Monthly Newsletter
Life Science Industry Stands with LA & Engages Lawmakers on Innovation
January 2025
Life Science Companies Committed to Wildfire Relief Efforts
On behalf of the California Biotechnology Foundation and the life science industry, we want to express our deepest sympathy and united support for everyone impacted by the catastrophic fires that ravaged many parts of Los Angeles County. We are also grateful for the life-saving work by the hundreds of firefighters, first responders, and everyone who stepped up to help during this unimaginable tragedy.
These fires will reshape the region for decades — devastating families, erasing entire neighborhoods, wiping out businesses and jobs, and creating economic losses estimated at over $50 billion. In the days since fires shattered the region, numerous life science companies have pledged millions in relief funds to help thousands that were forced to evacuate, and to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild in the weeks and months to come.
Companies such as Amgen, Baxter International Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., Merck, Novartis US Foundation, The Pfizer Foundation, Takeda, and many others are supporting wildfire relief efforts. They are providing funding to secure safe shelter, food, essential supplies, and critical services to residents, employees, and communities impacted by the wildfires. Others are donating directly to support emergency responders.
The fire recovery efforts will take years to complete, and California’s life science industry will stay committed to helping Los Angeles, and the people who live there, rise once again to be stronger than ever.
New Member Briefing Highlights the Significance of California’s Life Sciences Industry
The California Biotechnology Foundation, Assemblymembers Chris Ward, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Diane Papan, Rick Chavez Zbur, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Senators Scott Wiener and Catherine Blakespear recently co-convened a New Member Legislative Briefing on California’s Life Sciences Industry in Sacramento on January 21. More than 50 legislators, staff, industry representatives, and healthcare advocates participated during the informational session.
The briefing focused on the value of California’s life sciences industry, health innovations born from the Golden State’s pioneering spirit, their worldwide leadership in revolutionizing healthcare, and the policies legislators consider each year that impact California’s second largest industry. Featuring experts from the life science industry, patient advocacy, and policy, the briefing highlighted the economic value and life-saving treatments from California’s life science industry, building a robust workforce pipeline, as well as policies that can help get these innovative treatments into the hands of patients.
The briefing featured Assemblymember Chris Ward who gave an overview of California’s life science industry, its importance to California, and why legislators should take an active interest in the state’s 2nd largest industry.
Biocom’s President and CEO, Tim Scott, discussed what the life science policy landscape looks like in California and the key role the industry plays in the state’s overall economy.
PhRMA’s Deputy Vice President of State Advocacy, Flo Kahn, gave a research and development presentation about the rigors of bringing novel therapies to market and the role lawmakers play in the success of health care innovation.
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris moderated a workforce development panel with H. Puentes, President and CEO of San Diego Squared and Vicki Brannock, Executive Director of Biocom California Institute who discussed the challenges and opportunities in building a robust and diverse workforce pipeline.
Assemblymember Ward concluded the briefing by moderating a legislative panel with his colleagues, Assemblymembers Diane Papan and Rick Chavez Zbur as well as Senators, Scott Wiener, Jesse Arreguín, Catherine Blakespear, and Josh Becker who discussed policies that can help nurture life-saving medicines and support patient care by fostering accessible and affordable therapies and treatments.
Stay informed on the latest news and trends on the economic and health benefits of this industry by visiting CABiotech.org
If you have any questions about hosting informational briefings for your colleagues serving in the legislature, contact California Biotechnology Foundation Executive Director Patty Cooper at (916)764-2434 or [email protected].