SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biocom, the association representing the life science industry of California, concluded its Regenerative Medicine Advocacy Fly-In to Washington, D.C. yesterday, the culmination of almost a year of efforts to elevate the voice of California’s regenerative medicine community.
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field of research that is pioneering ways to regrow, repair or replace human cells, tissues and organs that have lost function due to age, disease, damage or congenital effects. Researchers can either stimulate previously irreparable tissues and organs to heal themselves or grow them in the laboratory and safely implant them into the body when it cannot heal itself.
“These new technologies, most of which are in the early stages of development, hold significant promise to treat and cure diseases, improve the quality of life of patients and put an end to the donor organ shortage. As the world population continues to age rapidly, and the prevalence of diseases rises, the need for safe and effective regenerative medicine products will continue to increase,” said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of Biocom.
Biocom’s Regenerative Medicine Fly-In brought 10 participants from seven companies, including researchers, regulatory experts and business executives to Washington to meet with officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as U.S. Representatives Susan Davis, Scott Peters, Lou Correa and Judy Chu. Participants had the unique opportunity to discuss new advances in regenerative medicine and the successes and challenges they face.
“Biocom’s fly-in gave us the rare opportunity to connect directly with the high-level officials at the NIH, FDA and Congress who oversee the research and regulation of cell and gene therapies and tissue products. From receiving clarity on the new regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) designation to discussing grant funding, we got a much-needed insider’s look into how the regulatory and legislative process affects the development of regenerative medicines. It was also really beneficial to develop relationships with fellow innovators and learn about their research,” said John Chi, CEO of Synova Life Sciences.
Biocom’s fly-in tops almost a year of work within the organization to advance California’s regenerative medicine space. Biocom created and led a coalition of research institutes and companies to analyze the current regenerative landscape, identify challenges and provide recommendations to the FDA. Last month, Biocom submitted several comments to the drug agency providing insight into what needs to be done to support and advance regenerative medicine research in California and across the country.
“This is just the beginning; California is just getting started,” added Panetta. Click here to view the letters.
About Biocom
Biocom is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. We work on behalf of more than 1,000 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce cutting-edge STEM education programs, and create robust value-driven purchasing programs.
Founded in 1995 in San Diego, Biocom provides the strongest public voice to research institutions and companies that fuel the local and state-wide economy. Our goal is simple: to help our members produce novel solutions that improve the human condition. In addition to its San Diego headquarters, Biocom operates a core office serving the Los Angeles market, satellite offices in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, and has a continuous staff presence in the San Francisco Bay area and Sacramento. Our broad membership benefits apply to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, genomics and diagnostics companies of all sizes, as well as to research universities and institutes, clinical research organizations, investors and service providers.
For more information on Biocom, please visit our website at www.biocom.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@BIOCOMCA).
