meet the 2016 life science catalysts€¦ · volume 25, issue 3 brent jacobs...

Meet the 2016 Life Science Catalysts

10

14

30LifeLinesFor the California Life Science Community

Public Policy: New Frontiers, New Challenges and Opportunities

Global Partnering Conferences: What Drives Success?

Pilot Program Helps Student Take Off

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3 W i n te r 2016

BRENT JACOBS [email protected] CA License No. 791657

GREG BISCONTI [email protected] CA License No. 1167920

TED JACOBS [email protected] CA License No. 1855220

(858) 452-6500

ONE TEAM. ONE FOCUS. www.sdlifesciences.com

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY

LILLY300,000 SF Tenant Representation

DEXCOM, INC.518,000 SF Tenant Representation

ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS10,000 SF Tenant Representation

CRINETICS PHARMACEUTICALS6,000 SF Tenant Representation

AMBRX36,100 SF Tenant Representation

SYNTHETIC GENOMICS75,000 SF Tenant Representation

BIOCOM13,400 SF Tenant Representation

NITTO DENKO25,000 SF Tenant Representation

AJINOMOTO ALTHEA 56,700 SF Tenant Representation

Greetings to our members throughout California, Japan and France and welcome to our winter 2016 edition of LifeLines. As Biocom continues to grow across the state and around the world, I want all of our members to know what we are doing to enhance our efforts to deliver continued value across our broad spectrum of offerings. As I write this column, our association stands at more than 800 members strong, with an expanded San Diego headquarters facility, a newly opened office in Los Angeles staffed by a team of 5 professionals and additional staff in San Francisco, Washington DC and Sacramento. Our team of 43 employees is already moving in an unprecedented manner to live up to our reputation as California’s longest-established and largest life science association. And as I write this column, I am returning from a week of successful partnering meetings between our members and our strategic partners at EuroBioMed, the life science association in France.

This issue’s cover story celebrates the winners of our inaugural Life Science Catalyst Awards. These accomplished young entrepreneurs represent California’s finest contributors to the growth of our life science sector. We salute them as the new generation of life science business leaders. In a related story, you will meet one of our accomplished members, Abreos Biosciences, which was named “hottest” device company in Southern California at our annual DeviceFest Conference “Five in the Hotseat” competition. Finally, staying with the theme of engagement with “entrepreneurs of the future”, you will hear from one of the ILSE students who participated in the first year of this important new program.

Because our association is only as strong as the members who support us, we have chosen to focus much of this issue on the diversity of our membership programs and the broad engagement of our members. With rapid membership growth in the LA area, you will read about the terrific work of the new new Biocom team in LA. Next, John Newsam of Tioga Research contributes an article on the growth of one of our most active and largest sectors, the CRO group. Most of our members participate in and enjoy the enormous benefits of the Biocom Purchasing Group, which recently welcomed Thermo Fisher Scientific to the program as our exclusive and exciting new provider of laboratory supplies and services. Finally, as a measure of the success of our health care benefits contract, you will find important information about the reduced premiums under our Health Care Benefits Trust.

At the core of Biocom is our long-standing work in public policy and advocacy at the regional, state and federal levels. It has been a very busy and challenging 2016 for us in each of these arenas. In this edition we discuss how our talented team of policy professionals continues to fight to ensure that the unified voice of our California life science sector is clearly heard in the face of initiatives to control pricing and increase regulation.

Over the next five years, we have chosen to strategically focus on ensuring that we lead the effort to make Southern California the leader in personalized medicine, through partnerships between our members and with researchers, investors, and other collaborators. Four stories focused on these topics round out this edition: in the research arena you will read about the 50-hour genome, as accomplished by Dr. Steve Kingsmore of the Rady Children’s Hospital Institute for Genomic Medicine, and a Q&A with UC San Diego Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization Paul Roben on working more closely with our community to bring innovative ideas to market. Next, you will find two articles that reflect important pillars of Biocom: capital development and partnering. Biocom has a variety of capital development programs that are explained in detail. Last, you will get an insider’s view of our upcoming 7th Annual Global Partnering Conference with a guest article by planning committee co-chair Mark Wiggins.

2 Cover Story: Meet the 2016 Life Science Catalysts

10 Public Policy: New Frontiers, New Challenges and Opportunities

13 Guest: One CRO’s Success Story: a Foundation for Growth

14 Guest: Global Partnering Conferences: What Drives Success?

16 Q&A with Paul Roben, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization, Office of Research Affairs, UC San Diego

17 Biocom LA: Biocom’s Los Angeles Office: A Warm Welcome

18 Capital Development: Capital Development Landscape: Southern California’s Life Science Industry

20 Biocom in the News: Biocom’s Making Headlines21 Members in Action: Super Angel Day22 STEM In The Community – The Future Is Now In

Pediatric Genomics!

25 Members in Action: Biocom’s 9th Annual DeviceFest Conference: Congrats to Abreos Biosciences

26 Members in Action: Breakfast Meeting on Emerging Diseases, Including Zika

29 Members in Action: Biocom PAC Annual Elected Officials & Candidates Reception

30 Biocom Institute: Pilot Program Helps Student Take Off

32 Purchasing Group: Accelerating Growth & Changing the Game

34 Meet the Biocom Team38 Biocom Board of Directors and Committee

Leadership

39 Biocom Membership

WELCOMEI N T H I S I S S U E By Joe Panetta,

President and CEO, Biocom

WWW.BIOCOM.ORG

EDITOR : Jennifer LandressCOPY EDITOR : Julie AmesDESIGN & LAYOUT: Cathy Tran

V O L U M E 2 5 , I S S U E 3

BRENT JACOBS [email protected] CA License No. 791657

GREG BISCONTI [email protected] CA License No. 1167920

TED JACOBS [email protected] CA License No. 1855220

(858) 452-6500

ONE TEAM. ONE FOCUS. www.sdlifesciences.com

REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY

LILLY300,000 SF Tenant Representation

DEXCOM, INC.518,000 SF Tenant Representation

ARCTURUS THERAPEUTICS10,000 SF Tenant Representation

CRINETICS PHARMACEUTICALS6,000 SF Tenant Representation

AMBRX36,100 SF Tenant Representation

SYNTHETIC GENOMICS75,000 SF Tenant Representation

BIOCOM13,400 SF Tenant Representation

NITTO DENKO25,000 SF Tenant Representation

AJINOMOTO ALTHEA 56,700 SF Tenant Representation

Biocom LifeLines Winter 2016 1

40U N DER

AN EPIC ENTREPRENEURDena Marrinucci, 34 | VP of Research, SalveoDx

Dena Marrinucci’s latest biotech startup is still very much in stealth mode. But if the success of her last big idea is any indication, we can expect it to be nothing short of Epic. While earning her Ph.D. at The Scripps Research Institute, Marrinucci became captivated by the potential of better cancer diagnostics—and by what that can mean for patient health. Finding dangerous cells earlier: Marrinucci devoted years of academic research to a technology that could detect cancer cells circulating in the blood stream, allowing earlier disease intervention. Based on her findings, she co-founded San Diego-based Epic Sciences, where she served as chief scientific officer and forged dozens of collaborations with top pharma and biotech companies such as Genentech and Pfizer. The big reveal: Marrinucci, who reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro five years ago, is now plotting her next adventure: A consumer-facing diagnostics startup, SalveoDx, which already has seed funding from Domain Associates.

COVER S TORYBy Kelly Quigley and Lauren Fish, Canale Communications

In the world of science, a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction. In everyday life, it refers to people or events that spark action.

Each of the 10 winners of Biocom’s inaugural Life Science Catalyst Awards can arguably meet both definitions. They’re not only defining the unique chemistry of San Diego’s life sciences scene—bringing a fresh mix of energy, ideas and ambition—but they’re also sparking meaningful change to human health through their research and entrepreneurship.

And they’re all doing it before they turn 40. Presented in conjunction with the San Diego Venture Group,

Biocom’s Catalyst Awards honor the up-and-coming scientists, executives and business advisors who are shaping the future of life science in America’s Finest City.

“San Diego’s life science community is continually evolving to meet the needs of the world around us, from our global leadership in genomics to our innovative work in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics,” said Jennifer Landress, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Biocom. “These winners represent the many facets of our dynamic industry and give us great excitement for what lies ahead in San Diego.”

