Membership Perks of the Silicon Valley Association

Recently, brought on board with KagaFei (formerly Fujitsi America) Ben Lyon has had a lengthy career as both a General Counsel and executive for technology companies in both Northern and Southern California. He has been actively involved in a number of professional organizations, including acting as a board member of the Silicon Valley Association of General Counsel (SVAGC), which provides indepth, state-of-the art information and analysis of some of the most important and current issues involving technology and law.

The SVAGC was formed 30 years ago as a nonprofit organization that acts as a business leader for in-house attorneys in life science and technology companies in the area. SVAGC offers opportunities for peers in the field to meet and discuss professional and social topics. The organization holds monthly luncheons to help its more than 100 members network.

SVAGC members must meet certain qualifications and be active in the organization’s activities. An All-Hands Meeting, a major technolgy and the law event is held each year in Silicon Valley, and includes a series of presentations from experts in various fields that apply to member companies. This once a year event is open to non-members from Silicon Valley corporate legal departments. It draws speakers from all over in the United States and internationally. Members also have access to videos and webinars to learn more about hot topics of interest.

Examining Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Trends

An attorney in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, Ben Lyon earned his law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Since 2015, attorney Ben Lyon served as the general counsel and executive vice president of ImmixBiopharma, a biopharmaceutical company.

There is an ever-growing need for biopharmaceuticals around the world as the population looks toward less expensive options for medications. Biological drugs, produced from living sources, are far different from synthetic drugs. As with branded drugs with generic alternatives, biological drugs have biosimilars. Companies are working to produce biosimilars for up to 15 significant drugs that will reduce prices significantly.

Manufacturers have relied on Asia for their active pharmaceutical ingredients for a number of years, but now, manufacturers are looking for other sources. Sourcing ingredients from other areas will help ensure that there is enough to meet demand.

Research and development should also see a big push since governments and corporations see how crucial they are. Expect to see larger investments from both governments and private firms in the future of biopharmaceuticals.