Through direct lobbying, public affairs campaigns, strategic collaborations and community programs, CLS works with government, industry, academia and other stakeholders to shape sound public policy that advances innovation, to promote equity and diversity, to support job creation and skills development and to advocate for all facets of the life sciences within the state of California and beyond.

Latest CLS Policy and Advocacy Updates

Advocacy

Mike Guerra (CLS) and Susan Bonilla (CPhA) Joint Statement on PBM Reform

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Advocacy

California Life Sciences & CA Pharmacists Association Joint Letter on PBM Reform

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Advocacy Uncategorized

CMS Issues TCET Final Notice

CMS announced its final notice for the Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies (TCET) pathway, which would expedite Medicare coverage of...
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Advocacy Uncategorized

Survey Assessing the Environment for Developing Treatments for Rare Diseases

In partnership with the Save Rare Treatments Task Force, CLS is conducting a survey of our membership to gather feedback...
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Advocacy Uncategorized

CLS Response to House RFI on 21st Century Cures Initiative

CLS has prepared comments in response to Reps. DeGette’s (D-CO) and Bucshon’s (R-IN) Request for Information on the next iteration of...
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Advocacy Uncategorized

CLS Comments on NIH Proposed Policy That Would Require Access Plans in Licensing Agreements

CLS has prepared comments in response to NIH’s proposed policy that would make licensing agreements for NIH owned inventions conditional...
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About Our Federal and State Advocacy Teams

CLS Advocacy BenefitsCalifornia Life Sciences’ team of experienced government relations professionals located in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and throughout California’s regional municipalities, directly engage with policymakers on issues of critical importance to our members and the continued success of California’s life sciences sector. We engage on federal policy and regulatory items in accordance with the legislative priorities and recommendations of our membership including direct lobbying in Washington, D.C., position and coalition letters, comments and testimony.

The CLS Federal Legislative Committee (FLC) is the primary interface between our membership and identification of the policy items pertinent to CLS’s missions and objectives. The FLC meets monthly to discuss and develop positions and activities regarding federal legislative and regulatory issues of importance to our membership. The FLC also plays an integral role in the development of CLS’s annual federal policy, education, and advocacy agenda.

Our experienced state government relations team engages on behalf of the life sciences sector in multiple ways through strategic collaborations and direct lobbying in Sacramento to advance innovation, investment and job creation for California’s life sciences ecosystem.

In conjunction with the State Legislative Committee (SLC), we identify and develop position statements on issues of interest to CLS’ membership. This SLC group is composed of government affairs professionals at CLS member organizations.

In addition, we aim to favorably shape the policy environment for California’s life sciences industry by creating and leveraging a world class seamless advocacy, public affairs, and government relations program. The team advances a pro-innovation policy agenda, while ensuring patients have access to the right treatment at the right time.

Local

California Life Sciences’ experienced local government relations team engages on behalf of the life sciences sector in multiple ways to advance the innovation, investment, and job creation for California’s life sciences ecosystem.

Local governmental bodies have an increasingly significant impact on the health and growth of California’s life sciences sector. To ensure our voice is heard, CLS provides representation and ensures ongoing dialogue between the industry and local elected officials and agencies throughout California.

Policy and Advocacy News

Overriding patent rights will harm California’s life sciences innovation

Dec 8, 2023

December 8, 2023 California Life Sciences President & CEO Mike Guerra releases statement on Biden Administration’s Proposed Framework on March-in rights: “California Life Sciences is discouraged by the Biden administration’s..

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California Life Sciences Urges Congress to Support Rare Disease Patients

Oct 12, 2023

California Life Sciences (CLS) is pleased to support the Optimizing Research Progress Hope and New (ORPHAN) Cures Act, introduced by Reps. John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA) and Wiley Nickel (D-NC). The bipartisan..

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CLS statement following CMS announcement first drugs subject to price negotiation process

Aug 29, 2023

August 29, 2023 Today’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is another disappointing step in the administration’s price-setting agenda which will irreversibly harm innovation. While CMS has..

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Contact Us

Brent Fisk
Senior Vice President, Government Relations & External Affairs
[email protected]
Sam Chung
Vice President, State Government Relations
[email protected]