Q3 2026 Newsletter
Message From the CEO
I begin this quarter’s update with important contextual data and information regarding Pennsylvania’s life sciences community and our collective economic impact. After thorough research and analysis by KPMG, we released our biennial report in Q3 and the data tell a powerful story. Between 2016 and 2024, Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry grew its economic output by 47%, reaching nearly $130 billion with more than 3,900 research, development, manufacturing and commercialization organizations calling the commonwealth home – a 37% increase over the same period. This growth and expansion likely buttressed the ecosystem as the innovation economy across the U.S. ran into chilling markets and considerable headwinds in the latter half of 2024 and throughout 2025. Our industry, comprised of scientists and business leaders accustomed to solving the most vexing challenges, remained determined to address unmet medical needs and rise into brighter skies and genuine optimism in 2026. To access the full report, click here.
The third quarter of this year also saw continued momentum toward implementation of Innovate in PA 2.0, the Shapiro Administration’s signature life sciences initiative in the 2026-2027 State Budget, signed July 12. We covered Innovate in PA 2.0 extensively in the Q2 Newsletter and are pleased to see continued enthusiasm for its launch. We anticipate the announcement of a planning grant in Q4 for the statewide clinical trials network – a key element of Innovate in PA 2.0 – and will continue to keep our LSPA Members informed as the program rolls out.
The sights and sounds of Life Sciences Future (LSF) are behind us, but any summary of Q3 2026 at Life Sciences PA must include a recap of our annual conference. First, a hearty “thank you” to our Planning Committee (too many to list here) and our co-chairs, Barb Carlin and Jeff Dayno, for what was one of the best editions of our conference ever. Nearly 600 attendees heard from experts on hot topics such as the rapidly improving state of the industry; the public and political discourse over AI; clinical trials and dealmaking in China; and the evolving field of GLP-1 technology and weight loss management. With more than 160 partnering meetings over two days; 93 speakers, panelists, moderators and company presentations at both the global and start-up levels; and the always-compelling Patient Spotlight; LSF 2026 was an enormous success. More on the conference in the following pages.
It’s important to note: the connections don’t stop at LSF. Our Membership is your network and we were pleased to welcome 81 new Members into Life Sciences PA in Q3 further enhancing the web of contacts at your disposal. Our Q4 programs include something for everyone: exclusive opportunities for CEOs and Senior Finance Executives to gather for the CEO and CEO&CFO Dinners; patient advocates will join us for Rare Disease Day and the annual Patient Summit; and the entire community will come together in Pittsburgh and King of Prussia for our annual holiday events. We are keeping our foot on the gas and expect to close out the year strong.
This quarter’s edition of The Newsletter offers a glimpse into the work being performed by your trade association, Life Sciences PA, and the numerous opportunities still around the corner this year for making strategic connections. But, as always, contact a member of the LSPA team to learn how to make the most of your membership.
Thank you for your continued support. We all hope to see you in Q4.
All the best,
Christopher P. Molineaux
President & CEO
Life Sciences Pennsylvania
Advocacy
If you would like to get involved in our federal advocacy or have any questions, please contact Lara Flynn (lflynn@lifesciencespa.org), Sr. Director, Federal Policy & Public Affairs.
Congresswoman Dean Tours Almac and Pfizer
We appreciate member companies Almac Group and Pfizer for hosting Congresswoman Madeline Dean (D-PA-04) over the summer and sharing directly with her, the importance of the vibrant life sciences ecosystem in her Congressional District. Visits like these provide our public officials with a direct, first-hand understanding of the complex work of our member organizations.
August 19, 2026 (Souderton, PA) – Congresswoman Dean tours Almac
TarifFs
As the September 29th tariff deadline approached, LSPA worked with our member companies and our national partners on the urgent need for greater clarity from the Department of Commerce surrounding the Section 232 tariffs. This is a message that Life Sciences PA has also communicated to legislators in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, particularly given Pennsylvania’s robust and diverse life sciences supply chain ecosystem.
