The Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM) is in the news again. In March, a Globe and Mail article highlighted the ATM and ATM Director Dr. Poul Sorensen. In a recent article, B.C. drug developers get boost with government funding for new manufacturing facility, the relevance of the ATM has been noted once more.
The article outlines the four projects in the new Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), which was recently provided $140 million in funding. Of particular focus, is why the project investing in an advanced therapeutics manufacturing facility at UBC (which will occupy 25,300 square feet) is a significant opportunity for life sciences in British Columbia. UBC’s prominence is evident in how the CIEBH project fits within the current landscape and how it will position the province moving forward. Author Sean Silcoff draws on the high-calibre expertise of those such as Dr. Megan Levings to provide insight as to how the lack of such a facility has been a major drawback, and references Dr. Dermot Kelleher (Dean, UBC Faculty of Medicine) as well as the world-class researchers leading the projects, many of whom are UBC-affiliated. The formation of the ATM is highlighted as one of the key strategic initiatives by Dr. Kelleher that will transform how translational medicine is conducted at the University, alongside the new facility and related projects. The ATM looks forward to its participation in propelling therapeutic advancements forwards, and encourages its community to read the article here on The Globe and Mail website.