BioMarin, a San Rafael-based biopharmaceutical company, was founded in 1997 by Christopher Starr, Ph.D., and Grant W. Denison Jr. Today the company has become a world leader in developing and commercializing first-in-class and best-in-class treatments that provide meaningful advancements for rare diseases driven by genetic causes. BioMarin has six products on the market today.
“Our 20-year track record of bringing innovative technologies to disease areas has enabled strong, long-standing relationships with the communities we serve,” says Debra Charlesworth, vice president of corporate communications for BioMarin. “The efficiency and speed of our research, development, manufacturing, and commercial efforts is at the heart of our ability to urgently deliver therapies. Our history of developing and commercializing new treatments has been significantly faster than the industry average and our award-winning gene therapy manufacturing facility has made significant improvements in productivity and increased capacity for up to 10,000 patients per year.”
The company’s core mission—making a big impact in small patient populations—is ingrained in their culture. The pioneering spirit of the company pushes them to constantly envision and explore new possibilities in every aspect of the business. They are also proud of how the company has supported diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce—especially in the STEM fields. From supporting women in leadership positions at all levels of the organization, to fostering underrepresented students in the field of biotechnology, the company values contributions from those with a broad spectrum of backgrounds, education, personalities, skill sets experiences and knowledge.
The past 10 years have seen significant changes to BioMarin, with tremendous overall growth. With significantly increasing revenues, its workforce has more than doubled, employing 3,000 people today. As a result, the company has adapted to meet the needs of a diverse workforce, ensuring everyone feels connected and supported to its overall mission.
In addition to meeting the needs of a growing and evolving workforce, BioMarin is also heavily involved in the local community. The company partners with local organizations, including Homeward Bound of Marin, Downtown Streets Team, Canal Alliance, North Marin Community Services and SchoolsRule Marin, among others. BioMarin also collaborates with Biotech Partners, an independent, non-profit, Bay Area-based organization focused on helping students underrepresented in the field of biotechnology to attain personal, academic, and professional development experiences through in-classroom instruction and paid internships within the biotech and health industries.
“At BioMarin, our support for diverse populations goes beyond the therapies we provide,” says Charlesworth. “We strive to support our local communities, developing programs and partnerships that enrich the areas where we live and work.”
A recent partnership between BioMarin and Whistlestop, a senior services organization, demonstrates BioMarin’s commitment to both underserved populations as well as the vibrancy of downtown San Rafael. The San Rafael City Council recently approved a plan to develop 67 low-income apartments, a public plaza and a senior center in conjunction with BioMarin’s proposed new office buildings. The approved plan represents a donation of land valued at $1.2 million dollars to Whistlestop.
BioMarin is also proud of the representation it has on numerous nonprofit boards and committees throughout the county. Its participation on the North Bay Leadership Council, Marin Economic Forum and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce are just small examples of how community involvement is important to them.
BioMarin has been recognized on Forbes magazine’s list of Most Innovative Companies across all industries for four consecutive years, from 2014 to 2018. The company also made Forbes’ 2018 and 2019 lists for America’s Best Midsize Employer, and it was ranked first among its peers in the ‘Drugs & Biotechnology’ industry, the No. 1 California company on the list. They were also awarded the 2018 ISPE Facility of the Year award for the category of ‘Project Execution.’
