Q2 Newsletter 2025
Q2 Newsletter 2025
President’s Message
The second quarter of 2025 continued to bring unprecedented changes on the federal government level, as the LSPA advocacy team sifted through the noise to provide updates and resources to inform our Membership how these changes will affect their organizations. Navigating the current federal landscape was an especially hot topic addressed on stage at our inaugural Life Sciences Future SW conference this past April in Pittsburgh. Hosted in partnership with the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance, we welcomed Pittsburgh based organizations as well as many innovators and investors from throughout the state and country to hear about the advancements happening in the Pittsburgh region. These attendees heard directly from experts about harnessing AI, next generation therapeutics, and how to attract investors. In a challenging funding environment, we saw connections being made and conversations flowing, giving a glimpse into the perseverance of our industry.
Perseverance was a common theme we heard from Members in Q2, especially during our Meet the Leaders Breakfast Panel, where leaders discussed working with the FDA and how their new AI tool Elsa could affect the approval process. We host these panels and networking opportunities not only to facilitate collaboration within our ecosystem, but to keep our Members abreast of the latest developments that could help or hinder their growth.
Outside PA, the LSPA team also traveled to Boston for the 2025 BIO International Convention to run the Pennsylvania Pavilion on behalf of the state. Alongside our economic development partners in the region, we hosted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in the pavilion after his budget proposal included an innovation fund specifically with $30 million allocated for the advancement of life sciences. A conference designed to bring together various states and countries for collaboration, LSPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leaders from Bio Taiwan, continuing a years-long partnership.
We look to the end of summer and Q3 with optimism that partnerships are still being forged, deals are still being made, and funding, although scarce, is still being secured by some. We continue to provide all resources we have at our disposal to alleviate pressures and propel our Member organizations forward. I hope you will join us for our largest partnering event and annual meeting, Life Sciences Future this September 25-26, which promises to bring hot topics, cool speakers, and new connections.
This quarter’s edition of The Newsletter offers a glimpse into the work being performed by your trade association, Life Sciences PA.
Thank you for your continued support.
All the best,
Christopher Molineaux
President & CEO
Life Sciences Pennsylvania
Life Sciences Future SW
In partnership with the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance, Life Sciences PA was proud to host the inaugural Life Sciences Future SW conference in Pittsburgh April 2025. More than 300 attendees gathered to hear from panelists, network with exhibitors, and learn about the innovation and advancement happening in the southwest region of Pennsylvania. Read more about the conference in the “events” section of this newsletter below.
BIO International Convention
Life Sciences PA represented the state of Pennsylvania alongside other economic development organizations at the BIO International Convention this past June in Boston. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the pavilion to see firsthand the showcase of scientific and business prowess in Pennsylvania to investors and anyone seeking to establish a life sciences organization in the commonwealth.
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Advocacy
Please visit the Advocacy Action Center to weigh in with your state and federal representatives, on the importance of the Governor’s investments in the life sciences and innovation and proposals to alter NIH funding, respectively.
CSBA Fly-In
April 2, 2025
As members of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA), LSPA works closely with national partner BIO to advance our federal priorities including investments in rare disease research, SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) reauthorization and tax policies that encourage and incentive innovation.
In meetings April 2 with Pennsylvania delegation members and their senior staff, Life Sciences PA discussed the importance of the FDA as the gold standard in safety and efficacy, maintaining a robust NIH, affect of tariffs on the life sciences industry, and other topics important to our member organizations. Life Sciences PA will continue to work with federal legislators to advocate for policies that incentivize innovation and increase patient access to life saving treatments and therapeutics.
In addition to policy discussions, LSPA President & CEO, Christopher Molineaux, presented Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) with his Federal Official of the Year award, conferred at the LSPA Annual Dinner and Showcase in March.
