2022 Award Winners and Finalists
Life Sciences PA is thrilled to announce the Pennsylvania life science community leaders receiving this year’s Annual Awards. These individuals and companies have made significant contributions to the industry during the past year and have dedicated their careers to achieving better outcomes for patients.
The Annual Awards Tailgate is your chance to network with our award winners. Reserve your spot now to get the chance to connect with leaders in the Pennsylvania life sciences community and visit our new headquarters in King of Prussia!
Federal Official of the Year Award
The Federal Official of the Year Award recognizes a federal official from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in Washington, DC on behalf of the life sciences industry.
Congressman John Joyce, M.D.
Since being sworn-in to office in 2019, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. has been engaged with, and supportive of, the Pennsylvania life sciences ecosystem. As a former clinician, he understands the importance of incentivizing innovation to provide patients access to novel medicines and technologies and has been supportive of policies that promote research and development.
State Official of the Year Award
The State Officials of the Year Award recognizes an official from Pennsylvania state government who has distinguished himself or herself as a leader who supports the life sciences community.
COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force
Helmed by David (Randy) Padfield, Director, PEMA, Sen. Art Haywood, Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, Sen. Ryan Aument, and Rep. Tim O’Neal, the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force ensured a smooth, bipartisan flow of vaccine information and removed obstacles to vaccinations on behalf of the broader Pennsylvania
General Assembly.
Emerging Company of the Year Award
The Emerging Company of the Year Award recognizes a company or organization that has experienced significant growth and/or achievement in 2021, while contributing positively to its community and the overall life sciences business climate of the Commonwealth.
Finalists:
Deal of the Year Award
The Deal of the Year Award recognizes an organization or organizations which have promoted the growth of Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry by way of a substantial deal or strategic partnership in 2021.
Finalists:
Century Therapeutics completed its initial public offering (IPO), which yielded $211 million.
CSL Behring entered into a $450 million global commercialization and licensing agreement with uniQure for etranacogene dezaparvovec.
Interius BioTherapeutics raised $76 million in their Series A financing.
Scientific Achievement Award
The Scientific Achievement Award recognizes a scientist in the Pennsylvania life sciences community who has demonstrated outstanding achievement by advancing scientific knowledge, innovation, and/or patient care in their lifetime.
Ernest K. Manders, M.D.
With a career that has spanned over 40 years, Dr. Ernest K. Manders has pioneered numerous technologies within the field of medical devices. His differential breast expander has been the basis of soft tissue expansion for breasts for over 30 years.
Patient Impact Award
The Patient Impact Award recognizes a medicine, therapy, device, or organization that has made a significant contribution to the quality of healthcare or length of life of patients in 2021.
Katalin Kariko, PhD
Drew Weissman, MD, PhD
Through their research into mRNA as a potential therapeutic, Dr. Katalin Kariko and Dr. Drew Weissman laid the groundwork for the COVID-19 vaccines administered worldwide in 2021.
President’s Service Award
The President’s Service Award recognizes an individual in Life Sciences PA’s membership who has made a significant contribution to the organization through volunteering time, leadership, and energy to help advance the Association’s mission.
Marcia O’Connor
Throughout 2021, Marcia O’Connor moderated the Tell Me About Your Job series, taking the time to attend pre-event calls with speakers and connect with students from around the world and from underrepresented groups in the life sciences industry.
John Nash MedTech Leadership Award
The John Nash MedTech Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding leader in the Pennsylvania med tech community who best exemplifies the spirit of innovation in Pennsylvania.
Branislav Jaramaz, PhD
As a member of the 2019 inaugural class of Smith+Nephew Technical Fellows, Dr. Branislav Jaramaz has been recognized for his leadership within the company and broader industry. Dr. Jaramaz has been a mentor to countless young students and scientists while simultaneously co-founding a number of start-ups in the MedTech space.
Frank Baldino CEO of the Year Award
The Frank Baldino CEO of the Year Award recognizes a CEO who has demonstrated visionary leadership and active participation to advance the industry in 2021.
Valerie Asbury
With Valerie Asbury as CEO, LifeScan pivoted during the pandemic to provide a holistic and connected digital health platform for diabetes patients who otherwise did not have access to their healthcare providers. Ms. Asbury was also one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs of 2021.
Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award
The Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding leader in the life sciences community who best exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Tachi Yamada, M. D.
The late Dr. Tachi Yamada was a biotechnology icon with leadership roles at GSK, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, building vaccine R&D for shingles, dengue, and more. More recently, Dr. Yamada served as a co-founder and senior advisor to PassageBio and Phantom Pharmaceuticals.
Thank you to our award sponsors
