October 20, 2025
Immunity Canada Hosts National Conference
Immunity Canada held a National Conference as well as other coordinated events in Calgary, Alberta, September 25-28.
Starting September 25, Immunity Canada convened a special meeting to discuss the future of “point of care” gene and stem cell therapies in Canada in partnership with the Network for Rare Blood Disorders Organization (NRBDO), an umbrella group in Canada. This one-day Deliberative Dialogue brought together 20 partners in this space, from policymakers, researchers, patient organizations, health economists, payers and regulatory agencies, to discuss how we can build a sustainable national strategy for gene therapies in Canada to ensure patient access.
The following day saw committee meetings, followed by the official kick-off to the National Conference with a welcome reception and the presentation of the Immunity Canada Excellence Awards.
September 27-28 over 100 participants joined in person at the beautiful Calgary Central Library auditorium to take part in sessions and workshops on topics ranging from “Partnering in Research: The Role of Patients and Families”, “New Avenues in Diagnostics and Treatments: The Use of AI”, “Mental Health and Supporting Patients and Families” as well as keynote presentations from IPOPI’s MAP’s member Prof Silvia Ramon Sanchez on “Recent Biomarkers of Common Variable Immunodeficiency”
The conference closed with a family-friendly picnic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, complete with face painting, crafts, sports, music, food trucks and ice cream!