Doctor Joyce continues to be a champion for Pennsylvania’s life sciences community and reintroduced the Optimizing Research Progress Hope And New Cures (ORPHAN Cures Act) in the 119th Congress. This legislation specifically addresses the incentive structure within the Inflation Reduction Act to encourage investment into orphan drug development. Reversing the IRA’s perverse incentives will ensure investment in medical research will specifically bring scientific innovation to patients with rare diseases and unmet medical needs. Life Sciences PA will continue to advocate on behalf of our membership to the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to move Congressman Joyce’s ORPHAN Cures Act forward and continue to educate on the complicated nature of prescription drug pricing and how sweeping policy changes can inhibit innovation for life-saving medicines – especially for patients and organizations focused on rare disorders.
LSPA also had the opportunity to connect directly with Senator McCormick’s Chief of Staff and key staff members in his Washington, DC office to strengthen the Senator’s understanding of our economic impact across the Commonwealth.
Roundtable with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick
April 18, 2025
Life Sciences Pennsylvania was honored to host Pennsylvania’s new United States Senator, Dave McCormick (R-PA) for an executive roundtable discussion at the Life Sciences Center in King of Prussia. The discussion on April 18 provided Senator McCormick an understanding of Pennsylvania’s life sciences ecosystem and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for patients and for the Commonwealth’s economy. CEOs from LSPA member companies provided the Senator a first-hand understanding of how life sciences companies at all stages work in partnership with the federal government.
MDMA Annual Meeting
April 30 – May 2, 2025
Each Spring, LSPA attends the Annual Meeting of one of its national partners, the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA). This event, held April 30 through May 2, includes a fly-in to Capitol Hill that LSPA is proud to participate in, along with informational discussions and keynote presentations from individuals like Dr. Michelle Tarver, Director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).
Meeting with U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan
June 4, 2025
Members of the LSPA Federal Policy Committee met with U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08) June 4 in Washington, D.C. Congressman Bresnahan is a new legislator in the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation – having been sworn-in earlier this year – and he represents much of northeastern Pennsylvania. Opportunities to connect with legislators, particularly those new to public office, are incredibly important to provide policy makers with a understanding of a complex ecosystem. Representative Bresnahan was particularly focused on finding opportunities to support and enhance Pennsylvania’s leadership in life sciences innovation and LSPA looks forward to further developing a relationship with Cong. Bresnahan and his office.
Congresswoman Houlahan and NSCED Event
June 20, 2025
Life Sciences PA was pleased to attend an event hosted by Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan in Phoenixville on June 20. The event welcomed the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology’s (NSCEB) for its “Biotech Across America” summer tour.
The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) was created by Congress in a bipartisan fashion to “…conduct a thorough review of how advancements in emerging biotechnology and related technologies will shape current and future national defense activities, including activities of the Department of Defense.” They released a comprehensive report to Congress, which you can find HERE. In follow-up to the Commission’s report, they also put forth a legislative proposal to advance biotechnology for U.S. national security, economic productivity, and competitiveness.
LSPA Member companies participating in the discussion included Venatorx, Ocugen, Ben Franklin Technology Partners and West Chester University.
(From left) Bin Yan of Penn State University testifies with Christopher Molineaux at a Senate Committee hearing in Harrisburg
Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee Hearing on Life Sciences
April 2025
LSPA President & CEO Chris Molineaux was honored to testify at a hearing in the Pennsylvania Senate April 1. The Senate Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee held its inaugural hearing on life sciences innovation in Pennsylvania. Life Sciences PA appreciates the leadership of Committee Chairs, Senator Frank Farry (R-SD 6) and Senator Tim Kearney (D-SD 26) to help ensure their colleagues understand this ecosystem’s benefits to patients and families, and its positive effect on the Commonwealth’s economy.
Thank you to Penn State University, Humotech, ElevateBio, Iovance, Johnson & Johnson, Life Sciences Greenhouse Investments, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, PA Building & Construction Trades Council, and EcoLab for participating. LSPA looks forward to working with this Committee, member organizations, and the with the General Assembly to pass policies – like the Governor’s budget proposal for innovation and the life sciences – that incentivize investment in our innovation economy.
You can view the hearing HERE
National Dialogue on Schizophrenia
May 2, 2025
LSPA was proud to partner with Teva Pharmaceuticals for a “National Dialogue on Schizophrenia – Pennsylvania” event in Philadelphia on May 4.