Details have been updated in the Federal Register, but this will affect individual companies in very different ways depending on things like indication (e.g. orphan products) and sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Please see additional Guidance and Procedures for Implementing Tariff Adjustments for Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Associated Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Technical Corrections to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed Under Proclamation 11020. One important note, as LSPA understands the guidance, the tariff rate will be zero for pharmaceutical products and associated ingredients solely intended for clinical trials, research and development, or other non-commercial applications.
Please join us on October 27, 2026 for Now&Next – Meet the Leaders: SUPPLY CHAIN to hear more about this essential component of our industry.
Rally for Medical Research
Life Sciences PA was proud to join advocates and the American Association for Cancer Researchers for the “Rally for Medical Research” in Washington, DC. We met with almost all of the Pennsylvania delegation offices and directly with Senator McCormick who shared his commitment to NIH funding.
Following our meeting with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), the LSPA 2025 Federal official the year, shared the following HERE. “The fight against cancer is personal for so many of us. It certainly is for me. Grateful for the time today with AACR and the incredible Carolyn Searles, a breast cancer survivor, just like my mom and sister. AACR and its community of researchers are driving the discoveries that lead to new treatments, more time, and more lives saved. Together, we are working to accelerate lifesaving research and bring us closer to a future where every cancer can be prevented, treated, or cured. Thank you for your time today, and for your critical partnership in this fight.”
Several days later, Senator McCormick published an Opinion in the Washington Post highlighting the breakthroughs happening across the commonwealth, encouraging greater investments in NIH funding and recommending additional changes. Read the Senator’s Op Ed here.
Additionally, Pennsylvania’s Senators, in a bipartisan manner, continue to press Secretary Kennedy, OMB Director Russ Vought, and NIH Director Bhattacharya on the impact of NIH grant cancellations on institutions and the greater scientific ecosystem. Letters on these issues can be found via the links, below:
September 17, 2026 (Washington, DC) – AACR President Elect Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania and advocates from across Pennsylvania pictured in the Hart Senate Office Building following our meeting with Senator McCormick.
Pahpa
As Congress briefly returned from August recess, LSPA joined stakeholders with letters to Congressional leadership on several priorities including reauthorization of Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and combating Antimicrobial Resistance with the PASTEUR Act. A letter for the former issue can be found HERE.
IPAY 2029
LSPA submitted comments to CMS regarding proposed updates to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for 2029. Meaningful improvements to existing treatments have an important impact on patients’ ability to access and benefit from advancements in care. Innovations that make treatments easier to use, improve adherence, address specific population needs, or provide new therapeutic options should not be treated as interchangeable. The proposed approach could have far-reaching consequences by reducing incentives to pursue these advances.
Asap Act
Life Sciences PA was pleased to see forward progress on S.3267/H.R.6130, The Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act, with both Pennsylvania Senators and the majority of the Pennsylvania House delegation co-sponsoring. The legislation will expand access to novel Alzheimer’s diagnostics across the commonwealth and around the country. LSPA sent letters to the entire delegation in support of this legislation. You can find an example of that letter HERE.
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If you would like to get involved in our state advocacy or need more information on contacting your legislator, please contact Kurt Imhof (kimhof@lifesciencespa.org), Sr. Vice President, State Policy & Public Affairs.
Signing Ceremony for Innovate in PA 2.0
Life Sciences Pennsylvania’s President & CEO, Chris Molineaux, was honored to take part in an event to celebrate the signing of Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget that included the $125 million ‘Innovate in PA 2.0’ program. The event, held at CYTO PHL, featured Governor Shapiro, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) President & CEO, Madeline Bell, Steamfitters Local 420 Business Manager, Jim Snell, Pennsylvania Senators Vince Hughes and Steve Santarsiero, and Representative Tim Briggs. This investment represents the most significant investment in Pennsylvania’s life sciences community in almost three decades. Through initiatives such as a clinical trial network, establishing venture studios in locations throughout the commonwealth, supporting partnerships between biotechnology and life sciences companies, and training providers and educational institutions to prepare students for careers in those sectors, it will incentivize investment into this ecosystem.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has launched a website for Innovate in PA 2.0 that includes links to different components of the program. At the bottom of the website is an email sign up to receive updates about Innovate in PA 2.0 and the related grants. Signing up for announcements is the best way to ensure you’re up to date on funding opportunities through that initiative.