Catalyst Award nominees were evaluated by a committee of executives and board members from both Biocom and the San Diego Venture Group, which took great effort to narrow an impressive list to just 10 recipients. They looked for people who are not just excelling in their life science-focused profession, but are also going above and beyond to invigorate the sector and bring industry collaboration to a new level.

Meet the 2016 Life Science Catalysts

2 Biocom LifeLines Winter 2016

INSURING BIOTECH SUCCESS Mike Milligan, 38 | Principal, Leader of the Life Science Practice, Barney & Barney

Insurance is a business necessity in almost any industry, but especially so in the risk-taking realm of biotech and pharma. And if there’s anyone in San Diego who is an expert in this niche area, it’s Mike Milligan. Back in 2000, Milligan was attending a Biocom event when he heard a patient—a mother—share her story of cancer survival. The story hit close to home, as Milligan’s father had cancer many years earlier. The experience sparked Milligan’s passion for making sure biotech companies have the insurance they need to continue developing life-saving medicines. Making it big: In the following years, Milligan helped expand Barney & Barney’s life sciences practice into the company’s largest, today serving more than 500 life science clients—including 150 public companies. He’s helped insure hundreds of clinical trials in the U.S. and abroad, and helps biotech execs wade through a range of other risky business issues. Living the dream: The dad of three loves San Diego’s small-town feel, which is why he says he’d never want to leave.

THE LAWS OF LIFE SCIENCE Ed Truitt, 34 | Co-Founder and CEO, Lubris Biopharma LLC

It’s not common to see a corporate attorney starting up new biopharma companies. But Ed Truitt’s not your common guy. After receiving his law degree from University of San Diego, Truitt focused for several years on patent litigation and startups before deciding to launch his own company focused on early detection of cancer. He’s since launched another company that’s developing therapies for eye conditions. Both are based on science from UCSD. Poking holes: Truitt says that law is a lot like science; in both fields your goal is to build solid evidence to prove that something (your argument or your hypothesis) is unequivocally true. Working in biotech now, Truitt says he deals with lawyers more so than ever. Engaging the entrepreneurs: In 2006, Truitt helped his wife, Nikki, create the Entrepreneur Challenge at UCSD, and continues to be passionate about helping young leaders pursue their business goals.

THE MICROBIOME MAGNATERob Knight, 39 | Faculty Director, Center for Microbiome InnovationUniversity of California, San Diego

UC San Diego’s School of Medicine made a pivotal hire in 2015, winning out over elite universities around the country when they brought on board Rob Knight, Ph.D., a superstar biologist. Knight is recognized globally for his expertise in all things microbiome—the next frontier of medicine. While San Diego’s hiking and scuba diving scene didn’t hurt, Knight was lured by the city’s rich ecosystem of sequencing companies (Illumina, Synthetic Genomics) and scientific research institutions, which together can accelerate research into patient care. A voice in D.C.: Knight was a driving force behind the White House’s $121 million National Microbiome Initiative, launched in early 2016, of which UCSD is now a key participant. All about the data: Always one to want to know more about the many microbes that make us who we are, Knight has been collecting his own poop for sequencing essentially every day for the last eight years (and he’s not shy about it).

COVER S TORY


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COVER S TORY

DECODING BIG PROBLEMS Ashley VanZeeland, 34 | Chief Technology Officer, Human Longevity Inc.

Ashley VanZeeland knows how to make things happen, whether she’s in the lab or the boardroom. From identifying potential genetic factors of autism, to forging public-private partnerships that speed drug development, her accomplishments often reflect her dual background in business (she holds an MBA from UCSD) and her Ph.D. in neuroscience. Tech meets genes: VanZeeland, who once headed up strategic partnerships for Scripps Genomic Medicine, co-founded Cypher Genomics with leading scientists from Scripps—including Dr. Eric Topol—to provide large-scale cloud solutions to genomic problems. Cypher was bought by Human Longevity Inc., where she is now chief technology officer and head of pediatrics. Elegant approach: The yoga enthusiast, surfer and new mom was set on becoming a professional ballerina until she injured her ankle in a car accident. While she still wonders what life would have been like if she pursued dance, it’s unlikely she would have made such an immense impact on human health.

KING OF CHEMISTRYPhil Baran, 38 | Professor, Darlene Shiley Chair in Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute

With a Ph.D. in hand at 24, and tenure at The Scripps Research Institute at age 28, you can only imagine what the uber-achieving organic chemist Phil Baran has accomplished before turning 40. Baran, the Darlene Shiley Chair in Chemistry at TSRI, still spends plenty of time in the lab, where he continuously breaks new ground in natural product synthesis. But he also keeps busy consulting with biopharmaceutical giants such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca, and serving as “sultan of synthesis” for Sirenas Marine Discovery, a San Diego biotechnology company that’s developing new drugs inspired by marine life. Cream of the crop: Baran was recently named a 2016 Blavatnik National Laureate, an honor that comes with the largest unrestricted cash award ($250,000) given to early-stage scientists. Inspired by the sea: Baran’s favorite molecule is Palau’amine, an alkaloid found in certain sea sponges off of the coast of Palau, the compound’s namesake.

WATERING THE SEEDSSusie Harborth, 37 | General Partner and CFO, BioInnovation CapitalManaging Director and Co-Founder, BioLabs San Diego

Susie Harborth knows all the secret ingredients required to keep new biotech businesses humming. While serving as the general partner and chief financial officer at Boston-area venture firm BioInnovation Capital, Harborth simultaneously co-founded BioLabs San Diego, a brand new business incubator that provides state-of-the-art lab space, equipment and a host of other resources for emerging life science companies. Her goal is to remove those earlier barriers to success. Fostering innovation: Harborth, who has a master’s in biology from Harvard, also sits on the Advisory Board at LabCentral, a nonprofit that provides co-working spaces to start-up biotech companies in Massachusetts. Globe trotter: She’s traveled the world and spent time in other big biotech cities, but Harborth has happily settled back in her hometown of San Diego, where she’s set on making sure promising life science startups have the support they need to grow.


COVER S TORY

LIGHTING THE WAY Martyn Gross, 33 | Founder, Vice President of Innovation, Clarify Medical

Martyn Gross is the founder of a startup medical device company that’s seeking to use portable light as an affordable prescription therapy for patients with psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions. Gross, a psoriasis patient himself, can speak personally to the need for a treatment that allows patients to treat their conditions at home instead of visiting doctors or clinics several times a week. Passion pays off: Clarify Medical has been named San Diego Venture Group Cool Company, Biocom DeviceFest’s coolest Device and Xconomy’s 2017 San Diego Tech Startups to watch. In 2016, Gross also received the Our City San Diego magazine’s recognition as the Most Influential Innovator. His other passion is microfinance. He’s made trips to Uganda, Rwanda, Dominican Republic, Nepal and India to assist non-governmental organizations. Nothing like nature: Gross says that hiking, rock climbing and surfing have given him the mental focus to make some of his smartest business decisions.

DNA MATCHMAKER Michael Heltzen, 36 | Co-Founder and CEO, AllSeq

Serial entrepreneur Michael Heltzen has created the first “marketplace” for DNA sequencing services, providing researchers with a robust, online bank of services and resources to help them get their projects done quickly and well. Formerly of Denmark, Heltzen chose San Diego for his new venture because he says the city has the best talent and resources in the world to support genomics. His company, AllSeq, is seeking to drive the genomics revolution into everyday use by making services accessible. Outspoken advocate: Heltzen is known as a genomics industry cheerleader, investor and visionary, recently participating in many key sessions at the Festival of Genomics in San Diego. A close call: When living in the Philippines in the early 2000s, Heltzen was nearly killed by a highly toxic stonefish, only to be saved by an antidote that the tiny, local hospital had at the ready.

A HEALTHCARE VISIONARYTony Grover, 39 | Vice President, Business Development, Banyan Biomarkers Inc.

