South San Francisco and San Diego (March 17, 2009) - California's life sciences industry applauded Speaker Karen Bass's appointment of Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D - San Mateo) to chair the Assembly's Select Committee on Biotechnology.
Hill represents the world's oldest and largest life sciences cluster in the San Francisco Bay Area. Assemblymember Hill has a long history working with the life sciences industry and directly represents 110 California life sciences companies that have facilities in the 19th Assembly District including Genentech, Gilead and Amgen.
"California's life sciences companies require an advocate in Sacramento who understands the importance of developing new treatments and the economic impact research provides for the Golden State," said BayBio President and CEO Matthew Gardner. "Assemblymember Jerry Hill recognizes significant value life sciences companies hold for American competitiveness and delivering economic growth for California."
California's life sciences industry is a cornerstone of economic growth for the state with 2,700 biotechnology companies employing over 260,000 residents. California life sciences companies are responsible for 1,200 approved treatments and another 210 in phase III clinical trials. California companies are expected to invest $50 billion in new employees, facilities and equipment over the next five years to bring these treatments to patients.
"Since his arrival in Sacramento, Assembly Member Hill has demonstrated an enthusiasm and passion for advancing biomedical research and innovation in California," said David L. Gollaher, Ph.D., president and CEO, California Healthcare Institute (CHI). "He recognizes the life sciences industry as an economic powerhouse generating high-wage jobs and improving the quality of life for Bay Area residents, Californians and millions of people around the world."
According to CHI's 2009 California Biomedical Industry Report there are 900 treatments in the development pipeline. Along with treatments and technologies to improve human health, California's life sciences provide economic opportunities for hard working Californians.
"With the many issues facing our life science companies, from the high cost of doing business in California to ensuring the industry has access to an adequately trained and educated workforce, we are confident Assemblymember Hill will help raise the awareness of his colleagues as to the challenges the industry faces and the opportunities it presents," stated Joe Panetta, President and CEO of BIOCOM.
"I've worked closely with the industry over the last two decades as a San Mateo County Supervisor and City Councilmember and I look forward to developing a long-term biotechnology strategy for California," said Assemblymember Hill. "I would like to continue my leadership on this issue with companies from around the state by helping increase legislators' knowledge of the biotechnology industry through briefings, informational hearings, site visits and tours."
About California Healthcare Institute
CHI represents more than 250 leading biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical companies, and public and private academic biomedical research organizations. CHI's mission is to advance responsible public policies that foster medical innovation and promote scientific discovery. CHI's Web site is
www.chi.org
.
About BayBio
Northern California is seen as a model for other life sciences clusters and the industry has become an important pillar in the economy. Built by the founders of biotechnology, BayBio is Northern California's life sciences association and supports the community through advocacy, networking and group purchasing. Visit BayBio at
www.baybio.org
.
About BIOCOM
BIOCOM is the largest regional life science association in the world, representing more than 575 member companies in Southern California. The association focuses on initiatives that positively influence the region's life science community in the development and delivery of innovative products that improve health and quality of life. This includes initiatives in capital formation, public policy, workforce development, group purchasing and member services such as networking events. Visit BIOCOM at
www.biocom.org
.
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