This half-day event featured presentations and a panel discussion covering the lived experience of patients, clinical treatment perspectives, addressing unmet needs, and policy proposals. Life Sciences PA was pleased to be joined by Dr. Eric Hughes, Chief Medical Officer at Teva Pharmaceuticals, and leaders from organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Philadelphia chapter and Mental Health Partnerships.
Finally, LSPA was honored to welcome Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Mental Health Caucus, Representatives Jennifer O’Mara (D-HD 165) and Mike Schlossberg (D-HD 132), along with Dr. Christina Finello, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council to kick-off this event.
PA Rare Disease Day
June 23, 2025
In partnership with the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC), Life Sciences PA was honored to host PA Rare Disease Day in Harrisburg June 23. This annual event, which included a press conference and legislative luncheon, raises awareness of the unique policy obstacles affecting rare disease patients and their families, and is a chance to educate and inform legislators and administration officials on how they can most effectively work together for better outcomes throughout the Commonwealth while incentivizing investment in rare disease research and development.
At this year’s event, a new House Democratic Rare Disease Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Nathan Davidson, was announced. Additionally, Life Sciences PA is pleased to see movement on SB 715 and HB 1527 – companion bills that extend the sunset on Pennsylvania’s Rare Disease Advisory Council.
Budget Update
As we approach the state budget deadline of June 30 there has been no sign of meaningful progress towards a final spending agreement. This is exacerbated by uncertainty at the federal level, particularly around additional cuts to Medicaid that would significantly affect state budgets.
Regardless of the budget timeline, Life Sciences PA continues to advocate several budget-related policy priorities important to its member organizations, including:
- Governor Shapiro’s $50 million innovation investment including $30 million for the life sciences.
- Establish a state SBIR/STTR matching program (Representative Takac co-sponsorship memo; Senators Farry and Haywood SB 811). SB 811 has moved out of Committee with unanimous support.
- Expand the cap on the Research & Development Tax Credit (Representatives Briggs and Gaydos HB 1004; Senators Farry and Santarsiero SB 792).
- Create a neurodegenerative disease research program (Representatives Mullins and Cutler HB 704)
- Allow for the sale of net operating losses (NOLs) by start-up businesses (Representatives Friel and Fritz HB 1129)
House Co-Chairs of the Life Sciences Caucus tour Bayer in Lebanon County
Bayer and Pfizer Legislative Visits
June 2025
LSPA took part in two legislative visits in June with member organizations. The House Co-Chairs of the Life Sciences Caucus – Representatives Briggs, Gaydos, Kosierowski and Zimmerman – visited Bayer Pharmaceuticals manufacturing facility in Lebanon County.
Several Democratic House legislators from southeastern Pennsylvania visited Pfizer in Montgomery County to learn about their footprint in the state, their cyber security efforts, and how businesses and policy makers can work together to incentivize investment in the life sciences sector.
Opportunities like this are incredibly important for legislators as they provide critical, first-hand knowledge of the work of Life Sciences Pennsylvania’s member organizations.
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Events
Life Sciences Future SW
April 24, 2025 | Pittsburgh, PA
This full day conference brought in hundreds of innovators from across the commonwealth and the country to learn what is happening in the Pittsburgh region. Panel discussions covered AI in the life sciences, what’s happening at the federal level, next generation therapies, and investor advice.
Presentations spanned the day with global investment organizations presenting what they are looking for in their next partnership, and start-up companies pitched to a panel of all-stars and receieved live feedback. The day concluded with networking and cocktails as the perfect end to a productive first conference.
The Annual Tailgate
May 14, 2025 | King of Prussia, PA
Members braved the early morning rain to set up their tailgates just in time for the clouds to clear. Hundreds of tailgaters brought games, prizes, food, and their business cards for one of our biggest networking events of the year. Live music was provided by the Band Infusion of B. Braun Medical and beer tents and food trucks made for the perfect layout for the tailgate. Check it out below!
