Initiative targets expats for growing oncology company portfolio in Ontario

TORONTO, ON (July 18, 2017) — FACIT, which commercializes innovative cancer treatments, has launched a recruitment campaign targeting individuals who possess strong clinical development, commercial and fundraising experience in the technology and life sciences sectors. FACIT is expanding and updating its database of US-based industry advisors for roles ranging from investment diligence to full time management roles in Ontario-based biotech start-ups. While Canadian biotechnology expatriates are the focus of this initiative, FACIT continues to attract worldwide leaders in oncology research to the province, a shared mandate well established by its strategic partner, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR).

The recruitment drive capitalizes on the recent surge in entrepreneurial innovation in the Canadian province of Ontario, and a need for executives and advisors to fill a growing number of vacancies. The US pool of biotech industry experience is deep, with many Canadians playing important roles in both senior management and oncology product development. FACIT is targeting this group initially as they are already aware of the scientific excellence and rich quality of life in the province. This timely development also coincides with recent changes in the US political and scientific environment, and the inclination for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the best jurisdictions to practice their trade.

“FACIT invests in innovative cancer technologies and surrounds them with commercial teams that have the experience to build sustainable companies and deliver benefits to both cancer patients and investors. Having supported 13 new companies, recently including Turnstone Biologics, Fusion Therapeutics and Propellon Therapeutics, there is an urgent demand to continue to accelerate the next generation of cancer breakthroughs,” said David O’Neill, PhD, Acting President of FACIT.

“We are eager to deepen our reach into expert networks in clinical development, medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics and digital health to benefit our existing start-ups and those in the pipeline. Further, creating awareness about Ontario’s welcoming environment for industry scientists is important as we tap into sources of human capital to keep pace with FACIT’s growing businesses,” continued Dr. O’Neill.

The initiative will see FACIT and partners active at exhibitions and biotechnology conferences in the US over the next 18 months, and working with trade commissioners, Ontario stakeholders, MaRS Discovery District and other executive networks to expose talented industry professionals to opportunities and new businesses north of the border. Please visit https://facit.ca/careers to learn more.

About the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT)

Established by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and the Province of Ontario as a strategic partner to accelerate commercialization of oncology innovations, the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) leads these innovations from the lab to the marketplace to benefit patients, researchers, investors and the Ontario economy. For more information, please visit the website at facit.ca or email info@facit.ca.

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