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What’s Inside: Member Spotlight on StemExpress; Robert Califf Confirmed to Head FDA; Terray Launches with $60M to Speed Drug Discovery with AI; FDA Authorizes Lilly’s COVID-19 Antibody Drug; & more.
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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. |
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What’s Happening at Biocom California
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Member Spotlight on StemExpress
“Don’t get lost in the weeds.” Simple guidance from Cate Dyer, CEO & Founder of StemExpress, and yet, so powerful given that even the most experienced leaders can stray from focusing on their company’s main purpose. In our latest Member Spotlight, Dyer shares sage advice on growing a company from a small investment, StemExpress’ impact on COVID-19 testing throughout the pandemic, and the importance of women leaders in STEM to give back and inspire future generations.
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Premier Partnering & Panorama Views of the Pacific
Next week, we’ll join some of the most influential dealmakers in biopharma for insight-packed conversations just steps away from the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course at our Global Life Science Partnering Conference. Now in its twelfth year, the conference has firmly cemented its reputation as the premier partnering event for life science companies to showcase transformative innovation and meet with dealmakers across the world. Don’t miss out on hearing keynote speaker Benjamin Cravatt from The Scripps Research Institute discuss the incredible breakthroughs happening in chemical proteomic technologies.
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Monitoring the COVID-19 Scene
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Pfizer, Please Hold.
Kids under five will need to wait a little longer to get the COVID-19 vaccine. While the FDA had originally planned to meet this week to discuss emergency use authorization for a two-dose shot for this age group, Pfizer has notified the FDA that new data from its ongoing clinical trial needs to be assessed, postponing the meeting altogether. In the meantime, the CDC’s recommendation to continue social distancing and ensure caretakers are vaccinated and boosted once eligible is still the most proactive way to protect our youngest children.
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Industry Intelligence & Member Moments
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Robert Califf Confirmed to Head FDA
On February 15, Robert Califf was confirmed as Commissioner of the FDA by a Senate vote of 50-46, with four Democrats voting against his nomination (Joe Manchin, Ed Markey, Richard Blumenthal, Maggie Hassan) and one Independent (Bernie Sanders). The FDA has not had a permanent leader for more than a year into the Biden Administration. Dr. Califf previously held the role during the Obama administration and will take over from Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock.
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Indoor Mask Mandate Expired for Vaccinated Individuals
On February 15, Governor Gavin Newsom allowed the statewide indoor mask mandate to expire for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Masks are still mandated for school children and unvaccinated individuals pending further discussions. The lifting of the mandate will apply to counties without local mandates in place, such as San Diego and Orange County. All Bay Area counties, except for Santa Clara County, announced in a joint statement that they will align with the state decision to
lift universal mask requirements. In LA County, however, the indoor masking mandate will remain in place until stricter criteria for lowered transmission rates are met.
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Newsom Signs Legislation on Tax Credits and Paid Sick Leave
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature took a number of actions impacting Biocom California members. As a result of a great deal of work over the past year from Biocom California, industry partners, and member companies, the ability for companies to fully utilize both Research & Development (R&D) and Net Operating Loss (NOL) tax credits was restored. The Governor also signed legislation reestablishing California’s COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave program for companies having 25+ employees.
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Biocom California
For over 27 years, Biocom California has helped move the life science industry forward with transformative resources that enable companies to make meaningful connections. With a membership base of over 1,600 companies, we connect our members to each other so they can collaborate and work stronger and smarter together. We connect organizations to capital investment and purchasing solutions so they can grow faster and work more efficiently. We’re their link to advocacy that fights for innovation and we provide an environment where their business and talent can thrive. Biocom California is how the life science industry gets connected.
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