After helping to establish a medical clinic at a Bangladesh orphanage, and witnessing the disparities in the health care industry, Tony Grover vowed he would make a difference in improving the lives of others. Now at Banyan Biomarkers, a company that develops rapid blood tests to diagnose time-sensitive concussions and traumatic brain injuries, he’s living up to his promise. Grover is also active with the American Association of Clinical Chemistry and the American Academy of Neurology, where he served on the Corporate Roundtable Executive Committee. Biotech hub migrant: Grover, who’s been a resident of all three top U.S. biotech clusters, says he views San Diego as the most collaborative of all—it’s a quality that promotes innovation and speeds time to market. He’s a fighter: In his free time, Grover enjoys teaching his daughters Brazilian jiu-jitsu.


Honorable Mentions

COVER S TORY

Looking for an assay development partner?

Francie Barron, Ph.D., 36 Vice President of Biology, Regulatory Affairs Nanomedical Diagnostics

Sanjeev Bhavnani, M.D., 39 Physician-InvestigatorScripps Clinic and Research Institute

Brendan Eckelman, Ph.D., 37 Founder and Vice President, Scientific OperationsInhibrx

Thomas Hitchcock, Ph.D., 38 Founder and CEOXycrobe Therapeutics

Jonathan Kabakoff, 31Senior Principal, Science & TechnologyAlexandria Venture Investments/Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Ryan Taft, Ph.D., 38 Senior Director, Scientific Research Illumina

Prashant Mali, Ph.D., 36 Assistant Professor of BioengineeringUniversity of California, San Diego

Dina Uzri, Ph.D., 34R&D and Business DevelopmentAbreos Biosciences

David Puerta, Ph.D., 37 Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of DiscoveryForge Therapeutics

Biocom Catalyst Award winners

mingling with biotech leaders at

the San Diego Venture Group’s

Life Science Luminary Dinner

held at the home of Magda

Maquette and Francois Ferre.

Travis Stiles, Ph.D., 30 CEO Novoron Bioscience

For more information on the Biocom Catalyst Award winners and honorable mentions, please visit www.biocom.org/s/Catalyst-Awards.

COVER S TORY


Congress and the California Legislature have both adjourned, and although Congress will convene for a “lame duck” session after the election but before the new Congress is sworn in, much of their work is done for the year.

2016 has been a year during which the industry has been under constant scrutiny in the policy arena, much of it coming to a head in the past few months. Whether it is the entire industry being unfairly painted with a broad brush because of the actions of a few individual outliers; having blame shifted upon it by other aspects of the health care delivery system in expensive, well-orchestrated campaigns; or legitimate policy discussions trying to manage the intersection of the costs of innovative new cures and delivering the highest therapeutic value to the patient based on probable outcomes, the core model of proportionate return for very high risk has been threatened.

Congress returned from a seven-week recess on September 6 with a long list of unfinished business, including passing a final 21st Century Cures bill. Despite the efforts of House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton to bring the bill to the floor in September, the bill is not likely to move forward until after the November 8 election.

The House measure contained almost $10 billion in mandatory funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) but since its passage last year, the original offsets have been used to fund other bills and are no longer available, which has delayed the conference process. Mandatory funding for the NIH is a prerequisite for Democrats in both Chambers to continue to support any 21st Century Cures package.

Biocom has been very supportive of the initiative and continues to advocate for the inclusion of mandatory funding for the NIH and other regulatory and reimbursement provisions, while lobbying to ensure that legislators stay away from offsets that could harm our industry, such as modifications to FDA’s Approved Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) system.

In the State Legislature, the country watched as Senate Bill (SB) 1010 unfolded. This bill would have required companies to provide a wealth of pricing information to the state for public release. The version passed by the Assembly Health Committee, for instance, required drug manufacturers to give health plans and other purchasers 30 day advance notification of price increases exceeding 10 percent or $10,000 (over a 12 month period).

Biocom played a critical role in a large coalition of patient groups, life science trade associations (BIO, CLSA and PhRMA in particular),

and companies to educate Assembly Appropriations Committee members on the possible unintended market consequences of the bill as passed by the Assembly Health Committee. Due in part to these efforts, the Assembly Appropriations Committee made significant changes to the bill before passing it to the Assembly floor. Among these amendments was a change to a 25 percent threshold for reporting price increases and a one-year delay (to January 1, 2018) in implementation of this first in the nation reporting system.

On August 17, as a result of the changes mentioned above, the bill’s author, Senator Ed Hernandez, announced he would not be attempting to move this particular bill forward, but instead would seek legislation next year.

If it seems like 2017 will be a very busy year in the policy world, it will be. Both presidential nominees have regularly espoused rhetoric critical of the industry on the campaign trail. The California Legislature will have a number of new members unfamiliar with the critical role the industry plays in the state’s economy. Biocom is preparing to take on these challenges. We are already engaged with many of our Los Angeles stakeholders, including offices of local elected officials, to evaluate local policy needs, prioritize them, and begin effecting change there at the local level. In many ways, as Biocom moves forward, we are doing so by getting back to our roots of driving policy change through industry coalition building.

Biocom is expanding its policy outreach efforts, including developing engagement tools for our members, and will continue to consult with our members on how we can best communicate the industry’s message to policy makers. We are developing deeper relationships with Los Angeles legislators through our new office there, enlisting them as partners in developing the kinds of jobs and industry recognition and cohesion in Los Angeles that their neighbors in San Diego and San Francisco already enjoy. As Biocom’s membership continues to grow and progress, we will continue to serve the policy needs of our expanding universe.

Jimmy Jackson is the Senior Vice President of Public Policy for Biocom. He oversees government affairs and public policy for the organization.

PUBL IC POL ICY

New Frontiers, New Challenges and Opportunities

By Jimmy Jackson, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Biocom


Over the past two months many people have asked how a Contract Research Organization (CRO) came to be listed as one of 2016’s most exciting, early phase companies in North America. 130 companies presented to peers and judges at the final stage for the RedHerring100 recognition; only six were life sciences companies, and just one was a CRO.

The answer to the frequent question, is complex. Like many outstanding companies, we have an impressive team with a robust and lengthy track record. We are delighted by the level of our engagement with our clients, both in industry and academia, and we are pleased with our business model and growth trajectory.

But I have come to realize that the RedHerring100 award recognizes much more than Tioga Research. It is also a reflection of San Diego’s life science ecosystem.

As a CRO we have a specific focus. We work only on formulations applied topically, that is to the skin or mucosa. When discussing skin-applied products we distinguish between four types of delivery: superficial (exterior surface only), topical (into the skin to treat, for example, a dermatological condition), regional (through the skin but concentrating in proximal tissue or joint), and transdermal (for systemic availability). We address each of these scenarios and we count among our clients cosmetic and skin care companies, even if our main focus is pharmaceuticals. We serve as a pre-IND CRO, supporting clients variously from product concept assessment through pre-clinical development.

The bulk of our work is on formulation innovation and screening the delivery of an active from a formulation into and through the skin. Unlike typical oral or injectable formulations, the extent of delivery of an active from a skin-applied formulation can vary hugely, with even subtle changes in formulation composition. Such changes are today not predictable and formulation compositions that work well for one active typically perform sub-optimally for another active. Historically, selection of a topical formulation commenced with a handful of ‘off-the-shelf’ vehicles into which the drug would be introduced, perhaps at different strengths. The formulation in this small set that performs best would likely be chosen for development. Today, though, much of the value of Tioga Research’s capabilities and proprietary technologies derives from our ability to discover optimally-performing formulations by preparing and screening many tens or hundreds of distinct compositions.

This simple overview underscores that are we are not only specialized, but that we also address only one phase of the full research and development cycle. Being able to cooperate effectively with other local organizations with complementary skills is therefore important, both to us and to our clients. The April

2016 Biocom CRO Education Series Event “Skin-applied Products – from Concept to Approvals in San Diego” included presentations from two complementary companies, Pharmatek Laboratories and Therapeutics Incorporated, with which we are proud to interact. It also featured Pieter Dorrestein, a UCSD professor and global expert in the emerging skin microbiome field. Links with our academic research institutions can be important, and the state-of-the-art instrumentation accessible at their core facilities can also prove invaluable.

Southern California is home to a constellation of CROs and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) that can have global appeal. Tioga Research already has clients in India and Japan and we look soon to adding clients in China. Our region also has a notable history and a very substantial presence in skin interests generally. Clinical dermatology, esthetic dermatology, skin culture, wearable devices, hair growth, skin imaging and diagnostics, tattoos, skin- and hair-related genomics are some well-recognizable examples. Local leaders from across these interest areas are now working to establish a Skin Interests Locus community and to better promote the strengths of our region in this area.

