CBF Thanks Those Advancing Medical Progress and Health Policy in 2025

As we reflect on this year, the California Biotechnology Foundation (CBF) extends our deepest thanks to California policymakers, their staff, and the many healthcare partners, patient advocates, and life science organizations who work each day to advance medical breakthroughs, improve patient outcomes, and support the health of Californians and people around the world.

2025 has been a landmark year for life sciences, both in California and globally. One of the most promising developments comes from the Bay Area company Grail and its new Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, capable of identifying more than 50 cancers from a single blood draw — many of which are not included in standard screening protocols. Recent reports show that when paired with routine screening, Galleri increased cancer detection more than sevenfold. For patients over age 50 or those at elevated risk, this could mean identifying cancer earlier, often before symptoms appear.

Advances like this highlight why California remains a global life science leader. From next-generation cancer diagnostics to breakthroughs in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and rare diseases, our state’s biopharma sector continues to deliver innovations that save lives and redefine modern medicine. Many of these achievements originate in California’s universities, research institutions, and biotech companies — a testament to our unique innovation ecosystem.

However, the progress made in 2025 has also underscored the challenges facing scientific advancement. Significant shifts in federal research funding — including reductions to grant programs that historically supported academic research and public–private partnerships — are straining California’s life-science pipeline. Because so many cutting-edge therapies begin as early-stage research in university labs, reductions in upstream funding jeopardize the full continuum of innovation. Sustained medical progress requires not only world-class scientists and entrepreneurs but stable, long-term investment in foundational research.

Protecting a robust research ecosystem is essential to advancing medical progress. Disruptions to funding, clinical trials, and academic research don’t merely slow innovation — they delay hope for patients awaiting life-changing treatments.

Adding to these pressures, the CDC’s recent rollback of hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for infants has raised concern among clinicians and public health experts. Hepatitis B often progresses silently until severe liver damage develops. Scaling back this safe, effective, and routine vaccination puts infants at unnecessary risk of chronic infection, liver cancer, and even death. There are decades of foundational evidence showing that the hepatitis B birth dose has contributed to a 99% decline in reported acute hepatitis B cases among children and young adults in the U.S.

California’s life-science community continues to advance evidence-based vaccines, antivirals, and screening tools, underscoring the need for strong national support for prevention and public health infrastructure.

As we look to 2026, we are pleased to announce the return of CBF’s Annual Legislative Life Science Briefing early next year, which brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and patient advocates. For nearly two decades, this event has highlighted how California’s life-science sector drives economic growth, advances global health, and expands access to breakthrough treatments. We look forward to sharing new insights, including the latest medical advancements, and discussing how to sustain scientific momentum during challenging times. Invitations will be coming soon.

Thank you for your continued engagement with CBF. This past year has demonstrated both what is possible — and what is at stake. With your partnership, we are confident that California’s life-science community will continue to lead the way.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season, good health, and a new year filled with promise and progress.