Ann Arbor, MI – MichBio, the biosciences industry association in Michigan, announced that it is joining Senator Stabenow, co-chair of the U.S. Senate Manufacturing Caucus, in hosting a roundtable discussion tomorrow featuring Senators, Congressional staff, bioscience industry leaders and CEOs, on the challenges and opportunities faced by bioscience manufacturing businesses and what can be done at the federal level to create a better environment for entrepreneurship and growth.
“The biosciences industry is integral to the economic vitality of Michigan, and of the nation, and that message must be conveyed to Congressional leaders as we seek their support for industry-critical legislation,” said Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, president and CEO of MichBio. “Senator Stabenow understands this, which is why the Farm Bill she authored helps grow bio-manufacturing and other sectors of the bio-economy, and we appreciate her convening this meeting with her colleagues.”
This event comes at a critical time for the biotechnology industry, during Senate floor consideration of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (S. 3187), which will reform the Medical Device User Fee Act (MDUFA) and the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA.) FDA product reviews are critical for commercialization and business growth efforts, and the new legislation will ensure more transparent FDA regulations, timely approvals, and consistent FDA performance metrics. Most importantly, the new user fee legislation will improve access to needed therapies and devices, as well as to promote continued biomedical innovation.
In addition to Sen. Stabenow and Dr. Rapundalo, participating as featured speakers in the event are Sen. Thomas Carper (DE); Sen. Chris Coons (DE); Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ); Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO); Daniel Webber, President and CEO, Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. (MI); Lynn Brusco, VP and Chief Relationship Officer, Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PA); Bill O’Donnell, Director of Public Affairs, Bio NJ; Jim Ohneck, Global Senior Vice President/Principal Client Advisor, Valtronic (OH); Lisa Cozza, VP of Business Development, Laureate Biopharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NJ); and Leonard S. Schleifer, President and CEO, Regeneron (NY).
MichBio is the trade association committed to driving growth in Michigan’s biosciences industry and its many sectors, including ag-biotech, food and nutrition, bio-based technologies and renewable chemicals, industrial and environmental biotech, medical devices and equipment, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare, diagnostics and research products, testing and research services, and clinical research. MichBio members include biosciences companies, academic and research institutions, biosciences service providers, and related organizations. For more information, visit www.michbio.org.