Southern California is envied for the effectiveness of the communities it establishes. It is rightly stated that those working to advance today’s science and technologies are standing on the shoulders of giants. As I often remark when introducing the San Diego Skin Interests locus in other regions, not only is Tioga Research standing on the shoulders of giants, but we are also rubbing shoulders with future giants.

John Newsam is CEO of Tioga Research, Inc. and is a Biocom CRO committee member.

GUEST

One CRO’s Success Story: a Foundation for Growth

By John M Newsam, CEO, Tioga Research, Inc.


The best partnering conferences stimulate conversations and collaborations that spill out into the halls, stretch far into the dinner hour, and have attendees meeting for sunrise coffee to continue discussions. Earlier this year, the large group filling The Lodge at Torrey Pines ballroom had a world-famous, ocean-view golf course within sight. However one could immediately tell this group was here for a distinctly different purpose. The standing room-only crowd was listening with tremendous interest to a lecture by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Biopharma in 2015. He was describing the U.S. Government-sponsored Cancer Moon Shot project and his leadership role. While this was the most popular presentation at the 2016 Biocom Annual Global Life Science Partnering Conference (GLSPC) the conference consistently attracts other remarkably accomplished keynote speakers and panelists.

As a member of the small planning committee who helped start this conference seven years ago, I’ll share that our vision was to bring the business and corporate development industry movers and shakers from around the world to Southern California to witness what’s happening in our important life sciences hub and annually discuss this landscape on a global basis. No such meeting existed seven years ago. Today, the mission is largely unchanged, but the quality of the 200 attendees and speakers is extraordinary. And the event continues to attract top-notch speakers and participants. The primary goal of the GLSPC is to bring together senior level life science industry leaders keen to form corporate partnerships especially between a pharmaceutical company and a biotech or start-up company. The types of partnerships being contemplated at this conference are surprisingly comprehensive and include licensing arrangements, mergers and acquisitions and even investments by venture capital funds.

While there are partnering conferences around the country, Biocom’s GLSPC is unique. This is the only conference of its type in Southern California. And with the venue for the past several years at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, we leverage the delightful setting to create a one-of-a-kind San Diego vibe. We believe the venue helps contribute to the casual nature of the networking and fosters open and transparent interactions. It comes as no surprise when surveys show that the conference has an impressive repeat attendance rate. Why is that? One reason is because this conference smoothly blends so many different forums for collaborating, learning and spontaneously discovering new partnership opportunities.

Here’s a sample of the diverse activities that take place:• Individual company presentations from over 20 exciting

start-ups • Keynote presentations • Fireside chats• Panel presentations from senior-level members of the industry• 1:1 partnering meetings scheduled in advance via an online

meeting tool• Planned breaks to allow for informal networking

The upcoming meeting will be held March 1 & 2, 2017 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. As a preview, here two examples of speakers:• Keynote presented by Rupert Vessey, Executive Vice President

and President of Global Research and Early Development at Celgene

• Fireside chat with George Golumbeski, EVP Business Development & Planning at Celgene interviewed by Ed Saltzman who is President of Defined Health

While the planning committee is putting the final touches on the upcoming program, registration is now open along with the application process for company presentations. I look forward to seeing you there.

Visit Biocom’s Global Life Science Partnering Conference website for additional information and registration: www.biocomglobalpartnering.org

Mark Wiggins is a Senior Biotech Executive and serves as a founding committee member for the Biocom Global Partnering Conference.

GUEST

Global Partnering Conferences: What Drives Success?

By Mark Wiggins, Senior Biotech Executive

www.BiocomGlobalPartnering.org

March 1-2, 2017The Lodge at Torrey Pines


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THE LIFE SCIENCES

ADVANTAGE

Paul Roben, the new Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) at UC San Diego, intends to “drive innovation across all areas of campus, and to speed university innovations to markets in California, the nation, and the world.”

Roben, who has combined the offices of technology transfer, intellectual property, innovative design, and industry partnering under the OIC roof, answers some questions about the new office, the university’s goals, and the prospects for strengthening the university’s “culture of innovation” to broaden the benefits for both the campus and the regional community.

Q: How do you define innovation?Roben: I define innovation as people with diverse ideas coming together to create new solutions to the problems that we will all face as a society over the coming years.

Q: How has your experience in economic development and technology-growth shaped your approach to the mission of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization?Roben: I have worked in academia, in companies, and for a government, so I have seen innovation at work from all angles. This has shown me that innovation is, at its heart, all about people. Fundamentally, my job is to provide as many opportunities as possible for people from these different backgrounds to come together with their diverse ideas, and to create the solutions of the future. My office can then help to provide them with the education, tools and resources necessary so they can make their ideas become reality.

Q: The campus has a number of offices and organizations dedicated to entrepreneurism and business-creation already. How does the OIC fit into that existing framework?Roben: The OIC is a cross-campus innovation platform designed to ensure UC San Diego’s position as a major driver of regional development. As you point out, there are many excellent organizations and resources across campus doing outstanding work in the innovation space. The OIC aims to bring the campus to the next level by supporting and aligning those resources toward the common goal of social and economic development. We are also providing new resources in support of these organizations: People development -- inspiring and motivating people to unlock their inner creativity -- and innovation programs, such as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Open-Flow Innovation Licensing, and Proof-of-Concept funding. These programs will create those opportunities where diverse people can come together and innovate.

Q: Given UC San Diego’s notable success in start-ups, and their contributions to regional economic growth, how does the university do even better in those areas?Roben: One important role for OIC is to remove any barriers to getting promising technologies into the hands of the people who can develop them and start new companies. Our new Open-Flow Innovation program makes it considerably easier for entrepreneurs to create more new companies and jobs in the region.

Q: Can you elaborate on what the OIC is doing to bring ideas to market faster?Roben: In addition to Open-Flow Innovation, we are also launching a number of initiatives, such as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, to bring the expertise of the private sector to campus and to help our innovators develop products and services faster. These programs, together with initiatives in education, “innovation concierge” services, and technology-development funding, are all designed to bring ideas to market faster.

Q: What kind of response to your aggressive business-partnership and business-development goals have you received from local industry and community leaders?Roben: Local leaders have been very supportive of this approach. Most people acknowledge that the way to bring the entire region to the next level of success is to work together to tackle the problems facing society, and also to work together to build the reputation of this region as one of the most innovative in the world, in order to attract the best people and investment to the region. Local leaders recognize UC San Diego as one of the major sources of people and technologies that will drive these efforts, and welcome the chance to partner with the university in our new business-friendly approach.

Q: Say I’m a student, or faculty member, or even a member of the community looking for some expert help developing a new idea or useful new tool. How does your new office, the OIC, help me?Roben: One of the first things we are creating is an “entrepreneur’s road map”-- basically a guide for anyone interested in this space to help them find the resources they need to get to the next step in developing their idea -- anything from mentorship to physical space to legal services to investment. In the meantime, anyone can contact my office and we will try and get them the help they need.

Q: You’ve put together a talented, experienced, and optimistic team. Tell us what you and your team hope to have accomplished in five years.Roben: In five years, UC San Diego will be recognized globally as the partner of choice for innovation.

Q & A

Q&A with Paul Roben, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization, Office of Research Affairs, UC San Diego


Biocom opened the doors of its new Los Angeles office in June, 2016. Since then, we have seen excitement build over our arrival and our efforts to showcase the exciting life science industry in the greater LA area (more than 450 companies!). We believe in the tremendous opportunity represented by this industry in LA and have started to lay the groundwork to link everyone already in the ecosystem.

By August, Biocom’s Los Angeles office was fully staffed and operational and we hit the ground running. Using our 20-year history of cluster-building, we work daily to advance our mission to accelerate life science success in specific and meaningful ways for our members. The new hires bring the Los Angeles office staff total to five and include staff focused on advocacy, program management, membership and our best-in-class purchasing group.

