As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks in large part to the lightning-fast development of new vaccines, medical innovation has never been more fascinating—or more critical.

Biotech has quickly become one of the most important emerging sectors in the Canadian economy. Today, Canada’s 10 largest biotech companies have a combined market cap of $28 billion. Topping the list is Vancouver-based AbCellera Biologics, which debuted on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange with a record-breaking IPO late last year—making it Canada’s most valuable biotech company in history.

The company has developed what is now the leading antibody treatment for COVID-19, called bamlanivimab. It’s approved in 15 countries (including the U.S. and Canada), and has been administered to over 400,000 COVID-19 patients.

But AbCellera is more than just that one treatment. The company has formed more than 100 partnerships with 27 different partners to find antibody treatments for a range of ailments.

We spoke with founder and CEO Dr. Carl Hansen on the latest Disruptors podcast. John Stackhouse and Hansen explore everything from the origins of AbCellera, to how their antibody treatment works, and their big plans for global success.

Listen to the podcast or read the full excerpt on the RBC Thought Leadership website.

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