Biocom CEO Discusses SBIR/STTR Reauthorization; FY26 Spending Package Enacted; Biocom Joins Group Opposing AB 1776; Roundtable with SD Police Chief; New PermitSF Portal; LA’s State of the City Address; and more.
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Biocom CEO on the Critical Need for SBIR/STTR Reauthorization
Biocom President & CEO, Tim Scott, recently joined Duane Schulthess on the Vital Health Podcast where he discussed how SBIR and STTR program bridges are critical to derisking products prior to venture funding and why Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing threatens investment and development, among other relevant topics. He emphasized that reauthorizing SBIR/STTR is critical to sustaining U.S. biomedical leadership and ensuring patients access to innovative therapies. While we appreciate the Administration’s goal to make medicines more affordable for American patients, Biocom strongly opposes MFN price controls as these concepts would ultimately deny Americans timely access to the most innovative therapies and hamper U.S. biomedical innovation. Take action today by sending a letter to your Senator through our Action Center.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► FY26 Spending Package Enacted
- Earlier this month, President Trump signed a ~$1.2 trillion package ending the partial shutdown and completing 11 of 12 FY26 appropriations bills. The Labor-HHS-Education bill delivers a level of stability for the life sciences, including $48.7B for NIH, increased rare disease research funding, protections for NIH indirect costs and an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027.
- The package includes the Give Kids a Chance Act, reauthorizing the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program for five years, a major win for pediatric drug development. Biocom members sent more than 200 advocacy letters in support of this critical program.
- While Biocom is pleased with the funding that has been secured, SBIR/STTR programs remain lapsed, and we will continue engaging with lawmakers to urge timely reauthorization.
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State ► Business Groups Oppose Undermining of California’s Antitrust Law in AB 1776
- Biocom has joined a broad coalition representing nearly every sector of California economy in opposition to AB 1776 – an extreme proposal recommended by the CA Law Review Commission (CLRC) to amend the state’s antitrust law and create a new Single Firm Conduct policy to bypass case law and federal antitrust standards. These changes would impact nearly every business across the state, regardless of size, and the increased threat of litigation may cause investors to hesitate before funding California companies.
- Biocom has been on the record at the CLRC hearings educating about the life science ecosystem and the potential far-reaching and adverse impacts on the industry and, in turn, on patient access to innovative therapies. This issue will be of major focus this legislative session.
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San Diego ► RSVP for Our Roundtable with SD Policy Chief Scott Wahl
- Join us for a Life Science Roundtable with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl to discuss today’s security environment and practical approaches to protecting life science facilities and teams. This conversation will offer firsthand insight into how law enforcement and life science companies can partner effectively before, during and after a critical incident.
- This event is for Biocom members only. Register today.
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Bay Area ► Mayor Lurie Launches PermitSF Portal
- San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is debuting an online portal to modernize the city’s notoriously complex permitting process. The system will initially aim to streamline the permitting process for new doors, windows, fire alarms, sprinklers and other fire suppression systems.
- With this new platform, the city is hoping to ease permitting confusion and create more transparency in the permitting process.
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Greater Los Angeles ► Mayor Bass Delivers 2026 State of the City Address
- In her February 2026 State of the City address, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized “unity” as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympics and World Cup. Bass announced the “Clean Corridors” initiative to beautify thoroughfares and provided updates on Pacific Palisades fire recovery. Amid her reelection campaign, she also addressed federal immigration raids and ongoing efforts to combat the homelessness crisis.
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Federal:
- The White House launched TrumpRX, a direct-to-consumer platform currently offering 43 prescription drugs at discounted prices. These drugs are part of the most-favored nation pricing deals.
- CMS released the list of drugs selected for the third cycle of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. “Negotiated” drugs prices would go into effect in 2028.
- In partnership with subject matter experts, Biocom has created an introductory video series explaining how the FDA regulates drugs, biologics and medical devices and ways to interact with the agency through the product development process. Check out the series here.
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State:
- A unitary taxation bill, AB 1790, has been introduced to Repeal “Water’s Edge” Corporate Tax Election. The 40-year-old “Water’s Edge” tax provision, allows multi-national corporations to choose how they report income to minimize state tax liability. This proposal would significantly alter how life science organizations with global operations report income earned through foreign subsidiaries.
- Biocom members Intuitive and Numen presented at the California State Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology Hearing, chaired by Assemblymember Chris Ward, showcasing how California’s Medical Device sector continues to lead global healthcare solutions.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
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Biocom
For over 30 years, Biocom has advanced the life science industry with transformative resources that accelerate innovation. We help companies build meaningful connections and gain valuable insights through Conferences & Events, deliver access to Funding & Partnering opportunities, provide Group Purchasing solutions that drive efficiency and savings, champion Policy & Advocacy that protects and advances the innovation ecosystem, and strengthen talent pipelines through Workforce Development. Biocom is how the life science industry gets connected.
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