What’s Inside: Novartis Acquires DTx Pharma; Nominate a Young Life Science Leader for the 2023 Catalyst Awards; Korea’s Minister of Health and Delegates Visit San Diego; Biocom California Hosts NCI SBIR Director; and more.

We’re championing the progress made by California’s life science community and want to hear about your company’s latest scientific breakthrough, investment milestone, or commitment to creating positive change for our industry. Submit your story here for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Nominations Now Open for Catalyst Awards 

Now in its eighth year, the Biocom California Life Science Catalyst Awards spotlights up-and-coming academics, entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and business advisers making their mark on the California life science industry before their 40th birthday. These awards serve as a beacon, recognizing the invaluable contributions of accomplished pioneers and rising stars alike from a wide spectrum of fields. Nominations for the Catalyst Awards are now open, and we encourage you to nominate a peer who is transforming the landscape of life science.

Korea’s Minister of Health and Delegates Visit San Diego 

Following the signing of memorandums of understanding between Biocom California and Korean life science organizations KIMCo and KPBMA which aim to foster connections between the U.S. and Korea, we were pleased to welcome Korean delegates and the Korean Minister of Health and Welfare, Kyoo Hong Cho, to San Diego. The delegation toured The Scripps Research Institute and Salk Institute for Biological Studies during their visit for an inside look at some of the groundbreaking research taking place in Southern California. Explore our many international partnerships and alliances with life science hubs around the world that provide access to global markets.  

Life Science CEO Summits to Be Held Across California  

Our statewide Life Science CEO Summit series kicks off this Fall in the San Francisco Bay Area (October 27), Los Angeles (November 1), and San Diego (November 2). Life science CEOs are invited to join us for expert presentations, engaging fireside chats, panel discussions, and ample networking opportunities. This prestigious conference aims to provide a forum for life science CEOs of small and large companies alike to gain valuable insights, discover new strategies, and connect with fellow leaders in a relaxed environment.
 

Policy Perspective

Biocom California Mid-Year Policy Updates 

Our Public Policy team has summarized the year so far in policy at the Federal, State, and Regional levels. It has already proven to be an eventful year as the Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in Congress, we welcomed Biocom California’s new Director of State Government Affairs, and locally we continue to advocate for the issues most pressing to our members. The report covers challenges already addressed and key issues to continue watching as we end the year. 

Biocom California Hosts NCI SBIR Director

Last week, members in San Diego heard directly from the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Director Michael Weingarten and his team about non-dilutive funding opportunities, application tips, and commercialization resources that cancer technology researchers can use to catalyze their projects. NCI’s SBIR program provides $200 million to fund a diverse portfolio of small businesses that are developing and commercializing technologies to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the NCI SBIR team to discuss their technology project and funding eligibility. 

GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for $164M in Tax Credits 

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to grow in California. Biocom California was a key partner in creating this program and many growing life science companies have been successful in receiving a tax credit. Applications are due by Monday, August 14, at 11:59 p.m. PDT and application assistance is available. 

San Diego City Water Rate Increases Will Be Higher than Anticipated

On June 21, San Diego city water officials told City Council that they must raise water rates more than previously announced—19.8 percent instead of 17.6 percent. The updated proposal is scheduled to be heard at Council on September 19; officials didn’t provide estimates of the impact on average monthly bills for business customers. They said rate increases are needed to pay for upgrades to customer service, maintenance of more than 3,300 miles of aging pipes, and capital projects like ongoing construction of the city’s Pure Water program to recycle wastewater.

Imelda Padilla Installed as Temporary LA City Council Member 

Community advocate Imelda Padilla has been installed as temporary voting member for the LA City Council until election results have been certified. With a majority of votes in, early results show she has won the race for the San Fernando Valley Councilmember seat by nearly 56 percent to 44 percent against opponent Marisa Alcaraz. 

San Carlos Bans BSL-3 and BSL-4 Labs 

On June 26, the San Carlos City Council approved a motion to ban BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs in the City of San Carlos. The council brought forth four options to vote on and the option to ban BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs outright passed with a 3-2 vote. Biocom California spoke on behalf of our members at both the planning commission and city council meetings to encourage the council to adopt the planning commission’s recommendation of allowing BSL-3 with a conditional use permit. We plan to continue working with the city on potential alternatives to a ban, as we believe it will negatively impact the growth of the life science industry in San Carlos.

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