In addition to strategic hires, the LA office has been focused on creating strong partnerships throughout the ecosystem. We are partnering with the LA Economic Development Corporation to respond to the LA County Board of Supervisors need for leadership in pulling together stakeholders from across the industry, the public sector and academics to catapult our life science cluster onto the world stage. This requires that we work to attract more capital to the region and to find ways to keep more of the great companies that are spawned here local. These are among some of our initial programming efforts and we are fortunate to work with such engaged partners.

A big part of that effort requires us to tell our success stories to the world. We are partnering with the local universities, research institutes and their startups to raise awareness. Did you know that each year UCLA spins out more startup companies than any other UC campus, the majority in life science related fields? Last fiscal year, they spun out 25 new startups, almost twice the next most active campus (UC San Diego, with 15) and almost 30% of the total startups spun out by the UC System as a whole!

Biocom’s LA office is also partnering with other local associations to put on events and programming that will connect and grow the industry. The LA Venture Association (LAVA) and the Biotech Connection LA (BCLA) are just two of these – LAVA educates and connects entrepreneurs within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and BCLA is a group founded by USC and UCLA grad students whose mission is to facilitate the connection between academics and the LA biotech industry to move innovation forward.

We have also been reaching out to the LA area’s elected officials to look for ways for us to partner with them to grow and support the industry in LA. Biocom’s CEO, Joe Panetta, and I spent a couple of days this summer in Sacramento, speaking with members of

the LA delegation. In addition to working with companies in their districts, we are looking for ways to partner on STEM education and workforce development efforts.

Read more about our new hires and our upcoming events on the LA office’s website at www.biocominla.org and follow us on twitter at @BiocominLA for the latest updates on the LA area.

Dina Lozofsky is the Executive Director of the Biocom Los Angeles office.

BIOCOML.A.

Biocom’s Los Angeles Office: A Warm Welcome

By Dina Lozofsky, Executive Director, Biocom LA


California is known as a world-class life science industry leader with a rich history of breakthroughs and milestones. Reflecting back, many recall Genentech as the first official biotechnology company. It was the first to successfully genetically engineer human insulin using recombinant DNA technology in a laboratory in 1978, and held the first biotech initial public offering on October 14, 1980. Since then, the state has burst onto the national scene with countless life-saving products.

Taking a closer look, Southern California has come a long way from its inception and is now one of world’s largest life science hubs. Southern California rests on a foundation of scientific training and prowess. It employs over 139,000 people in five sectors: biopharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, research and lab services, industrial biotechnology and biofuels, and life science trade. The industry in California alone generates $258 billion in economic activity. Economic activity in the life science industry comes in many forms: investing direct dollars, company collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions, all of which can lead to future ROIs and create growth.

Contract Research OrganizationsOne example of future potential economic returns are Clinical

Research Organizations (CROs). CROs are crucial to a thriving life science industry. They enable pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries to outsource research services for faster discovery and clinical development of new products. Southern California is home to the highest concentration of CROs in the world. With more than 85 CROs, the region is in a class by itself. Analysts predict a 10% annual increase for the CRO industry, which may lead to advances in product pipelines and stimulate additional regional capital growth.

Venture FundingA more direct method of cultivating economic activity is deal-

making through venture funds. According to PricewaterhouseCooper (PWC) and the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), in FY2015, $1.04B on 80 deals was invested through venture funds in Southern California, specifically in biotechnology and medical device and equipment companies, Although 2015 saw a decrease in the number of total deals over the last couple of years, 80 deals in FY 2015 versus 92 in FY2013, the Southern California region saw a 12% increase in direct-dollars invested, leading to growth

in average dollars per deal. In FY2016, Southern California is on pace to surpass FY2015, having already raised 64% of the total invested dollars in just the first two quarters.

NIH FundingIn addition to millions invested through venture funds, there is

an equally important influx of money coming to Southern California institutions and companies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH invests over $30B annually to help fund medical research in the United States. In FY2015, Southern California alone received approximately $1.75B in total annual funding from the NIH.

Biocom’s Contribution Although there are many funding sources available, the

environment for raising capital to fund life science companies continues to be increasingly difficult. Capital is available for those who can demonstrate they have the knowledge, expertise, team and vision to meet today’s rigorous investment criteria. Biocom is cognizant that life science companies need increased access to capital, therefore Biocom will continue to offer programs that assist member companies in accessing financing resources.

Working on behalf of more than 800 members, Biocom is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Through the efforts of Biocom and its Capital Development Committee, companies have the opportunity to showcase their products and ideas to potential investors. From one-on-one meetings with venture capitalists to quick-pitch sessions with angel investors, Biocom’s Capital Development Committee implements programs that help attract, maintain and cultivate growth throughout the Southern California life science sector. Access to potential capital and resources are frequently showcased by four distinct programs offered by Biocom: Partner Days, Venture Days, Super Angel Days and the Annual Global Life Science Partnering Conference.

Partner DaysBiocom’s Partner Days program, established in 2012, brings

buyers and sellers together to discuss potential partnerships, licensing opportunities and/or M&A deals.

For Partner Days, the Biocom Capital Development Committee invites representatives from a well-regarded pharmaceutical

CAPITALDEVELOPMENT

Capital Development Landscape: Southern California’s Life Science Industry

By Oscar Rodarte, Project Coordinator, Biocom


company to a day of one-on-one meetings with companies interested in raising capital. Partner Days are held two to three times per year.

Venture DaysBiocom Venture Days are designed to connect member companies

to Venture Capitalists from around the US. Each event, organized by the Biocom Capital Development Committee, features an intimate group of esteemed VCs. They hold one-on-one meetings with pre-selected companies, based on pre-determined investment criteria. Venture Days are held two to three times per year.

Super Angel DaysBiocom’s Super Angel Days is a program designed to offer serial

investors, or Super Angels, the opportunity to help fund innovation and potentially add companies to their portfolio. Selected companies are given the opportunity to “Quick Pitch” (3-minute pitch) their company or idea to each Angel. Super Angel Days are held once annually.

Global Life Science Partnering Conference Biocom’s annual Global Life Science Partnering Conference

is an exclusive networking forum that bring together leading deal makers, senior executives, VCs, emerging companies and business development professionals from leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies in one of the largest life science hubs

in the world, San Diego. The conference consists of relevant panel discussions, one-on-one meetings, start-up company presentations, and various networking opportunities. Please join us in 2017 for the 7th Annual Global Life Science Partnering Conference on March 1st and 2nd.

Future DirectionThe life science industry in California, like the rest of the nation,

is characterized by economic uncertainty, marketplace volatility, pricing pressures and increased demand for innovation. As companies grow and build their pipelines, this expansion requires fresh capital and viable funding opportunities.

Biocom accelerates life science success through its robust and member-focused capital development programs, which continue to attract investment dollars to California. With the thoughtful leaders on the Capital Development Committee, we continue to create innovative new programs and opportunities for collaboration and investment. To learn more about our capital development programs, please contact [email protected]

Oscar Rodarte is a Project Coordinator with a focus on Biocom’s Capital Development Initiative.

Biotechnology innovation in areas such as genomics, microbiomics, pharmaceuticals, and precision medicine is increasingly driven by informatics, requiring large scale computation and storage.

SDSC’s array of computational infrastructure and storage, along with its cadre of experienced scientists and engineers, is leveraged by local companies to provide support in next-generation sequencing analyses, drug discovery, translational medicine, and other areas. We provide:

h Collaborative Research Opportunities h HPC and Storage System Architecture and Design h Big Data Expertise and Training h Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics h Bioinformatics Programming and Applications h Data Science Training

Email or visit us online to see how we can help you reach your research objectives.

www.sdsc.edu/collaborate/ipp.html | [email protected]

A National Leader in High-Performance Computing & Big DataPartnering with local biotech companies to accelerate discovery

If you didn’t already know that it’s been a busy few months for Biocom, the quantity and diversity of these headlines tell the story.

Here’s a quick scan of the articles that have recently appeared in some of the top local and state-wide publications as Biocom’s leaders get the word out about drug innovation, workforce development, geographic expansion and other key issues that matter to our members.

Read the brief excerpts here:

BIOCOM INTHE NEWS

Biocom’s Making Headlines

September 26, 2016Biocom Life Science Catalyst winners namedBy Bradley Fikes

Biocom, the San Diego-based life science trade group, has named 10 winners of its new Life Science Catalyst Awards.

