Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation Names Dr. Launa Aspeslet As Chief Translational Officer To Drive Life Sciences Commercialization Across Canada

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API), one of Canada’s leading organizations focused on commercializing life sciences innovations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Launa Aspeslet as its first Chief Translational Officer. Dr. Aspeslet brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career across the life sciences sector, having worked with both small biotech startups and multinational pharmaceutical companies. Throughout her career, she has successfully led the progression of multiple products from early-stage research and development through to FDA regulatory approval.

Dr. Aspeslet has extensive experience managing complex regulatory processes in major global markets, and she has expertise in strategy, compliance, and execution. Additionally, she has scaled a clinical research organization to operate globally in more than 20 countries, growing the team to over 300 employees. She has also played an important role in API’s journey, having served as an Advisor and Chair of the Board in the past.

Dr. Aspeslet said in a statement, “With the momentum building in Alberta’s life sciences sector—from homegrown success stories like Nanostics, Voyageur, and Pacylex, to major initiatives like the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative—there’s never been a more important time to support early-stage companies ready to grow. API has always played a critical role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. I’m excited to take on this new role and help lead API’s transformation into a one-stop shop for early-stage innovators—from lead selection and proof-of-concept studies to clinical trials and product launch.”

Andrew MacIsaac, API Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Launa has been a driving force behind API from the very beginning, and her proven ability to take discoveries from the lab bench to market is unmatched,” said MacIsaac. “She brings both vision and operational excellence, and her leadership in this new role will ensure we continue to meet the needs of scaling companies across Canada and beyond. This is a major step forward in our mission to make Canada—and particularly Alberta—a global hub for life sciences commercialization.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, Dr. Aspeslet brings a strong background in regulatory strategy, clinical development, and scaling global biotech operations. In her new role as Chief Translational Officer, she will oversee API’s regulatory affairs, pre-clinical and clinical development, quantitative solutions, and early product prototyping. As the life sciences ecosystem in Alberta continues to attract global recognition, API remains dedicated to supporting companies at every stage of their development by providing the infrastructure, expertise, and strategic guidance they need to succeed.