July 21, 2026 (Philadelphia, PA) Life Sciences PA President & CEO, Chris Molineaux delivers remarks on Innovate in PA 2.0 alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Animal Testing Legislation
After passing the Pennsylvania Senate in 2025, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee passed an amended version of Senate Bill 381 September 24. Thank you to Judiciary Committee Chair Tim Briggs for convening several meetings with multiple stakeholders to arrive at a compromise amendment to this bill, which includes language on the adoption of dogs and cats utilized in research, prohibits the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals, and requires animal testing facilities to publish a link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Care public search tool on their website, among other items.
Life Sciences PA was supportive of the amendment (A04284) that passed the Judiciary Committee. The final bill is expected to pass both the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
US-UAE Business Council Meeting and Tour
Life Sciences PA was pleased to participate in meetings and tours with the U.S. – U.A.E Business Council in early September. This visit was an important opportunity to highlight the commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem and understand the opportunities to collaborate with the U.A.E. It was also helpful for the U.A.E to speak directly to several of the leaders in Pennsylvania’s life sciences community as we explore partnership possibilities around the world. Thank you to the Governor’s office and the U.S. – U.A.E. Business Council for their work to help convene this event.
PA House Communications and Technology Committee Tour of Iovance
Thank you to Iovance Biotherapeutics for hosting the Chairs of the Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee, Representative Joe Ciresi (D-PA HD 146) and Representative Jason Ortitay (R-PA HD 46). Chairs Ciresi and Ortitay toured the Iovance Cell Therapy Center and saw, first-hand, their state-of-the-art facility where they manufacture the first FDA-approved cell therapy (AMTAGVI) for a solid tumor cancer. Visits like this provide legislators with an indispensable view of the work of LSPA member organizations and help ensure public officials have direct knowledge of the work of life sciences entities in the state.
Madrigal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Congratulations to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals on the ribbon cutting and expansion of its offices in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania on September 14.
It was an honor for Life Sciences Pennsylvania President & CEO, Chris Molineaux, to join Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, Rick Siger, Madrigal Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sibold, and other state, regional and industry leaders to celebrate this exciting milestone. Investments like these strengthen Pennsylvania’s life sciences ecosystem, create high-quality jobs and reinforce our commonwealth’s position as a leader in innovation.
Life Sciences PA is proud to support companies that are advancing groundbreaking therapies and driving economic growth across the state.
September 14, 2026 (Conshohocken, PA) – Company leadership, state, and regional leaders gather to cut the ribbon in celebration of Madrigal’s new headquarters
Active Protective Tour
Thank you to Wamis Singhatat and Tyler Ulanowicz of Active Protective for hosting Megan Griffin-Shelley at their Conshohocken facility in September. Megan Griffin-Shelley is running (unopposed) in Pennsylvania House District 148 in Montgomery County. The district is currently represented by Mary Jo Daley who is retiring from the state legislature at the end of this year. This tour and meeting were a great opportunity for Megan to learn about an innovative medical technology company, its operations, and the patients they serve in the district she is almost certain to be representing in January of 2027.
September 22, 2026 (Conshohocken, PA) – Candidate for PA House District, Morgan Griffin-Shelley, visits Active Protective
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Upcoming Events
Hear from patients, advocates, policy makers and industry leaders about developments shaping the life sciences ecosystem. This is an opportunity for stakeholders to share personal stories and perspectives, and explore the connections and interactions driving new innovations to patients.
November 12, 2026
The Pittsburgh Holiday Luncheon celebrates the achievements of the life sciences community in Western and Central Pennsylvania. Join us for the opportunity to connect with members from the West, enjoy a lunch at The Distillery Complex, and enjoy views of the city!
December 8, 2026
Join the LSPA Board of Directors and staff, leaders across the industry and life sciences professionals for our final event of the year. Attend the Now&Next – Meet the Leaders: NEUROSCIENCE panel discussion then head to our headquarters to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and more! Celebrate the end of the year and welcome the newest members.
