Summer Science &
Community

Un mot de Steph

August always feels like a moment to breathe — and yet the San Diego biotech ecosystem never really slows down. This month we're celebrating a milestone close to our hearts: Scott Struthers and Ana Kusnetzow's Crinetics journey coming full circle with a $10 billion outcome. Magnifique. We're also pausing to remember Fabrice Pierre — a brilliant scientist, a gentle presence, and a true member of our communauté. On a lighter note, I can't wait to see you all at The Bella on August 13th, and I have something très excitant to share about our September event at LJI. Stay tuned.

As always, if you ever need a thought partner on BD strategy, partnerships, or connecting with the right people in San Diego or France — you know where to find me.

— Steph

FBB Happy Hour — The Bella, Torrey Pines

Everyone welcome — no French passport required. Biotech conversations, networking, and bonne compagnie.

2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr., San Diego, CA 92037

⭐ August Sponsor of the Month ⭐

Your Single Source Solution

GBI Biomanufacturing is a trusted and flexible CDMO specializing in biologics, formerly known as Goodwin Biotechnology, with more than 30 years of experience. GBI partners with innovators to deliver tailored solutions spanning process development, scale-up, clinical manufacturing, and commercial production. Integrated capabilities include Cell Line Development (ATUM Leap-In CLD), GMP Cell Banking, Drug Substance Manufacturing (5L–2000L, including perfusion), Bioconjugation, and Drug Product Manufacturing. All GMP activities are conducted at a single site, minimizing technology transfer risk while maximizing speed, operational efficiency, and capital utilization.

🔱️ In Memoriam

First FBB event May 17, 2006

Fabrice Pierre (1969–2026) — Born in Brittany and trained at the Université de Rennes I, Fabrice made San Diego his home in 2001 and gave everything to his science. Fabrice was a member of the French BioBeach community from the very first day — present at our inaugural event on May 17th, 2006, when it all began. Twenty years later, his presence, his warmth, and his spirit remain woven into everything FBB stands for. At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, he was part of the team that discovered and developed Trikafta, a transformative therapy that has changed the lives of thousands of cystic fibrosis patients. In 2023, he was honored with the American Chemical Society's Heroes of Chemistry Award for that work. Rigorous scientist, quiet presence, dear friend. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.

📅 Save the date — September 10th

Our September Happy Hour moves to the La Jolla Institute for Immunology on Thursday, September 10th — with a special fireside chat format. A très spécial guest is joining us for an intimate conversation on biotech entrepreneurship, building companies in San Diego, and what it really takes to go from bench to boardroom. Announcement coming very soon!

⭐ Story of the Month — Vertex × Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Vertex agreed to acquire Crinetics for $10B — one of the largest SD biotech acquisitions ever, second only to Prometheus Biosciences' $10.8B Merck deal in 2023. For FBB, this is personal: co-founder & CEO Scott Struthers (SDEE co-founder) and Ana Kusnetzow are dear friends of our community. Scott famously launched Crinetics during the 2008 recession by driving his pickup truck around town collecting lab glassware from companies going under. A 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific Southwest winner, Scott built Crinetics from a garage startup into a $10B exit. Magnifique. Congratulations Scott, Ana, and the entire Crinetics team! 🎉

Summer BBQ — Vertex Pharmaceuticals & OUTbio San Diego

5:00 PM · Vertex Pharmaceuticals, San Diego

FBB Happy Hour 🎉

4:30–7:00 PM · The Bella, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. · Sponsored by GBI Bio

BVS Biotech Community Event

11:00 AM · One Alexandria Square, Tribute Garden, San Diego

Matrix One — Engineering Afterwork San Diego

5:30–8:00 PM · San Diego · How to Use AI in Your Day-to-Day Engineering Workflows

Matrix One — AI Operational Maturity Breakfast San Diego

7:45–9:30 AM · San Diego · AI in RA/QA Teams · In partnership with RAPS

Larger Than Life Science | Teeing Up Success

4:00 PM · Bioterra San Diego

SDEE Happy Hour — San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange

5:30–7:30 PM · Embolden Beer Co., San Diego · Co-founded by Scott Struthers (Crinetics)

Overcoming Challenges in Bringing Your AAV Therapy to Market

10:00 AM · Del Mar Social, San Diego

3rd Annual Gene Therapy Initiative Symposium · FBB Community Partner

Sep 16–17 · Conrad Prebys Auditorium, Salk Institute, La Jolla

About the GTI Symposium · FBB Community Partner

FBB is proud to serve as a community partner for the 3rd Annual Gene Therapy Initiative Symposium at the Salk Institute, September 16. Featuring pioneers from UCSD, UPenn, Regeneron, N-Lorem, Editas Medicine, and more. Stay for September 17 when California Life Sciences (CLS) & CIRM host panels on commercialization and patient access — a full bench-to-bedside experience. Keynote Sept. 16: Kiran Musunuru, MD, PhD UPENN (TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026). Keynote Sept. 17: Eric Adler, MD, UCSD

French BioBeach is an initiative of GEN2X
Life Sciences BD & Strategic Advisory