Presented along with San Diego Venture Group, the awards recognize rising stars in research, technology and business fields who have made a lasting contribution to the region’s life science industry before turning 40.

A committee of Biocom and San Diego Venture Group members vetted each nominee, evaluating then on innovation, leadership, vision and other factors. Biocom selected the winners.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/2eMOyFB

August 4, 2016BioLabs Is Additional Plus for Local Biotech SceneBy Brittany Meiling

A new coworking space called BioLabs San Diego is launching this fall, hoping to fill the gaps left in the city’s biotech startup space.

The project is a joint venture involving San Diego’s life science industry group BIOCOM and BioLabs, a Cambridge-based company that opened similar coworking spaces in biotech hotspots across the country, including North Carolina, New York, and the Boston area.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/2ewsIre

July 25, 2016Job Seekers Take Note: Challenges Faced by Life Science EmployersBy Angela Rose

By all accounts, the California life science industry is flourishing as one of the leading employers in the state, providing work for more than 280,000 professionals from the entry-level to the c-suite. Demand is outpacing supply, and job opportunities are plentiful—though they aren’t always easy to land. BioSpace recently spoke with executives from the California Life Sciences Institute (CLSI), Biocom Institute and San Francisco Bay division of the Centers of Excellence about the recruiting and hiring challenges facing the state’s life science employers. Their responses were illuminating and may contain information job seekers can put to use when preparing for their next life science position.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/2ewhzqq

July 12, 2016Op-Ed: Jumpstarting the Conversation: LA Must Harness Its Life Science PotentialBy Dina Lozofsky

Who would have guessed that Los Angeles’ life science industry was percolating with so much energy?

Well, those of us in the trenches of LA life sciences know. But based on the dearth of news coverage and overall conversation about the area’s many biotech happenings, most people are unaware of the abundance of new healthcare technologies and startup activity happening right around them. Here are some insights gained from the recent First Look LA event, the annual “sneak peek” investor showcase of local startups and spinouts that span the life science spectrum.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/2eMLFEy


SUPER ANGEL DAY:On Monday, October 24, Biocom held the 2nd Annual Super Angel Day with participation from Richard Heyman, Ph.D. (Board Member at ORIC Pharmaceuticals), Francois Ferre, Ph.D. (Co-CEO at ALMA Life Sciences) and Sheila Gujrathi, M.D. (former CMO at Receptos). 35 companies participated in the event including a number of first time entrepreneurs which demonstrates the on-going, innovative spirit of the Biocom membership. Following the three minute, quick pitch session, the Angels were questioned about the quality of companies they saw – they were ‘inspired’ and ‘excited’ by the passion and science demonstrated during the event. BioRibbon Health, Chrysalis Therapeutics and Notogen, Inc. were identified as the companies they would like to have longer meetings with. Congratulations to all companies that participated in the event.

Representatives from Bristol-Myers Squibb will be in San Diego on December 13th to meet with representatives from local academic institutions, research organizations, venture capital firms, and companies with programs and technologies complementary to Bristol-Myers Squibb’s pipeline and capabilities.

BMS is Looking For Companies working in the following therapeutic areas:• Immuno-Oncology/Oncology• Clinical Collaborations in Oncology • Immunoscience• Cardiovascular Fibrosis

For more information on the program and how to participate please contact Oscar Rodarte at [email protected].

MEMBERS IN ACTION

Bristol-Myers Squibb & Biocom Partner Day


Technology develops with time. From our trusted rotary wall phone, to the latest iphone7, technology advances based on culture and the wants and needs of a society. The same is true in medicine. One of the first wearable cardiac pacemakers, powered by batteries, was born out of necessity due to a mishap in the weather. Patients with plug-in pacemakers needed a better option to secure their safety during a power outage. Now, almost 60 years later the company that gave patients their wireless freedom (Medtronic) received FDA approval for the world’s smallest pacemaker. Their technology is even more groundbreaking, because of where it is implanted: inside the heart.

As the world continues to evolve and grow, whether in pop culture or modern medicine, it’s no surprise that there is a Guinness World Record for the fastest genetic diagnosis. The record was recently achieved by successfully diagnosing critically ill newborns in just under 26 hours. The best part of this story is that the record-holder is Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, M.D., D.Sc., a San Diego resident who was named president and CEO of Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine at Rady Children’s Hospital one year ago.

Rady’s new facility will be the first in the world to fold genetic testing into its everyday way of care for patients. The San Diego Union Tribune, in an article about Kingsmore’s naming, noted that prior to the opening of this facility, “the only patients who generally have had access to whole-genome sequencing were those enrolled in a research project or clinical trial that pays for the expensive diagnostic work. However, with the help of a $120 million donation from La Jolla philanthropists Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Kingsmore said he believes the new institute will be able to change that reality.”

Another of Dr. Kingsmore’s successes is the 50-hour genome, named by Time Magazine as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs in 2012. This process can screen for about 4,500 diseases know to be linked to single-gene mutations in the DNA of babies. While many other medical tests have to be processed one at a time, eliminating possible contributing factors with each result, this method takes only two days to complete, and covers the spectrum of genetic diseases all in one test, creating answers rapidly to save lives. “We are proud to have Stephen Kingsmore in San Diego bringing his vision for pediatric genomic medicine to life and helping families affected by genetic disease in our region”

said Tristan Orpin, Executive Vice President, clinical genomics at Illumina. Dr. Kingsmore continues to work closely with llumina,

collaborating with the teams there to develop more advanced technologies to diagnose and treat his tiny patients.

At Rady’s, Kingsmore plans to begin small by offering the sequencing to many of the patients admitted to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit who have no clear diagnosis. To begin, much of the testing will be conducted under the research protocols approved as part of a $6 million grant he received from the National Institutes of Health. “We’re going to start in the Rady NICU (neonatal intensive

care unit), but then we’ll be putting it into ... other Level 3 NICUs. Then we move to the pediatric intensive care units and then to outpatient clinics…It’s going to take a decade. But we believe there are children who don’t need to suffer, and we’re going to fix that one child at a time,” said Kingsmore in a September 2015 San Diego Tribune article.

As we continue to hear San Diego described as “the genomics capital of the world”, local players in the industry like Rady Children’s Hospital, Edico Genome and Illumina, are not only helping the city to hold this title, but are also making strides daily to keep it for years to come. “You’ve got to have the right institution, the right set of doctors, a lot of money and the right sort of societal fabric. San Diego, I believe, is the only place in the world that has this magical constellation to pull it off,” said Kingsmore (The San Diego Tribune).

SAVE THE DATE: 2017 Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering March 4-12, 2017. Sponsorship opportunities now available! Contact [email protected] for information.

Sara Pagano is the Managing Director of the Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering

SCIENCEFESTIVAL

STEM In The Community – The Future Is Now In Pediatric Genomics!

By Sara Pagano, Managing Director, Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering


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thriveNixon Peabody’s cross-disciplinary Life Sciences team provides legal solutions to help you thrive in an industry with a constantly shifting landscape.

We have a rich understanding of the dynamics regarding business, regulation, and competition that affect pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.

Our attorneys are at the forefront of industry trends and working with companies at various phases in their lifecycle. We are often

— advising clients about new business models — navigating health care and other regulations — protecting and enforcing IP rights — connecting with private equity and other capital — establishing clinical research relationships

The Life Sciences ecosystem presents a vast number of exciting opportunities. We position ourselves to be your trusted advisor and partner to maximize your success.

