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What’s Inside: California’s Legislature Approves $2.5B Relief Package; Tim Scott Enters New Role Leading Biocom California; Abbvie and Neomorph Partner to Develop Molecular Glue Degraders; and 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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Introducing Our Newly Appointed Board Members
As California’s life science community evolves, so does our board of directors. We welcome Aliza Apple, Ph.D. (Eli Lilly), Carolyn Ng, Ph.D. (TPG Life Sciences Innovations), and Nancy Whiting, Pharm.D. (Recludix Pharma). Tim Scott has officially taken the helm as Biocom California’s president and CEO, with Sabrina Martucci Johnson (Daré Biosciences) as board chair. “The expertise of our new board members will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving life science landscape and drive forward our 2025 initiatives,” said Scott.
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15th Annual Global Life Science Partnering & Investor Conference
Biocom California’s exclusive conference returns to The Lodge at Torrey Pines this February 25–27, bringing together 500+ global investors and senior executives for panel discussions, partnering meetings, presentations and networking with leaders from top pharmaceutical, biotech and research organizations.
⮞ Tomorrow, January 31, is your last chance to save up to 20% on admission.
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2025 Life Science Workforce Trends Survey
Biocom California Institute is conducting a workforce trends and talent needs assessment for the state of California and needs your input. This real-time data will give member companies valuable insights and a competitive edge in attracting top talent. If your company operates in California, we invite you to complete a brief, confidential survey by February 12. Your input will contribute to a national report from the Life Sciences Workforce Collaborative, debuting at BIO International in June, along with a California-specific summary.
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Industry Intelligence & Member Moments
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- Abbvie and Neomorph partnered in a $1.6 billion deal to develop novel molecular glue degraders for multiple targets across oncology and immunology.
- Allogene Therapeutics received FDA IND clearance for a rheumatology basket study of its investigational allogeneic CAR T product for autoimmune diseases.
- Argonaut Manufacturing Services has been selected by Akoya Biosciences as its in vitro diagnostics manufacturing partner.
- Caltech joined the NIH’s Human Virome Program to help characterize the trillions of viruses that reside harmlessly within human bodies, with the goal of better understanding their role in health.
- CGT Global and Cellex Cell Professionals formed a new partnership to streamline the development and distribution of gene therapy treatments by providing cells from healthy donors and disease-specific patients.
- Ginkgo Bioworks won the 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and the 2024 International Design Award for its next-generation Reconfigurable Automation Carts.
- GSK and the University of Oxford established a research collaboration focused on the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination.
- Maze Therapeutics is preparing for a $131 million IPO as it advances its lead kidney drug through a Phase 2 trial that began last November.
- Medrio launched AI-enabled reporting within Medrio CDMS/EDC to simplify data exploration with machine learning, enabling faster visualizations and insights.
- Neurocrine Biosciences launched its Phase 3 study for osavampator, an investigational adjunctive treatment designed to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants for major depressive disorder.
- Sapient partnered with Alamar Biosciences to extend targeted proteomics services using NULISA assays for cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory mediators.
- UC San Diego Extended Studies is offering an Essentials of Drug Discovery and Development course which promises to deepen students’ understanding of pharmaceutical innovation.
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Update on Executive Orders from the New Administration
Biocom California’s Washington, D.C. office is closely following the recent announcements from the new Administration that are impacting our industry and engaging with executive officials to get clarity on the scope, feasibility and real impact of the various directives. We are aware that many federal grants have been paused, regardless of the recently announced rescission of the freeze on federal financial assistance. We absolutely understand the confusion and anxiety that these announcements cause our members and restoring clarity and federal funding is our top priority. Please reach out for assistance.
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Rebuilding After Disaster: Ensuring LA Life Science Continuity
In response to the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, California’s Legislature swiftly approved a $2.5 billion relief package to expedite recovery efforts. This funding aims to support emergency response activities, debris removal, and the rebuilding of essential infrastructure, including schools and homes. Governor Gavin Newsom has also taken additional steps to make it easier to rebuild and access shelter by suspending Coastal Commission rules and expanding temporary housing supply regulations. Biocom California is working closely with state and local officials to ensure the life science community’s needs are addressed during this critical time.
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Redwood City Ferry Project Included in Play Bay Area 2050+
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission voted to include the Redwood City Ferry Terminal and Service Project in Plan Bay Area 2050+, a comprehensive initiative addressing transportation, housing, economic, and environmental challenges in the Bay Area. This boosts the project’s chances of securing federal funding, which could give our members additional commuting options.
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Potential Budget Cuts for San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department was asked to submit proposed budget cuts as part of a citywide plan to address its $250 million deficit. Biocom California recognizes the crucial role Fire Department inspectors and supervisors play in ensuring the smooth operations of life science facilities. We have written to the mayor’s office in support of maintaining current service levels for emergency and inspection services through SDFD.
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Biocom California
For over 29 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 {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} 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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