Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Advancing Innovation, Expanding Hope in California

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to elevate understanding of one of California’s most pressing public health challenges while recognizing the accelerating pace of innovation in the life sciences. Today, more than 719,700 Californians are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with over 1.4 million family members and caregivers providing support. As the state’s aging population grows, Alzheimer’s remains a leading cause of death and a significant driver of healthcare costs—underscoring the urgent need for continued research, early detection, and improved treatments.

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, progressively impairs memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately interfering with daily life. While the complexity of the disease has historically made drug development difficult, recent breakthroughs are reshaping the treatment landscape. New FDA-approved therapies, including anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies such as lecanemab manufactured by Biogen Inc. and Eisai Co., Ltd. and donanemab by Eli Lily, are offering the first disease-modifying approaches shown to slow cognitive decline in early-stage patients. In addition, researchers are advancing next-generation therapies targeting tau proteins, neuroinflammation, and genetic risk factors, alongside innovations in diagnostics such as blood-based biomarker tests that may enable earlier and more accessible detection. Neurocrine Biosciences is actively investigating a treatment to address cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease.

The life sciences industry continues to drive this momentum, with dozens of therapies in clinical trials aimed at delaying onset, slowing progression, or preventing Alzheimer’s altogether. These advancements are complemented by the work of leading advocacy and research organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, the California Department of Public Health’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program, and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, all of which play a critical role in supporting patients, advancing policy solutions, and funding research.

As Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is observed across California, it serves as both a call to action and a message of hope—highlighting the importance of sustained investment in biomedical research, expanding access to emerging therapies, and supporting the millions of Californians impacted by this devastating disease.

Pride Month Spotlight: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Innovators Advancing Life Sciences

In honor of Pride Month, the California Biotechnology Foundation (CBF) is proud to recognize a handful of the many exceptional LGBTQIA+ leaders whose groundbreaking work and commitment to inclusion are helping shape the future of life sciences. These innovators are advancing transformative therapies, driving scientific discovery, and fostering a more equitable and representative industry for all.

Eric Dube, President & CEO of Travere Therapeutics. Through his leadership, Eric Dube has advanced transformative therapies for people living with rare diseases while championing a culture of inclusion across the life sciences community.

Carolyn Bertozzi, Co-Founder of Redwood Biosciences. A pioneer in bioorthogonal chemistry and a 2022 Nobel Laureate, Carolyn Bertozzi’s groundbreaking achievements have propelled scientific innovation forward and opened new frontiers in biotechnology and medicine.

Evelyn Marchany Garcia, Senior Vice President & Chief Quality Officer, BioMarin. Evelyn has played a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring patient-centered excellence, while serving as a powerful advocate for representation within the industry.

Akash Bakshi, CEO of YourChoice Therapeutics. Akash is leading the development of non-hormonal reproductive health solutions, helping expand access, equity, and choice in healthcare.

Melissa Moore, Former Chief Scientific Officer, Moderna’s mRNA Research Platform. A leader in RNA science, Melissa Moore’s contributions have been instrumental in transforming modern medicine and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.

Shola Fafunso, Vice President & U.S. Head of Skeletal Conditions Business Unit, BioMarin. Shola’s leadership and commitment to representation are helping build a more inclusive future while advancing treatments for complex conditions.

As we celebrate Pride Month, CBF honors these trailblazers and reaffirms its commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across California’s life sciences ecosystem.

California Life Sciences Recognizes Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Awareness Month

June marks Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the individuals and families affected by this rare, genetic condition and to reaffirm the importance of continued education, early diagnosis, and access to care.

CAH is a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands, impairing the body’s ability to produce essential hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, and salt balance. In severe cases, CAH can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early—making newborn screening programs critically important. While CAH affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 births worldwide, many remain unfamiliar with its impact.

Treatment typically includes lifelong hormone replacement therapies to restore balance and prevent adrenal crises, and emerging research is exploring more targeted therapies that could improve outcomes and quality of life. As innovation in the life sciences continues to advance, CAH Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the need to support research, ensure patient access to care, and raise awareness of rare diseases that collectively impact millions.

Check out this post from Neurocrine Biosciences to learn more about CAH and its impact on patients and families. Or visit What the C@H?!

New Legislative Resolution Declares June as Hepatitis B Awareness Month

Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen introduced ACR 220 to designate June as Hepatitis B Awareness Month in California, promoting education and encouraging vaccination, screening, and treatment for the approximately 350,000 Californians living with the disease. Learn more about Hepatitis B by visiting the California Department of Public Health.