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BIOCOM’S 9TH ANNUAL DEVICEFEST CONFERENCE: CONGRATS TO ABREOS BIOSCIENCES: The 9th Annual DeviceFest Conference welcomed more than 200 attendees and brought together leaders in the medical device, digital health and diagnostic world. The conference was a full day of exploration of the latest developments around reimbursement, regulatory, funding vehicles, and design-driven innovation. Those who spoke revealed the exciting times ahead for the industry, including our featured speaker, Bakul Patel, Associate Center Director for Digital Health, at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bakul shared with us that 90% of all of the world’s data has been generated over the last two years, which is remarkable and advantageous for research, but also somewhat mind boggling. Despite this massive influx of data, challenges abound: from the collection and storing of data, to whether or not the data is actionable, to the protection of data. Fortunately, events such as DeviceFest provide a forum for executives to collaborate and discuss the tough lessons they have already learned, allowing the industry as a whole to advance. One of the most exciting portions of the day was saved for last, when five innovative companies pitched their technologies to a group of world-class leaders and investors. Entrepreneurs were given just five minutes to explain

why their technology was revolutionary and then were given on-the-spot-critiques. Audience members and the investor panel of judges then grabbed their mobile devices to vote for the winner. We’d like to again congratulate presenter and winner, Bradley Messmer, Ph.D., CEO & Founder of Abreos Biosciences, who was deemed the “hottest” device company in Southern California and the winner of the Five in 5 in the Hot Seat session for DeviceFest 2016! More about the Winner of DeviceFest 2016: Abreos Biosciences is an early stage biotech company pioneering assays for detection of biologic drugs using

its proprietary Veritope™ technology. Abreos develops laboratory-based and point-of-care assays that enable personalized dosing and counterfeit detection of these expensive drugs,

such as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The company’s reagents and assays are customizable and can be developed for the detection of any biologic drug in a variety of formats, including lateral flow and ELISA. Thank you to our 2016 DeviceFest Conference sponsors for your continued support of Biocom.

MEMBERS IN ACTION


MEMBERS IN ACTION

BREAKFAST MEETING ON EMERGING DISEASES, INCLUDING ZIKA: Karen Midthun, Former Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), at the FDA discussed the U.S. response to emerging infectious diseases as well as what we have learned from previous outbreaks, the role of the U.S. government in funding and approving countermeasures to emerging pandemics and threats, the importance of public-private collaboration and how the life science industry can better engage and respond to existing and future outbreaks.

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We have a proven history of representing leading life sciences companies in locating and negotiating facilities, creating visionary work places, increasing facility delivery schedules, optimizing productivity and reducing operational costs of existing facilities.

Team up with us to create an environment for research, collaboration and decision-making that inspires your next big breakthrough.

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It can be difficult to navigate a world where qualities like experience, integrity and a solid reputation are the exception. For our team they’re the rule.

We have a proven history of representing leading life sciences companies in locating and negotiating facilities, creating visionary work places, increasing facility delivery schedules, optimizing productivity and reducing operational costs of existing facilities.

Team up with us to create an environment for research, collaboration and decision-making that inspires your next big breakthrough.

Real estate partners in the life sciences industry.

Inspiring environments for inspired breakthroughs.

jll.com/sandiego . 858.410.1252Chad Urie . Steve Holland . Grant Schoneman

BIOCOM PAC ANNUAL ELECTED OFFICIALS & CANDIDATES RECEPTION: The Illumina campus provided a picturesque setting for this year’s Biocom PAC Elected Officials and Candidates Reception. Biocom members were able to chat with policy makers and those about to be elected to office in a warm, relaxed setting and educate them about the industry and the advances being made. This year we were honored to be joined by a majority of the San Diego delegations in both Congress and the State Legislature. Our thanks to signature sponsor Genentech and host sponsor Illumina for making the event possible and one of our most successful PAC receptions ever.

MEMBERS IN ACTION


Iliana Pulido is 22 years old, lives in the City Heights area of San Diego, and received her high school diploma in 2013 from Arroyo Paseo Charter School. She started community college right after high school but left partway through her first semester for family reasons. She stalled in her career path. Over the next few years, she heard about various career training opportunities, but it wasn’t until the letter from the San Diego Housing Commission arrived with information about the Introductory Life Science Experience (ILSE) Program that Iliana’s interest in going back to school was sparked.

ILSE is a 21-month pilot program that was launched in October, 2015. It provides a re-entry pathway into a STEM career in the life sciences for young adults 18-24, who are not currently in school, and who have substantial barriers to employment, education and career pathway planning. Through one-on-one support, coursework at Miramar College, work readiness training, and a paid internship, participants receive focused assistance in taking the next steps on their career paths to higher education and/or employment. The first group of 13 students recently finished their internships.

Iliana was among the first group of students, and began an upward trajectory. She successfully completed 150 hours of work readiness, completed Introduction to the Lab courses at Miramar College, received her ILSE training certificate, and went on to complete a paid internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Iliana’s participation in the ILSE pilot program inspired her and helped her set goals. She enrolled as a full time student at Miramar College and in September, she secured a part time job on campus as an Instructional Assistant. Recently we sat down with Iliana and asked her a few questions:

Q: What were you doing before you started the ILSE program?A: I was working at a retail store stocking merchandise. I worked there for four months and prior to that I was babysitting.

Q: What were your career and educational goals prior to beginning the ILSE program?A: My main goal was to go back to school. I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field but wasn’t sure what.

Q: How have those career and educational goals changed since you started ILSE?A: The ILSE program gave me confidence to go back to school. I’ve started taking classes at Miramar College and have a job there as an Instructional Assistant. I want to pursue a radiology technician program. I want to help people.

Q: What is the most important thing you learned in ILSE and how will it help you? A: I learned a lot of things, but mainly it inspired me to go back to school and taught me not give up. When I left school the first time, I didn’t have any support or anyone to motivate me. Now I have Rogelio and Karen, at Biocom. Whatever I need, I can talk to them.

Q: What are your impressions of the courses at Miramar?A:The ILSE coursework was pretty interesting. I was surprised at the amount of information we learned in a short amount of time. I really liked the hands-on work learning laboratory techniques.

Q: What are your impressions of your internship?A: I was pretty surprised that I got an internship at a biotech company. I never saw myself working there. I was nervous going into the internship, especially when I realized I would be doing buffers. My supervisor made me do buffers my first week and by the end of the week I got the hang of it and was doing them on my own.

The ILSE program is supported by Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act funding through the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Additional support from a Blasker Science & Technology Grant provided for student tours of the campus of two local universities.

The ILSE program is continually matching interns in exciting roles within life science and other organizations and the placement of our second group of students is currently underway. Thank you to Abbiotec, Althea, BioLegend, BioNano Genomics, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Media Arts Center, Mirati Therapeutics, Molecular Response, Nanomedical Diagnostics, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for opening your doors to ILSE interns and accelerating the STEM career opportunities for San Diego’s youth. More companies are providing these opportunities every week and some may not have made the list before this issue of LifeLines went to print but we would like to thank all companies who have provided their support.

Liisa Bozinovic is the Executive Director of the Biocom Institute and also heads Biocom’s HR Initiative.

BIOCOMINST I TUTE By Liisa Bozinovic,

Executive Director, Biocom Institute

Pilot Program Helps Student Take Off Scientist CEO

MBA | MFIN | MSBA | Ph.D. | ExecEd

To see more stories:rady.ucsd.edu/radymade

#RadyMade“The Rady School inspired me to ask, ‘Can things be done a different way?’ The school’s Lab to Market and the StartR Accelerator challenged my assumptions and I learned how to build a business model based on our customer’s needs. The Rady School has made a huge impact on my career. I went from an individual contributor to a leader and CEO of a startup that will influence the life sciences industry.”

Julio de Unamuno IV, MBA ‘14Founder and CEOLab Fellows, Inc.

I am RadyMade


Scientist CEO

MBA | MFIN | MSBA | Ph.D. | ExecEd

To see more stories:rady.ucsd.edu/radymade

#RadyMade“The Rady School inspired me to ask, ‘Can things be done a different way?’ The school’s Lab to Market and the StartR Accelerator challenged my assumptions and I learned how to build a business model based on our customer’s needs. The Rady School has made a huge impact on my career. I went from an individual contributor to a leader and CEO of a startup that will influence the life sciences industry.”

Julio de Unamuno IV, MBA ‘14Founder and CEOLab Fellows, Inc.

I am RadyMade

The Biocom Purchasing Group continuously strives to emulate the entrepreneurial spirit of the Biocom members we serve. In 2016, strategic enhancements were made to our staff, our statewide reach and to our core competencies in an effort to grow concurrently with the speed and ingenuity of our membership.

This June, we oversaw the completion of a rigorous effort by over 50 scientists, lab managers, supply chain specialists, financial advisors and executive leaders within our membership. An 18-month RFP process resulted in a Fisher Scientific Lab Supply contract that awards Biocom members exclusive access to unprecedented life science solutions.

