Dates
Evolution and Innovation: Looking Back at Canada’s Life Sciences Industry Over the Last 30 Years–What does history tell us about the future?
This talk will delve into aspects of the journey of Canada’s life sciences industry Peter was involved with over the past three decades. He will highlight some key advancements, breakthroughs, and paradigm shifts. Attendees will gain insights into how technological innovations, regulatory changes, and evolving market dynamics have shaped the industry.
Key topics will include:
- Technological Advancements: Exploring the impact of the introduction of health technologies and the life of company innovators.
- Regulatory and Access Evolution: Understanding how changes in regulatory and marker access frameworks have influenced care in Canada.
- Market Dynamics: Analyzing shifts in market demands, patient-centric approaches, and the rise of personalized medicine.
- Collaborative Efforts: Examining the role of partnerships between academia, industry, and government in driving innovation.
- Future Opportunities: Identifying what the evolution may mean for emerging trends and opportunities.
The talk will be followed by an interactive Q&A session to openly discuss the influential moments of the past, present, and possibly future of the life sciences industry. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this talk will offer valuable perspectives and actionable insights to navigate and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
Keynote Speaker: Peter Brenders
Peter Brenders is the Founder and Managing Director of the specialist management services company TO4 Group Inc providing support for start-up and established companies in the life sciences sector.
Brenders is a highly respected figure in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, recognized for his leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to patient-centered care. His career includes leadership roles in the government, for-profit, and not-for-profit sectors of Canada’s life-sciences industry. Over three decades he held executive roles including as President and CEO of BIOTECanada, General Manager of Sanofi Genzyme, Founder and CEO of Inagene Diagnostics, and CEO of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation.
As the recent General Manager of BeiGene Canada, Brenders established and lead the Canadian affiliate operations by recruiting and developing a cross-function team to launch new oncology therapies in Canada. He took the affiliate from start-up to $100 million in sales in a highly competitive market in just over three years and achieved the status of #1 world-wide affiliate in terms of product per capita demand. Under his leadership, BeiGene Canada was recognized as a Great Place to Work®, which speaks to his expertise in creating a supportive workplace culture that is vital to the success of the company and its employees.
Brenders is celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his reputation as a collaborator and problem-solver. He has been inducted into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame, an honor that underscores his contributions to healthcare marketing and his ability to inspire others in the field. Known for his expertise in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and market access, Brenders has consistently driven impactful initiatives launching over 20 products in Canada across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, rare diseases, nephrology, and hematology.
Peter received his MBA in Health Services Management from McMaster University. Prior to his brief work in basic research at the Robarts Research Institute, he received his Honours BSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Western Ontario. Peter also has completed executive education programs at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, McGill University and Queen’s University.
