ResearchTech & trendsYesterday · Oct 23, 2026Canada

A novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps cut the chances of melanoma tumor recurrence in major study

Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine intismeran cut the risk of melanoma returning by 42 per cent two years after surgery, in a study of more than 1,100 people with high-risk melanoma. Two years on, 82 per cent of vaccinated patients were recurrence-free, versus 70 per cent on Keytruda alone. The companies are discussing approval with regulators; full results were due at a European oncology meeting in Madrid.

A personalized mRNA vaccine, matched to each patient's tumour, is moving toward approval after a large trial showed a clear gain in living without recurrence.

Full results presented at ESMO meeting, Madrid: Oct 24, 2026 All deadlines

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News source: A novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps cut the chances of melanoma tumor recurrence in major study (opens in a new tab) — CBC News

RecallTech & trends3 days agoCanada

Azurion 7 Systems

Philips has issued a notice regarding Azurion 7 systems that may contain unauthorized solid-state drives. These incorrect components could lead to system failures, including the loss of imaging capabilities, motorized movement issues, or the inability to access and store patient data.

If you use an Azurion 7 system, be aware that unauthorized drives may cause sudden equipment failure or loss of patient data.

Official source: Health Canada recalls and alerts (opens in a new tab)

RecallTech & trends3 days agoCanada

i-STAT hs-TnI Cartridge

Abbott has issued a recall for specific lots of i-STAT hs-TnI cartridges due to manufacturing variability. These cartridges may produce falsely elevated cardiac troponin I results because of reduced interference mitigation. There is no evidence of falsely low test results.

Check your i-STAT hs-TnI cartridge lots against the recall list and stop using any affected units immediately.

Official source: Health Canada recalls and alerts (opens in a new tab)

Tech & trendsOct 9, 2026ManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Could AI help reduce Manitoba's surgical wait times?

Dr. Jay Toor, an orthopedic surgeon at Concordia Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, is leading a Research Manitoba-funded initiative to use AI and large language models, a system called ORION, to cut surgical wait times at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre. Over 1,300 Manitobans face a median wait of 170 days for orthopedic surgery. In year one the team will test ORION against 10 years of HSC data, then trial it live in year two, predicting 5-8% more surgical capacity, 10-15% shorter waits, and $2-4 million a year in savings.

A Manitoba-made AI tool aims to shorten the 170-day median wait for orthopedic surgery, a number frontline staff see in their clinics every day.

News source: UMToday (opens in a new tab)

ResearchTech & trendsSep 24, 2026Manitoba

Cold-adapted enzymes could change the future of medicine

University of Manitoba researchers led by Dr. Ned Budisa have developed a new way to edit proteins using cold-adapted enzymes, replacing the rigid heat-loving enzymes the field relies on today. The cold-adapted approach could make building engineered proteins cheaper, more energy-efficient, and easier to scale, with applications in biomedicine and advanced biomanufacturing. Budisa says the work could one day help prevent harm from proteins that turn pathological, with relevance to neurodegenerative disease.

Manitoba research that could make designer proteins, the building blocks of future medicines, cheaper and easier to produce.