This was the most robust and carefully-managed RFP process our industry has ever seen. We leveraged the purchasing power of over 800 members and relied on them to assemble a multi-disciplinary team that resulted in a comprehensive and exclusive contract that delivers competitive advantages for our members not available anywhere else in the country.

Over the past year, we have added two staff to our contracts team. This expansion allows us to strategically add more industry-leading contracts that closely fit the evolving needs of California’s life science sector. It also means we can perform more extensive RFPs, develop more robust Advisory Committees, and expand our formal member feedback systems.

In addition to our latest lab contract enhancement, 202 Biocom members of the Beyond Benefits Trust, the only bona fide life science health insurance trust in California, will now see a 1.4 percent DECREASE in their health insurance rates for the 2017 calendar year.

We understand the pain points of the life science industry in California. We know that skyrocketing healthcare costs (with an average increase of 10.4 percent annually) take their toll on companies who might be forced to forego sustaining revenues for years as they develop lifesaving medicines. Thanks to the Beyond Benefits Trust and the positive claims history of our members, we are seeing a decrease for over 6,800 covered lives in California; a number that is growing weekly.

We’re also excited to announce that the threshold for California life science companies eligible for the trust has been reduced from a headcount of five to four employees. This is the first adjustment in the trust’s five-year existence and a huge win for Biocom’s smaller start-up companies looking to gain access to exclusive state-wide health insurance benefits.

Our significant growth this past year with regard to member engagement, contract offerings and targeted reach, has been fueled in large part by our database capabilities. We continue to reinvest

a substantial share of our resources to create the infrastructure necessary to build a network of life science companies that can connect with each other to enable change, create life science solutions and catapult California onto the global stage.

Examples of our continued focus on supporting members can be found in Biocom’s new staff of five in our Los Angeles office and our expanded services in the Bay Area. We are driving growth and achieving breakthrough results across all regions of California simultaneously, creating state-wide momentum.

Our strategic investments in people, our expanded geographic reach, and our enhanced technologies have one thing in common: they align with Biocom Purchasing Group’s vision of being the most valued GPO in the world. And, they reflect Biocom’s vision of being recognized by each member as the most valued organization in strengthening and enhancing potential for life science success. It is our world-class members who keep us at the forefront of global purchasing programs, creating targeted solutions to ensure bottom-line savings and cost-effective growth for all.

Stay tuned for future purchasing programs that will sustain your bottom line, drive California’s life science industry, and help all Biocom members recruit and retain the best talent. If you are interested in joining our movement, volunteering on a committee, attending one of our world-class events or want to meet the incredible team here, please contact us at [email protected].

Rick Fultz oversees membership and sponsorship efforts, business development opportunities, and the Biocom Purchasing Group.

PURCHASING GROUP By Rick Fultz,

Managing Director, Biocom Purchasing Group

Accelerating Growth & Changing the Game


BIOCOM TEAM

Tatiana CeleberttiOffice Manager and Accounting Associate,

Los [email protected]

As the Office Manager and Accounting Associate, Tatiana ensures daily operations in the LA office are executed smoothly and coordinates all aspects of the day-to-day activities. She holds a Masters in Leadership and Organizational Studies and has a positive and energetic personality that tends to bring a smile to those around her.

Mandy AbdiEvent Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

Mandy, a San Diego native who has been tech-ing it up in San Francisco for the past three years, joined us in March of 2016 as our new PG Event Coordinator. She is responsibile for developing a strategic plan for sponsorship and event opportunities for all of PG’s partners, while managing the design, planning and execution for events of all types and sizes, across multiple industry segments. Mandy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Maria ArrivelloProject Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

As a recent biology graduate from the University of South Carolina, Maria is new to California, but not the life science industry. We are using her fresh perspective to streamline internal communications, manage project schedules, liaise PG Board engagement, and help surpass PG goals with a unified, cohesive and all-encompassing approach.

Hanan Al-HakimSr. Program Manager, Los Angeles

[email protected]

As the Senior Program Manager at Biocom’s Los Angeles office, Hanan is responsible for all aspects of program-related initiatives, including committee and networking functions. She loves to go to the beach, work out, cook and eat. As a sports fan who was born and raised in LA, Hanan is a die-hard Laker fan and bleeds the purple and gold. Hanan is a graduate of Cal State Northridge and holds an MBA from Pepperdine.

We have had an exciting year and are pleased to introduce you to some of our new team members.Our recently-opened Los Angeles office is now fully staffed and

operational, advancing on the mission to accelerate life science

success in specific and meaningful ways for members.

In San Diego, the addition of new employees represents

organic growth at the headquarters office.


BIOCOM TEAM

Matt D’AngeloContracts Project Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

We are excited to welcome Matt, a San Diego native, to our team to assist with our Member Advisory Committees and Member Feedback Program. He has proven that Chargers fans aren’t extinct and he’ll be a tremendous help to our contracts team by assisting with overall project timelines, budgets and communication. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Sonoma State University.

Morgan HarrisData Analyst, San Diego

[email protected]

As Data Analyst, Morgan assists the contract team with Market Research efforts and translates collected data on current and future contract areas to support best practices and paths forward in the development of Biocom Purchasing Group’s contract portfolio. As a San Diego native, Morgan enjoys outdoor activities, sports and serving his local community. Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Carol KnowlesAccounting Associate, San Diego

[email protected]

Carol has joined our Accounting Team, bringing extensive experience as a professional accountant. When not balancing the books, Carol can be found in town cheering on the Chargers with her family or visiting her sons and granddaughter out of state.

Ben LiAssociate Director of Membership,


Ben, a Los Angeles native and UCLA Bruin, is our latest addition to the Los Angeles team following over a decade of leading international sales for an APAC device manufacture. He is equally excited at the blossoming growth of life science companies in Los Angeles as he is about the young Lakers team, and looks forward to both to become prominent in their respective arenas.

Michelle NemitsDirector of Business Development,

San [email protected]

Michelle is Biocom Purchasing Group’s latest hire, and has hit the ground running in San Francisco. She has over 20 years of experience in the Bay Area life sciences ecosystem; over ten of which she spent with VWR as a Director of Business Development before being hired as the first employee at a life science manufacturer and rising to CCO. Michelle spends her free time coaching her daughter’s volleyball team and looks forward to expanding Biocom’s services in Northern California.

Shannon Colette LeeSenior Membership Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

Shannon is the Senior Membership Coordinator and is responsible for supporting membership growth with pipeline management of prospective members from initial contact through formal membership acceptance. In her free time Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Shannon volunteers with the Scripps Hospital and the Salk Institute and she enjoys traveling and collecting wisdom in unexpected places. Shannon is a graduate of National University, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in English.


BIOCOM TEAM

Ryan PalhidaiBusiness Development Manager,


Ryan joined us this summer as one of our first hires in the new Biocom LA office after a very successful stint at Life Technologies, now Thermo Fisher. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the team at a time of critical growth, and is a new dad, so we know his drive to succeed is at an all-time high. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UCSD.

Lauren PanettaSenior Communications and

Marketing Manager, San [email protected]

As the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications for Biocom, Lauren is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing Biocom’s marketing and communication activities. She has an unrelenting passion for cooking and any sport that involves being in or around the ocean, including paddleboarding and scuba diving with the world’s diverse marine life. She is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication.

Oscar RodarteProject Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

As a Project Coordinator, Oscar is responsible for supporting all aspects of the Capital Development Initiatives of Biocom. Oscar is a graduate of UCSD with a degree in Human Development, and comes to Biocom from the healthcare industry. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines.

Andrew SmithSystem Administrator, San Diego

[email protected]

It’s not only at the Crossfit Gym that Andrew is lifting heavily; he is also our ‘heavy lifter’ in IT support and Salesforce administration here at Biocom. He will be working internally and externally to streamline communication, manage onboarding processes and new feature training as well as Salesforce reporting. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM).

Joe SpiritoProgram Director, San Diego

[email protected]

As Program Director, Joe supports the relationships between PG, its Suppliers and key Biocom partners. That’s a lot of work to be balancing with golf and Chargers season tickets. He is also responsible for the development of strategy and tactical execution in contract administration, member education and business development for our key partner organizations. Joe holds an MBA from USC and a B.S. in Business Management from CSUSM.

Angela WieszchowskiSponsorship Sales Coordinator, San Diego

[email protected]

As Biocom’s Sa

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