In Golf We Trust

"Areas like San Diego that are rich in entrepreneurial activity are more likely to gain as Big Pharma looks for innovative technology to fill their pipelines," says John Wetherell, co-head of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman's life sciences industry team.

"This is a year of opportunity and major decisions for both the industry's titans and newly minted players," he continues. "With venture-backed and acquisitive entities seeking the lead in a finite number of promising areas, researchers are weighing the best business plans and merits of partners and alliances."

In the meantime, there's an even rarer opportunity—the US Open golf tournament will take place smack in the middle of the biocluster, at the Torry Pines Gold Course starting June 9. "We're working with the San Diego Economic Development Corporation to put out invitations to as many prospects as possible," says Panetta. "They'll spend time getting to know the mayor, getting to know us, and having an opportunity to interact with other CEOs. Hopefully it will give them the flavor of what we have here, because it is unique.

"We've got so many companies that can go out and talk to people all over the world in pharmaceutical companies, and entice them to take a look at what's here. This year is really going to be a time of growth for the industry here."