December 10, 2026
Event Recap
Life Sciences Future brought together nearly 600 attendees representing 337 organizations from across the U.S. and around the world for two days of innovation, collaboration and industry insight.
The conference opened with a State of the Industry Panel and featured company presentations throughout the event across the Main Stage, Startup Stadium, and Entrepreneur Arena. Attendees also explored key topics including industry-academic partnerships, international clinical trials and dealmaking and the future of GLP-1 and weight-management therapies.
Highlights included keynote remarks from the 27th Commissioner of the FDA Dr. Marty Makary, insights from the founders of Arca on the growing role of AI in healthcare, and a powerful Patient Spotlight session focused on Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB), reminding attendees of the patients at the heart of every innovation.
By the numbers, the event included:
- 47 sponsors
- 29 exhibitors
- 31 company presenters
- 16 reverse pitch organizations
- 34 investment firms represented by 54 investors
- More than 160 partnering meetings
The audience reflected strong executive engagement, with nearly half of attendees serving as CEOs, Presidents, or Vice Presidents.
Life Sciences Future once again demonstrated the strength of the life sciences ecosystem and the importance of collaboration in advancing new technologies, therapies, and solutions. The connections made and partnerships formed throughout the event will help drive innovation and improve patient outcomes for years to come.
BEING A LIFE SCIENCES LEADER PODCAST
With a bird’s-eye-view of the life sciences industry, Life Sciences Pennsylvania President & CEO, Chris Molineaux, joins Rachael Bushey, Partner and Co-managing Partner of the Philadelphia office of Goodwin Procter to welcome life sciences leaders to give insights into the complex and high-risk world of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics and the services that support them. Here we learn what it means to be a life sciences leader.
Welcome 2026 New Members
3Sixty Pharma Solutions
Accelevir Diagnostics, LLC
Adult Congenital Heart Association
Adventure Bioscience
Allied Resources Technical Consultants
American Red Cross
AmlysBio
Archentis Partners
Aspicio Therapeutics Inc
AVS Life Sciences
BioPrism, Inc.
BIP
Boas Strategic Advisors, LLC
CGZ Healthy Holdings Inc
Chryselys
Claria Partners
CRB Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Crown Biosciences Inc.
Cure Dynamics, Inc.
Cure LGMD2i Foundation
DCan Biosciences Inc.
DGA Group
ElkosRx
EpiBone, Inc.
Epidarex Capital
Ethos Biosciences
Facial Pain Research Foundation
FatBall Therapeutics
Fauna Bio
Flamma USA
Fluorosurgical Biosciences, LLC
GDI Services Inc.
Generian
Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM)
Intelli Cardio Inc.
Itch Bio
JP Galda & Co
LexStrat Law
Leyton
Louve & Faucon Consulting, LLC
Mainstay Engineering Group, Inc.
Mandeville Therapeutics
Medmiro
Miltenyi Biotec
MyAmici
ND Galli Law LLC
NeuRx Medical, Inc.
Nilo Medical Consulting Group, LLC
Nuevocor Therapeutics Inc.
NX Development Corp.
Omlie Consulting
Pepin Manufacturing, Inc.
PhaRA
Pierogi Therapeutics
Pittcon Conference and Exposition
Pneumax LLC
PPT
Prana Life Sciences, LLC
PRG LifeSciences
ProBio
QPS, LLC
Quotient Sciences
Results First Corp
Revobo LLC
Savara Inc.
SCIEX
SeqCenter
Skillpad Inc.
Strongarm Designs, Inc.
Subito Motus Consulting LLC
Synaptiq Therapeutics ehf
TETRAPHARM
The Alliance Group
The Experience Design Studio
T-NeuroDx
TrialStat Solutions Inc.
TriApex Laboratories Inc.
United Therapeutics Corporation
Upgrader Therapeutics, Inc.
Valenscion Holdings
Xenagos Bio, Inc.
Thank you to our 2026 newsletter sponsors
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Life Sciences Pennsylvania was founded in 1989 by a biotech scientist at Penn State University. Today it has grown to represent the entire life sciences industry – biotechnology and diagnostic companies, medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, investment organizations, research institutions, and myriad service industries that support the life sciences in Pennsylvania.