CBF Recognizes AAPI Leaders Driving the Future of Life Sciences

Each May, we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to reflect on the profound contributions AAPI leaders have made to our nation’s history, innovation, and public health.

In California, those contributions are especially visible in the life sciences sector, where AAPI scientists, executives, and innovators are helping lead some of the most important medical breakthroughs of our time. From advancing genomic research to accelerating drug development and integrating artificial intelligence into patient care, AAPI leaders are shaping the future of biotechnology in ways that directly impact patients across our state and around the world.

At the same time, these advancements are deeply meaningful for AAPI communities, who continue to face disproportionate impacts from serious health conditions, including cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The work being led by AAPI innovators is not only driving scientific progress—it is helping close critical health gaps and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

This month, the California Biotechnology Foundation is proud to highlight a few of the many AAPI leaders advancing this work:

Dr. Howard Chang, SVP of Global Research and Chief Scientific Officer at Amgen, is driving cutting-edge scientific discovery and helping translate breakthrough research into real-world therapies.

Chinh Dang, Chief Information & Research Infrastructure Officer at Scripps Research, is advancing the digital and research infrastructure that powers biomedical innovation.

Arpit Davé, EVP and Chief Digital & Information Officer at BioMarin, is leading the integration of AI and digital transformation to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Stacey Ma, PhD, EVP of Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing at Gilead Sciences, is guiding the critical work of bringing therapies from development to patients safely and efficiently.

Carolyn Ng, Partner at TPG Life Sciences Innovations and Biocom California board member, is helping drive investment and strategic growth across the biotech ecosystem.

CBF Highlights Innovation and Progress During Mental Health Awareness Month

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to elevate understanding, reduce stigma, and recognize the importance of accessible, effective care for individuals living with mental health conditions.

Mental health conditions affect millions of Californians across every community, age group, and background. Today, nearly one in five individuals will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime. Despite growing awareness, barriers to care—including stigma, cost, and access—continue to prevent many from seeking or receiving treatment.

The life sciences community is playing a critical role in changing that reality. In recent years, scientific advancements have expanded both our understanding of mental health and the range of available treatments. Researchers are developing more targeted therapies that address the underlying biology of conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia—moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

Recent breakthroughs include FDA-approved treatments like:

• esketamine (Spravato), a rapid-acting therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
• brexanolone (Zulresso), the first therapy specifically approved for postpartum depression.
• Digital therapeutics such as FDA-authorized prescription apps for substance use and mental health disorders—are expanding access to care, particularly in underserved communities.
• Psychedelic-assisted therapies under medical supervision for PTSD, which continues to show promising results in late-stage trials.

These innovations, alongside advances in precision medicine and neurobiology, are helping researchers identify biomarkers that may enable earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment approaches. They are not only improving outcomes—they are reshaping how mental health is understood and treated, bringing new hope to patients and families.

At the same time, patient advocacy organizations across California continue to provide essential support, education, and resources to those navigating mental health challenges. Their work, alongside ongoing scientific innovation, is helping build a more responsive, equitable mental health care system. Some of these outstanding organizations include:

Mental Health America in California
NAMI California
Steinberg Institute
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals
Mental Health California