BioLA Poised to Become World Leader in Bioscience

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Bioscience Los Angeles County, known as BioLA, a newly formed organization focused on advancing a life science innovation hub in Los Angeles County, added to its roster of founding sponsors and directors. During a community conversation about the County’s burgeoning biopharmaceutical sector, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) made a down payment to support life science innovation, expand the local skilled workforce and provide economic stimulation within the county.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas speaks about BioLA. Photo by Dave Franco / Board of Supervisors

“Through BioLA, we will harness our medical and scientific expertise in partnership with the business community to become a world leader in treating and curing serious disease,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “BioLA will serve as the catalyst that will fuel greater investment and innovation and create a business environment that allows startups to thrive in Los Angeles County.”

At the event, PhRMA President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl announced the association is making a three-year, $750,000 investment to expand the region’s development of breakthrough treatments and cures through innovation. Ubl will also join the board of directors.

PhRMA President & CEO Stephen J. Ubl announces $750,000 investment. Photo by Dave Franco / Board of Supervisors

“PhRMA is here today for one reason – to help make Los Angeles a bioscience powerhouse on par with San Diego and the Bay Area and solidify California’s well-established prominence as a global life sciences leader,” said Ubl. “Los Angeles is home to world-class academic and research institutions, has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a robust and diverse workforce that offer a solid foundation for bioscience innovation to take root and grow.”

Community conversation about the County’s burgeoning biopharmaceutical sector. Photo by Dave Franco / Board of Supervisors

BioLA was founded in 2018, with the aim of serving as an entrepreneurial hub for government, research institutions and private investors to accelerate startup activity within the County and amplify economic activity. BioLA will help coordinate academic institutions, research hospitals, investors, startups, mature companies, trade associations and public and quasi-public agencies to advance the pace of innovation.