Saturday, November 21, 2009 
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San Diego’s Top Influentials highlights the Who’s Who in San Diego business, profiling the top newsmakers of 2008. This year we focus on the leaders in Biotech, Tech & Defense; Construction; Finance; Law and Business & Consumer Services; and Real Estate.
Since 1886, The Daily Transcript has seen and reported on many significant changes to San Diego’s economic landscape, many of which stem from the remarkable ideas and contributions of individuals. We pay tribute to these prominent newsmakers — San Diego’s movers and shakers — with a special salute to the Top Influentials.
Since 1886, The Daily Transcript has seen and reported on many significant changes to San Diego’s economic landscape, many of which stem from the remarkable ideas and numerous contributions of single individuals. These individuals have impacted our lives, our communities, our economy. Now, we pay tribute to these prominent newsmakers – San Diego’s movers and shakers – with a special salute to the 120 Top Influentials.
As The Daily Transcript celebrates its 120th year in print, our editorial board -- with help from the San Diego Historical Society -- reflects back on our region’s rich history. In this feature, we pay tribute to some of the pioneers who played an integral part in laying the foundation for San Diego’s future growth. Read more about the contributions these individuals have made as the Transcript takes a brief look back through time.
In celebration of The Daily Transcript's 120th Anniversary, we pay tribute to the prominent business leaders -- past and present -- who have impacted the region. The Daily Transcript thanks its sponsors for participating in this anniversary publication.
6455 Nancy Ridge Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121
Dr. Deirdre Gillespie, formerly CEO of U.K.-based Oxxon Therapeutics and COO of San Diego's own Vical Inc., today helms a public company with some money in the bank and a phase 3 drug candidate being studied at clinical sites worldwide.
"It was a most attractive opportunity," said La Jolla Pharmaceutical Co. President and CEO Gillespie, who recently replaced longtime CEO Steven Engle. "The company has an excellent group of new investors, and is in a place I know I can live."
But it's a duty not every executive would be willing to accept. La Jolla Pharmaceutical's lead drug candidate to treat lupus kidney disease, Riquent, has been evaluated in more than a dozen clinical trials over the course of a decade without earning federal marketing approval.
The company hopes to change that by going big - increasing the number of patients and dosage involved in its latest phase 3 trial.