California’s Life Science Industry Generates $395.7 Billion Annually & Supports More Than 1.15 Million Total Jobs

Biocom California, the advocate for life sciences in California, released a new report – Biocom California’s 2025 Life Science Economic Impact Report – which outlines key findings about the state’s life science industry, including information on economic, demographic, investment and industry performance data. The report underscores the significant contributions of the life science industry across California and in specific legislative districts.

Among its most important findings, California’s life science industry:

• Includes 17,220 life science establishments
• Generates nearly $395.7 billion to the state’s economy
• Supports more than 1.15 million jobs (452,000 direct jobs/698,000 indirect jobs)
• Provides an annual average wage to employees of over $157,500
• Increases labor income by $125.7 billion per year
• Received more than $5.7 billion in venture capital, NIH funding and NSF funding

For detailed information about statewide and regional findings visit this link.

New “Nimbus” Subvariant Gaining Ground in California

The California Biotechnology Foundation (CBF) is closely monitoring the evolving public health landscape as a new, highly transmissible COVID-19 subvariant, known as NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus”, spreads rapidly across California.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), projections suggest the Nimbus subvariant comprises 55% of circulating virus in California, up from observations of just 2% in April. Though overall hospitalization rates remain low, wastewater data and test positivity rates are rising, signaling a seasonal resurgence.

Patients describe Nimbus-related symptoms—particularly severe sore throat—using terms such as “razor blade throat,” highlighting its more symptomatic and painful presentation compared to prior strains.

Vaccine Guidance and Access: The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) risk evaluation states that the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to be effective against this variant. While California continues to promote broad access to COVID-19 vaccines, there have been recent changes at the federal level. The CDC has revised its guidance, now recommending that healthy individuals — including children and pregnant people — consult healthcare providers before getting vaccinated, rather than issuing a universal recommendation.

However, CDPH and regional health departments emphasize that:

• Vaccines remain safe and effective
• All individuals age 6 months and older should have access to and consider COVID-19 vaccines
• Insurance coverage remains in place for recommended vaccinations

Ongoing Monitoring: CBF will continue to monitor both the spread of the Nimbus subvariant and evolving vaccine policy changes. We remain committed to supporting science-based, transparent communication to policymakers as they strive to ensure continued access to lifesaving immunizations for all Californians.

Visit this link for more information about the Nimbus variant. For questions or to request a policy briefing, please contact [email protected] or (916) 764-2434. To learn more about CBF visit: CABiotech.org.