The 2024 Canadian healthcare investing outlook is vibrant: Bloom's view
Bloom Burton's CEO discusses changes in the Canadian life sci investment landscape, the return of the generalist investor, and the rise of consumer empowerment in healthcare (1,310 words, 6 minutes)
The investment landscape in Canadian healthcare is undergoing significant changes, marked by the resurgence of generalist investors and increased consumer empowerment. Brian Bloom, CEO of Bloom Burton & Co., has observed a notable shift in focus toward major health conditions such as cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, and diabetes, moving away from the emphasis on rare diseases prevalent five years ago.
“The big trend is in big indications,” he said on a recent episode of the NPC Podcast. “Larger markets are attracting more attention, while specialty markets are becoming more challenging to justify due to the journey, capital expenditure, and risk involved.”
During the episode, Bloom [pictured below] said that the return of the generalist investor is another noteworthy development. “The more generalist investors who could invest in oil and gas or mining on Bay Street… they’re very curious about healthcare in Canada,” he said. He says this broader investor base is diversifying the funding landscape and injecting fresh capital into the healthcare sector.
Consumer empowerment is also crucial in shaping the healthcare investment landscape, Bloom said. Patients today are more informed and proactive about their health, partnering with physicians and demanding better outcomes. “I believe consumer empowerment presents significant opportunities in both healthcare and data sectors, including publishing, online platforms, and social media,” he said. “It’s an important aspect of market marketing.” He noted that this shift drives innovations in consumer health products, data management, and personalized healthcare services.
According to Bloom, this market environment attracts Canadian investors eager to capitalize on promising healthcare investments, reflecting a growing confidence in the sector’s potential for innovation and growth. He also mentioned that the vibrant market dynamics were evident at the 2024 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investment Conference, the best-attended event in its history with over 1,500 delegates. “The biotech, global pharma, and broadly healthcare investment industries are open for business,” he said.
THIS WEEK 07/30/24
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NOW LISTEN UP
In season 12 of the NPC Podcast, Brian Bloom, CEO of Bloom Burton & Co., gives insights into changes in the Canadian Healthcare investment landscape, the return of the generalist investor, and the rise of consumer empowerment in healthcare. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea, and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Mark Lievonen
Director
Biologics Manufacturing Centre (BMC) Inc.
Season 02, episode 07
Listen to this episode here
What challenges do you think the life sciences sector will face going forward? (This episode was recorded in December 2020)
It’s a critical time. We are dealing with important issues, and there’s an opportunity for the industry to get involved. The spirit of collaboration and working with academia and government is tremendous and the right path forward. I always remembered that the government was our major customer, influencing our company's operation. Recognizing significant issues, we should make the necessary investments now. These investments are being made, and I hope we can maintain the spirit of collaboration and cooperation moving forward. At Sanofi Pasteur, I remember that nothing motivated us like a crisis. When a crisis hit, everyone worked together collegially and put in extra hours. We’re seeing the same spirit now. So, let’s not waste this crisis but learn from it and move forward.
One other comment: it’s essential to acknowledge that everyone is trying to do their best. It’s easy to criticize governments and industry when things go wrong or change, but many people are working hard with good intentions and doing their best. There will be bumps along the way, but let’s support the effort and be part of the solution rather than just throwing stones.
INTRODUCING DERMATOLOGY.BUSINESS
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