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What’s Inside: Announcing an Improved Venture Hub Platform; Connect with Our New Speakers Bureau; Meet Diverse Talent at the 7th Annual Workforce Symposium; and more.
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We’re championing the progress made by California’s life science community and want to hear about your company’s latest scientific breakthrough, investment milestone, or commitment to creating positive change for our industry. Submit your story here for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue. |
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What’s Happening at Biocom California
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Upgraded Venture Hub Platform Includes New Features and Enhanced Connectivity
Venture Hub, the industry’s leading platform for connecting innovators with investors, has a refreshed look with updates that make it easier than ever to access valuable resources. Highlights include enhanced tools for sourcing non-dilutive funding, a simplified onboarding process and a new portal that streamlines communication between member companies and investors. We’ve also launched new programming with Venture Hub Pitch Studio, which includes a comprehensive self-assessment and interactive feedback sessions to improve the pitch development process. Additionally, the new Venture Hub Showcase features in-person events such as Pitch Events, Investor Days and Partner Days.
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Our New Speakers Bureau Connects Experts and Industry Leaders with the Life Science Community
We are also excited to unveil our newest member resource: Speakers Bureau. This innovative online platform connects the life science community with a curated network of over 150 vetted industry and subject matter experts. For member companies planning an industry event or conference, Speakers Bureau allows for easy searching—filtering by region or expertise—and direct connection with top professionals in fields ranging from cell and gene therapy to capital development and public policy. This one-stop shop provides exclusive access to key opinion leaders, ensuring our members’ events feature the best voices in life science.
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Meet with Diverse Talent or Explore Exciting Career Pathways
This October, Biocom California Institute will host its 7th annual Life Science Workforce Symposium across the state in the Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles region and San Diego. The symposium is designed both for job seekers who are currently underrepresented at industry companies and organizations, as well as our member companies actively recruiting new life science talent. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from those in the industry on employment pathways outside of positions available within the lab and how to take next steps toward a fulfilling career in life science.
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Industry Intelligence & Member Moments
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- Arcus Biosciences received a $250 million term loan facility from Hercules Capital, supporting the advancement of casdatifan, its potential best-in-class HIF-2a inhibitor.
- Bayer teamed up with RNA startup NextRNA to develop small molecules targeting long non-coding RNAs for cancer drugs, a deal that could be worth up to $547 million.
- Caltech researchers have been developing and testing a new vaccine candidate called mosaic-8 that has shown potential to protect against multiple different types of sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
- Dexcom announced that Stelo, the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the U.S., is now available for purchase without a prescription.
- Johnson & Johnson received FDA approval for its combination treatment with lazertinib and amivantamab-vmjw, the first and only multitargeted, chemotherapy-free combination regimen for non-small cell lung cancer.
- Inotiv’s experts at the forefront of drug discovery Brian Bond, vice president of drug discovery sciences, Mark Hoenerhoff, senior director of investigative and molecular pathology, and Chris Null, associate director of investigative toxicology, were featured in an article by Select Science about streamlining collaboration between CROs and pharmaceutical companies.
- Quantum-Si enables advancement of research with its new V3 Sequencing Kit which includes aspartic acid (D) recognition and enhances the sensitivity of existing amino acid recognizers for deeper insights.
- Neurocrine Biosciences reported positive Phase 2 data for its muscarinic M4 selective agonist for the treatment of schizophrenia.
- UC San Diego is now offering an In Vitro Diagnostic product development course designed for managers, entrepreneurs, investors and scientists to gain a deep understanding of the entire process from concept to regulatory approval and market launch.
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Biocom California Hosts Roundtable with Reps. Peters and Schiff
On July 19, Biocom California co-hosted a board-level executive roundtable in San Diego with Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA-50) and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30) to discuss our industry’s priorities. While Rep. Peters is a proven champion for the life science industry, it was a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Rep. Schiff, who many project will represent California in the U.S. Senate next year. It was an engaging dialogue around important issues including conducting R&D in California, the impact of the IRA, cost drivers and funding challenges, and supporting local clusters, among others. The event was co-hosted by California Life Sciences and held at JLABS.
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Bill to Maintain Life Science Health Trust Heads to Governor
In 2021, Biocom California sponsored SB 718, which allowed qualified life science trade associations to offer association health plans. A sunset date was forced into SB 718, necessitating renewal of the enabling legislation. Biocom California is working with Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) on AB 2072, which extends the sunset date to January 1, 2030. The bill has successfully moved through the State Assembly and State Senate, Gov. Gavin Newsom will have final consideration of the bill in September. Read more.
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University Community Plan Update Receives Final Approval
On July 30, San Diego City Council gave unanimous final approval to the University Community Plan Update, the land use document that will govern future development of San Diego’s life science hub in Torrey Pines and UTC over the next 30-plus years. The plan adds capacity for an additional 29,000 homes and 72,000 jobs. Biocom California was directly involved from the beginning, representing the life science industry’s interests during monthly meetings and advocating for its passage with decision makers. Read more.
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An Update on Bay Area Tax Reform Efforts
Four Bay Area cities are seeking to increase tax rates in response to budget shortfalls. Redwood City, Foster City, South San Francisco and San Francisco voters will decide in the upcoming November election whether to support new business license and gross receipts tax. Biocom California is closely monitoring these measures and was actively involved in the discussions with cities, their local chambers and other communities to advocate for our members. Read more.
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Biocom California
For over 29 years, Biocom California has helped move the life science industry forward with transformative resources that enable companies to make meaningful connections. With a membership base of over {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} companies, we connect our members to each other so they can collaborate and work stronger and smarter together. We connect organizations to capital investment and purchasing solutions so they can grow faster and work more efficiently. We’re their link to advocacy that fights for innovation and we provide an environment where their business and talent can thrive. Biocom California is how the life science industry gets connected.
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