The Vision and Impact of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA Research Park
Reimagining Medicine: The Vision and Impact of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA Research Park
On May 23, 2024, the LABEST conference hosted by UCLA Technology Development Group featured a groundbreaking panel highlighting the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy (CII), a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership housed in the new UCLA Research Park. Moderated by Lindsey Williams, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Development, the panel brought together four prominent co-founders: Dr. Arie Belldegrun, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Dr. Gary Michelson, and Dr. Owen Witte. Together, they shared the remarkable vision behind the CII and its potential to revolutionize biomedical research and treatment on a global scale.
The Opportunity: Building the "Silicon Valley of Immunology"
The CII aspires to be to immunology what Silicon Valley is to technology. As shared by Dr. John Mazziotta, CEO of UCLA Health, in his prepared remarks, "There is no disorder for which treatments would not be improved by a better understanding of the immune system, including aging."
With its physical home at the redeveloped Westside Pavilion—now the UCLA Research Park—CII merges bioscience research with quantum science and engineering. The goal: to create a powerful engine for therapeutic innovation, economic development, and global impact.
Why Immunology, Why Now?
Dr. Owen Witte, a leading immunologist known for his work on the cancer drug Gleevec, underscored the central role of the immune system in virtually every disease. "Every single human disease has something to do with inflammation or the immune response," he said. Immunology is no longer a niche—it's the throughline across oncology, infectious disease, autoimmune disorders, and even neurodegeneration.
The panel emphasized that the convergence of AI, quantum computing, and big data offers an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate discoveries and translate them quickly into treatments. "We're building the Manhattan Project for immunology," said Dr. Michelson.
Public-Private Synergy: A New Model for Biomedical Innovation
What makes CII unique is its structure. It is a standalone 501(c)(3) organization and a novel public-private-academic collaboration. The State of California has committed $500 million—an unprecedented investment—joined by transformative philanthropic gifts and soon, industry partnerships.
Dr. Gary Michelson, renowned for his scientific philanthropy, remarked: "This isn’t research for research's sake. This is about preventing and curing disease. We've already developed vaccines against large parasitic worms and are now aiming to prevent cancer."
Michelson called on commercial partners to think bigger than stadium naming rights. "Why not put your name in front of something that could eradicate disease?"
Incubator of Innovation: Cutting Bureaucracy, Scaling Startups
Dr. Belldegrun described CII as a launchpad for the next generation of Amgens and Genentechs. Its flexible IP policies and streamlined governance cut the red tape often seen in academia. Technologies developed within the Institute stay within the Institute, fostering faster commercialization and startup formation.
"There will be a desk," he emphasized, "for any young scientist who wants to spin out a company. It’s a one-stop shop."
He also called for building a culture of entrepreneurship at UCLA and in Southern California more broadly. "Thirty years ago, there was nothing in Santa Monica. Now we have Kite, Cougar, and dozens of other companies that grew from UCLA labs. CII will multiply that."
UCLA Research Park: The Heart of the Ecosystem
The decision to house CII in the UCLA Research Park rather than on-campus was strategic. As Dr. Esrailian explained, "This gives us space, flexibility, and proximity to industry and community. We can create a dynamic hub that brings together academia, startups, and global partners."
Located in a repurposed Westside mall, the new 500,000-square-foot facility offers room for startup incubators, biopharma satellite offices, and quantum labs. It represents a bold reimagining of urban infrastructure for scientific advancement.
Talent and Community: Building a Dream Team
Panelists repeatedly emphasized the need to attract and retain top talent from around the world. Dr. Belldegrun and Dr. Witte committed to creating an environment that nurtures both rigorous academic research and bold entrepreneurship.
As Dr. Michelson put it, "It might be too late for me, but this is going to change my children's lives. That’s why we’re doing this."
Dr. Esrailian also spoke about the inclusive and inter-institutional nature of CII: "This isn’t just UCLA’s Institute. It’s California’s. We welcome Caltech, USC, and everyone else who shares this mission."
Funding and Philanthropy: A Call to Action
The panel closed with a clear message to potential funders, donors, and corporate partners: CII is a generational opportunity.
"We are in fundraising mode," said Dr. Michelson. "But what we need isn’t just money—it’s smart partners who want to build something enduring."
The Institute offers unique returns to donors and partners: not just recognition or naming rights, but the chance to participate in the world’s most urgent health breakthroughs.
The Future Begins Now
In closing, Dr. Esrailian offered a quote that captured the spirit of the moment: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."
The California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA Research Park is more than a building or a program. It is a movement—one that merges the best of science, engineering, medicine, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship to reshape the future of human health.
Or as Robert Mowry of Del Mar Medical Devices later remarked, "This panel wasn’t just inspiring—it was catalytic. You could feel the spark of the next biotech revolution starting right there."
With momentum, capital, talent, and vision, the Institute is poised to transform not just Los Angeles, but the world.