Connect@ Exponent
April 3, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA
Attendees gathered at One uCity Square in Philadelphia for an evening of cocktails and networking for Connect@ Exponent. The team at Exponent gave tours of their new state-of-the-art laboratory and office space.
Next Opportunities for our Workforce (NOW): Position Yourself
May 30, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA
As growing concerns of layoffs in the Philadelphia area in life sciences surged, LSPA partnered with The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Keystone LifeSci Collaborative, and University City Science Center to create NOW: Position Yourself. This half-day event allowed displaced workers to connect one-on-one with HR professionals in best practices for interviewing, LinkedIn and resume building, and career strategy. They also heard from a panel of experts who shared insight on how to approach the job search.
Meet the Leaders – A Breakfast Panel
June 12, 2025 | Gwynedd, PA
Members packed into the Springhouse Innovation Park for a morning of coffee, networking, and conversation around perserverance. Three leaders from Lungpacer Medical, Neuraptive Therapeutics, and Fujirebio Diagnostics discussed determination, best practices of working with regulators and the future of AI in the FDA.
Biomanufacturing Immersion
June 26, 2025 | King of Prussia, PA
Members gathered at the LSPA offices in King of Prussia for a one-day course on the biomanufacturing process, gaining a new understanding of the core biomanufacturing process, insights into regulatory and quality requirements, and emerging trends and business considerations.
Connect@ OraSure Technologies, Inc.
June 26, 2025 | Lehigh Valley, PA
Members gathered at the new OraSure Technologies facility in the Lehigh Valley to tour the space, enjoy cocktails, networking with one another and hear about the exciting developments underway for the organization.
Operator’s Manual
Life Sciences PA continued the digital education series in 2025, with experts from cybersecurity, legal, fundraising, and drug development providing invaluable advice to members on best practices for their day-to-day operations.
Protect Your Assets: Safeguarding Your Cyber DNA
This complimentary digital series featured Jerry Megaro, Vice President, Proconex and Ryan Roth, Chief Architect, Layer 8 Security who provided the best practices and key precautions for adopting AI responsibly. They discussed how a Total Force approach can help life sciences companies implement AI in a secure and effective way.
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Welcome 2025 Q2 New Members!
Advanced Optronics Inc
Afton Consulting Group
AltruMed
Aneurisk Inc.
Atomic Medical Innovations
Avilez Rocha Consulting LLC
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Benchmark Products
BioAgilytix Labs, LLC
BioCentriq
Biocytogen
BioIVT
CGI
CRIO
Culture Biosciences
DermAb.io
Echogenesis Therapeutics Inc.
Eigen X
ElevateBio
Every Cure
FluidiSpec
Franklin Biolabs Inc.
Hayflick Partners LLC
HIRE-IQ
Howson & Howson LLP
Immudex
InnSight Technology
Inspired Material Strategies, LLC
IT Services Group, LLC
JRF America
Jeffrey Warden Design
Jurata Thin Film, Inc.
Korion Health
Leech Tishman
Lyophilization Technology, Inc.
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
MEDPIPE Maintenance Corporation
MedTech Dynamics, LLC
Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc.
MLP Ventures
MoleculeDx Inc
Nobias Therapeutics
NürnbergMesse Brasil – FEIRAS E CONGRESSOS LTDA.
Ok2StandUp Inc.
Oliver Design
Precision Neuroscopics Inc.
R3A Architecture
Ramius Services LLC
RhyGaze Inc.
SciSure, LLC
SeatonHill Partners
SERB Pharmaceuticals
Snail Biosciences, Inc.
SOKOL GxP Services
Solaris Endovascular, Inc.
Sonura Care Inc.
The Noramco Group
The Therapeutic Innovations Group
ToxiSense
Turnberry Solutions
University Place Associates
US Lab Partners
Vellum Biosciences, LLC
Vibrant Biomedicines, Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank
Zegenex
Thank you to our 2025 newsletter sponsors!
J&J Innovative Medicine
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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 – medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, investment organizations, research institutions, and myriad service industries that support the life sciences in Pennsylvania.