The Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson has released the following statement to congratulate Burnaby-based Xenon Pharmaceuticals on its eligibility to receive up to approximately US$636 million through its collaboration agreements with California-based Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, the world’s largest biotech company.

“I’m delighted by this investment by Genentech toward pain medicine research. This announcement is one more example of B.C.’s position as a globally recognized hub for research and development.

“It was a pleasure to tour the cutting-edge facility and meet with local researchers and representatives from the life sciences sector. There is inspiring research taking place in B.C. with the potential to help patients here at home and around the world. We are working to make B.C. a great place to innovate. Since 2001, government has invested over $900 million in health and life science research.

“This partnership demonstrates the confidence investors have in B.C. tech companies. I am proud to see how our business community continuously attracts investments and shows strong entrepreneurial spirit in all areas of technology and innovation.

“Over 84,000 people work in the tech sector in B.C. with 14,000 people specializing in life sciences. Technology is one of the eight key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan, the province’s strategy to grow the economy. B.C.’s technology sector continues to be one of the top contributors to the provincial economy and represents opportunity for industry, investors and job seekers.”

Learn more:

To view a photo of Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services Andrew Wilkinson at today’s announcement: https://flic.kr/p/oS36AY

To learn more about government’s technology strategy: www.bcjobsplan.ca/technology

To learn more about the BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contacts:

Melody Wey
Communications Manager
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services
250 508-5030