|
Biocom California CEO Op-Ed in STAT News; Government Shutdown Ends; Prop 50 Passes in California; Updates to San Diego Building Code; New South San Francisco City Manager; Pasadena City Manager Retires; and more.
|
America Must Protect Its Leadership in Biotech Innovation
In a new opinion article published by STAT News, Biocom California President & CEO Tim Scott warns that the U.S. risks losing its edge in biotechnology, just as it once did in shipbuilding and semiconductors, as China rapidly expands its biotech capabilities. He calls for renewed federal investments in biomedical research, fair trade and pricing policies, modernized clinical trials, and the reauthorization of key research programs such as SBIR/STTR to safeguard America’s biotech leadership. Read the full op-ed here.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Advocating for Our Members
|
|
Federal ► Federal Government Reopens
- Last week, President Trump signed legislation ending a 43-day shutdown, after 8 Democratic Senators sided with Republicans to extend current funding for federal agencies until January 30. Life science companies can expect a return to more normal operations at key federal agencies.
- The bill also includes three appropriations bills that fully fund a few agencies, including the FDA, until September 30, the end of the fiscal year. It means the agency will be exempt from potential future government shutdowns, as Congress faces another funding challenge in the new year.
- Our policy team is working on ensuring the passage of the next round of appropriations bills, including the Labor-HHS-Education bill, which funds NIH, ARPA-H, CDC and BARDA.
|
State ► Proposition 50 Redraws California’s Congressional Map
- California voters approved Proposition 50, allowing the state to redraw congressional districts in ways that favor Democrats. The new map appears to put five Republican incumbents at risk, while possibly strengthening seats for five Democrats. Several candidates are poised to switch districts under the new boundaries.
|
San Diego ► Updates to City of San Diego Building Code
- The City of San Diego is updating its building code, which includes new sustainability requirements that go beyond state rules. One proposed policy for “cool roofs” will require a coating or other measures to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. The item passed the city’s land use and housing committee and will head to council in December.
- Biocom California is monitoring its progress through city council and its potential impact on our members.
|
Bay Area ► South San Francisco Names New City Manager
- The City of South San Francisco has appointed Laura Snideman as its next City Manager, effective January 5, 2026. A seasoned municipal leader with over 20 years of experience, Snideman previously served as City Manager in Calistoga and Richmond. She succeeds Sharon Ranals, who will assist with the transition through December 2025.
|
- Pasadena City Manager Miguel Márquez will retire after more than two years in the role to focus on family following his father’s passing. Márquez, who joined the city in 2022, will remain during the transition as Pasadena searches for his successor. Officials praised his fiscal leadership, infrastructure improvements, and clean-energy initiatives.
|
|
|
Federal:
- The FDA announced an additional six awardees under the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program, bringing the total to 15 vouchers awarded thus far.
- The White House announced new drug pricing agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the cost of their weight-loss products, in addition to other medicines for patients, including those on Medicare and Medicaid.
- Biocom California submitted a statement to the Senate HELP committee highlighting the strengths of the U.S. biotech industry and we commented on the FDA’s draft guidance document, Development of Non-Opioid Analgesics for Chronic Pain.
|
|
State:
- Last week, we held a roundtable with San Francisco biotech members and State Senator Scott Wiener. Members had the chance to share their perspective on issues most pressing to the Bay Area’s life science ecosystem.
- State Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) has officially assumed her role as the 50th President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, with a formal swearing in scheduled for January 5, 2026. As leader of the Senate, she will help shape the legislative agenda on issues affecting nearly 40 million Californians.
|
Receive more policy news specific to your region by subscribing to our weekly Bay Area, San Diego or Greater Los Angeles newsletters.
|
|
Biocom California Advocacy
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our public policy staff is strategically located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We work with federal, state and local governments to collectively pursue outcomes that benefit regional life science growth and contribute to a more innovation-friendly state.
|
|
|
