June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: A Time for Action, Innovation, and Hope

This June, we recognize Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month— a moment to raise awareness, honor those affected, and spotlight the urgent need for breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.

Alzheimer’s disease impacts more than 6.7 million Americans, including over 720,000 Californians aged 65 and older, making it one of the most devastating and widespread health challenges of our time.

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and an irreversible, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It slowly strips individuals of their memory, independence, and identity. The disease is driven by the buildup of proteins—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—that disrupt communication between brain cells and ultimately lead to brain shrinkage and cognitive decline.

But amid this growing public health crisis, California’s life sciences community is driving the next generation of solutions.  While Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, a surge of innovation is transforming the treatment landscape—and California life science companies, research institutions, and clinical trial centers are playing a pivotal role to confront this crisis head-on.

• Donanemab (Kisunla®) – Recently approved by the FDA, Eli Lilly’s donanemab has shown it can slow memory and cognitive decline by more than 20% in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. The drug works by targeting and removing amyloid plaques, one of the key hallmarks of the disease.
• Lecanemab (Leqembi®) – In a major milestone, the FDA granted full approval in 2023 to lecanemab, the first Alzheimer’s treatment to demonstrate a change in the underlying progression of the disease. Clinical trials revealed it slowed cognitive decline by 27%, offering hope for millions and validating the potential of disease-modifying therapies.
• A Flu Shot Against Dementia?Research now suggests that individuals who received at least one influenza vaccine had a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Scientists are now exploring the possibility of using vaccines as preventive tools against neurodegeneration.

Learn more about what actions state and local public health agencies are taking to combat Alzheimer’s by implementing the Healthy Brain Initiative: State and Local Road Map for Public Health, 2023–2027? For more information about Alzheimer’s disease visit the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Celebrating Pride & Discovery: Honoring LGBTQ+ Voices in Life Sciences

As we celebrate Pride Month, CBF would like to take this moment to honor the LGBTQ+ scientists, innovators, and researchers whose passion and perseverance continue to shape the frontiers of the life science industry. From groundbreaking genetic research to life-saving clinical advancements, LGBTQ+ professionals have long contributed to the progress of science—often while navigating challenges that go unseen in the lab. This month, we spotlight their stories, elevate their voices, and reaffirm our commitment to equity in science.

Carin Canale-Theakston is a leading advisor at Inizio Evoke. As a seasoned life science executive, she has had a strategic seat at the table in over 500 life science companies, having helped shape countless strategies – and often business models – over the two plus decades she’s been working in the sector.

Eric Dube, Ph.D. is the President & CEO of Travere Therapeutics whose experiences drive his mission to advance equity and innovation in biotech. Dr. Dube oversees a global team dedicated to identifying, developing and delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases.

Alaina Kupec is the Executive Director of Portfolio Strategy & Analytics at Gilead Sciences. Her leadership helps guide Gilead through critical decisions shaping the company’s development portfolio.  She is also founder of GRACE (Gender Research Advisory Council and Education) which focuses on equality, dignity, and respect for transgender people and corresponding interest in supporting fellow trans advocacy groups. Read this extraordinary interview with Alaina which highlights her personal journey.

Paolo Martini, Ph.D. is Chief Scientific Officer, Rare Diseases for ReAlta Life Sciences. Dr. Martini has more than 25 years of experience in drug discovery working on molecular mechanisms underlying monogenic and multigenic metabolic and fibrotic disorders as well as hematologic malignancies.

Jesus Gomez-Navarro, M.D. is Principal at OncAdios, LLC where he advises entrepreneurs and the biotech/pharma industry on how to find, develop, and deliver breakthrough therapies for cancer.

Edith Perez, M.D. is a renowned Mayo Clinic oncology researcher and leader of an early 2000s Herceptin trial that helped change the landscape for early-stage treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. She is also a champion of inclusion in science and medicine.

Laura Shawver Ph.D. is President and CEO of Capstan Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on mRNA and targeted lipid nanoparticles for cell therapy. As an ovarian cancer survivor, Laura also founded the The Clearity Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing molecular profiling to the forefront of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment to help women live longer, healthier lives.

Join us in celebrating Pride—not just this month, but every day.