Mr. Babcook brings over 20 years’ experience in biomedical research and biologics to CDRD, as well as first-hand experience in commercializing these technologies. While working in the laboratory of Dr. John Schrader at the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of British Columbia, Mr. Babcook led the development of a novel strategy to generate monoclonal antibodies from single, isolated lymphocytes of defined specificities: the Selected Lymphocyte Antibody Method (SLAM™).
Most recently, prior to joining CDRD, John Babcook was Principal Scientist at Amgen where he led its Burnaby lab, which specializes in creating therapeutic antibodies. Previously, in 1998, Mr. Babcook co-founded ImmGenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which was acquired by Abgenix Biopharma Inc. in 2000. Mr. Babook continued to lead the research team as Associate Director of Research at Abgenix’s British Columbia site. Amgen, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, acquired Abgenix in 2006 and integrated the Burnaby research facility into the company’s global R&D organization. In addition, Mr. Babcook is an author of internationally recognized scientific publications, an inventor on ten patents, and has presented his work at international symposia. In 2009, Mr. Babcook won the Lifesciences British Columbia “Innovation and Achievement” Award and was profiled in the 2010 Business in Vancouver Book of Profiles BC's Business Leaders.