosing until December 2037.
Aurinia chairman Richard Glickman called the allowance a significant milestone as it improves the company’s “intellectual property portfolio and provides potential exclusivity for Aurinia’s protocol for the treatment of proteinuric kidney diseases, including lupus nephritis until late 2037.”
Glickman said the milestone also provides validation of some unique and differentiating features of voclosporin compared to other treatments.
“Establishing a robust exclusivity platform is a critical part of our strategy as we work towards regulatory approvals in the United States and internationally,” he said.
Lupus nephritis is a severe autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys. It affects as many as three million people globally.
Camosun, SIPP study First Nations’ transportation
Camosun College and the South Island Prosperity Project are combining forces to tackle establishing a new transportation option for First Nations on the Island.
The intention is to develop a business case for improved transportation to post-secondary institutions, First Nations-run education centres and other destinations.
SIPP interim CEO Bruce Williams said of the 10 First Nation communities on the south Island, only two are close to education and career opportunities off-reserve. “The other eight are rural, remote and not well-served by transit,” he said. “There is a real need for improvement for reasons, including safety, access to healthcare and education, and engagement with our shared economy.”
Camosun College will recruit and employ a student to assist in the development of the plan and SIPP will contribute financial resources to complete the technical requirements.
Williams, who was the director of innovation for SIPP, has stepped in to lead the organization while chief executive Emilie de Rosenroll is on maternity leave for one year.
Board changes at Western Forest Products
Western Forest Products has appointed two new independent directors to its board. Laura Cillis and Cheri Phyfer have joined the board as part of Western’s renewal process. Cillis, a chartered professional accountant, serves on the boards of Crescent Point Energy and Solium Capital. Phyfer is president of the Global Plumbing Group, and president for Moen U.S. Businesses.
Accent Inns honoured
Accent Inns was the lone Island company to bring home hardware at the Tourism Industry Conference last week in Vancouver. Accent, owned and operated by the Farmer family since 1986, was given the Employees First Award, recognizing them for their standards of excellence in human resource and people management practices.
“We are thrilled and honoured to have won the Employees First Award. The happiness of our staff has always been the most important metric when considering our culture,” said Accent chief executive Mandy Farmer.
