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What’s Inside: Latest Developments in Cell & Gene Therapy; SBP and Roivant Social Ventures Team Up to Address Health Inequality; GSK and Vir Researching Treatments for Long COVID-19; & 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. We welcome all members to 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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Drive Meaningful Change & Track Progress Towards DE&I Goals
Using a proven DE&I strategy across your company and quantifying results is critical in making lasting change possible. We’re excited to partner with MESH/Diversity to create an exclusive program for Biocom California members that provides a science-based approach with actionable steps to meet diversity and inclusion goals. The MESH Diversity Intelligence program enables companies to measure culture in real-time with metrics that explore areas of safety, belonging, and inclusion. Members can receive a free copy of the “Why D&I Conversations Don’t Work” eBook and access live training sessions with insights that help bring positive change to your organization.
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Hope for a Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Los Angeles-based Capricor Therapeutics is prepping for a Phase 3 trial on its cell therapy treatment, CAP-1002, for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)—a rare genetic disorder often diagnosed in children that leads to severe muscle weakness, heart problems, and loss of limb function. Earlier this month, The Lancet published promising results from the company’s Phase 2 trial: young men with DMD who received four intravenous treatments of CAP-1002 over one year saw increased skeletal and cardiac muscle function. Capricor CEO Linda Marbán said the goal of the treatment is to help patients be able to brush their teeth, eat, and drink on their own.
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Betting Big on Cell and Gene Therapy
Thermo Fisher Scientific highlighted its recent expansions in cell and gene therapy at the annual Drug, Chemical, and Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) Week event. The company opened a plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in Carlsbad last summer and is planning a new cell therapy development and manufacturing center at the University of California, San Francisco. Also in the works is a new translational science lab in San
Diego to support cell and gene therapy drug candidates moving into pre-clinical studies.
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Industry Intelligence & Member Moments
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Biden Administration Unveils Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
On March 28, the Biden Administration released the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The framework includes funding to enhance health equity, support pandemic preparedness, strengthen domestic supply chains, funding increases for NIH and FDA, and other priorities for Biocom California members. The budget release kicks off the annual appropriations process on Capitol Hill, which includes several hearings from administration officials in the coming weeks. Biocom California will track and contribute to this process as it continues.
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More Water Cutbacks Ordered for California
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered California cities and local water agencies to reduce their water usage in response to the statewide drought. While Newsom resisted mandatory statewide cutbacks in urban water use, he ordered agencies to implement the second stage of their water shortage contingency plans which will take effect when shortages approach 20%. On average, water levels in California’s major reservoirs are 31% below normal for late March, and the Sierra Nevada snowpack is 61% below normal.
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California Relief Package for Volatile Gas Prices
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a proposal for an $11B relief package for Californians aimed at providing residents with significant relief from high gas prices. The governor’s proposal calls for $9B in tax refunds to Californians in the form of $400 direct payments per vehicle. The additional $2B in the package would fund broader relief mechanisms.
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Biocom California
For over 25 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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