Biocom Celebrates the Winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020

SAN DIEGO & SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biocom, the association representing the life science industry of California, issued the following statement regarding the announcement that the Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D. of the University of California, Berkeley and Emmanuelle Charpentier, Ph.D. of the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens for their discovery of the genetic scissors CRISPR/Cas9.

“Since the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 by Drs. Doudna and Charpentier – a result of resilience, curiosity and unfettered innovation – this genome editing tool has revolutionized the field of genetics,” said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of Biocom. “Dr. Doudna is an important visionary in the Bay Area and beyond, and her recognition speaks to the booming innovation in California’s unparalleled life science industry. Drs. Doudna and Charpentier have cemented themselves as tremendous role models for all women in STEM. Without their demonstrated determination, creativity and exploratory spirit, such game-changing scientific breakthroughs and medical advancements would not be possible. It’s important to celebrate the work of true pioneers and continue to support breakthrough research and innovation throughout the state of California.”

Dr. Charpentier first identified a previously unknown molecule in bacteria’s defense systems against invading viruses, called CRISPR/Cas. In collaborating with Dr. Doudna and leveraging her RNA expertise, they were able to create the genetic tool CRISPR/Cas9 to quickly pinpoint the location of specific DNA sequences, knockout a targeted gene or insert new snips of DNA. Their breakthrough discovery has paved the way for countless scientists to further advance the technology and potentially transform how many diseases – from inherited disorders to cancers – are currently treated.

About Biocom

Biocom is the leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. We work on behalf of more than 1,300 members to drive public policy, build an enviable network of industry leaders, create access to capital, introduce innovative talent and workforce development strategies, 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 our San Diego headquarters, Biocom operates core offices in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, satellite offices in Washington, D.C. and Tokyo, and has a continuous staff presence in 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).