NC Life Sciences Organization

The message from the market in response to the proposed NIH funding cuts was undeniable — weakening America’s research enterprise has immediate economic consequences. ? NIH funds ignites the cutting-edge research that powers America’s biotech industry. Slashing these is a reckless step toward dismantling the very infrastructure that has made the U.S. the global leader in biotech investment and drug development. ? In a new op-ed for the Timmerman Report, we are calling on the Trump Administration to drop the case regarding NIH cuts alongside Eddie Pauline, MBA, OhioCED of Ohio Life Sciences, Marc Cummings of Life Science Washington and Stephen Rapundalo, PhD of MICHIGAN BIOSCIENCES INDUSTRY ASSOC. Instead, the administration must engage in a meaningful dialogue with industry and research leaders to uphold our position as the world’s dominant life science powerhouse. ? The choice is clear: We can invest to maintain our leadership or watch it slip away to China. America cannot afford to get this wrong. https://lnkd.in/dg8hrQmh

NC Life Sciences Organization and Virginia Bio are co-hosting a conversation on agriculture April 8-9. From policy issues to new technologies to the bioeconomy, it will have great discussions and great networking. This event is open to anyone, so please plan to join me along with North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) and The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. A great way to learn more about agtech opportunities in NC and VA. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eX543eqa.

We are pleased to announce that Chimerix has agreed to be acquired by @JazzPharma. This culminates years of scientific work by our talented team. We look forward to joining forces with Jazz as we bring our pipeline to patients globally. Details on the transaction can be found in our joint press release. https://lnkd.in/eW2CXcP6

We were blown away by the response to our "Can You Hear Me Now" Multigenerational Conversations event held Friday, March 7, at North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech). We had an outstanding panel moderated by the inestimable Trier Bryant and comprising Amanda Adams, Larry Diener, Rashaad Galloway and NCLifeSci Board member David Posehn of Pfizer. The panel discussed generational differences and their approaches to the workplace. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) make up 14% of the workforce and first introduced the concept of retirement. Gen X (1965-1980) comprises 31% of the workforce and is known for emphasizing work-life balance and career mobility. Millennials (1981-1996), the largest group at 35%, are known for side hustles and job-switching for growth. Gen Z (1997-2012), at 20% of the workforce, is entrepreneurial and prioritizes mental health. The panel emphasized the importance of mentorship, diversity and effective communication across generations and highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on remote work, communication, and mental health. Bryant then gave a talk exploring social styles and flexing for effective communication. Social styles include drivers (action-oriented), expressives (spontaneous), amiables (relationship-focused) and analytics (detail-oriented). The attendees broke into groups according to their own social style and discussed the strengths and challenges of each style. The session also touched on the importance of inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented groups, and the value of understanding diverse identities in the workplace. After the discussions, attendees enjoyed a happy hour with delicious hors d'oeuvres and the sounds of the North Carolina Central University Jazz Ensemble. NCLifeSci is so very grateful to our sponsors who made this special event possible: Biogen, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck, Novo Nordisk and Pfizer.

In a panel discussion at the Emerging Company Forum, industry leaders from across North Carolina's life sciences ecosystem shared insights on the current investment trends, challenges, and opportunities facing early-stage companies in the state. The panel, moderated by Drew Cutshaw, M.D., principal and medical officer at Pappas Capital, featured a diverse group of experts, including - David Adair MD, co-founder and managing director, Solas BioVentures; - John Landers, director of finance, 2ndF;? - Jimmy Melton, co-founder and general partner, Cape Fear?BioCapital;? - Norman Sharpless, M.D., co-founder and managing director, Jupiter BioVentures; and? - Kseniya Simpson, PhD, principal, Hatteras Venture Partners. The event was sponsored by EquipNet, @Incubate, Matica Biotechnology, Inc., Safety Partners and Smith Anderson. The discussion began with an overview of the life sciences investment landscape over the past year. Key points covered by the discussion included the challenges of raising early-stage funding, with series A prices doubling and consolidation among venture groups. The panelists emphasized the importance of commercial viability, early-stage planning and leveraging?nondilutive funding like SBIR grants. They highlighted the need for a clear lead program, effective commercial analysis and understanding payer dynamics. The discussion also covered the role of family offices and the importance of building a strong, cohesive team and culture. https://lnkd.in/entGZzfT

Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D., (R-NC); Rep. Don Davis (D-NC); and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) have recognized the harm in penalizing small-molecule drug and have reintroduced the bipartisan Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act to be considered by the 119th Congress. The EPIC Act simply equalizes the price-negotiation window for small molecules and biologics at 13 years, restoring investment incentives to protect patient access to both classes of vital treatments. NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter was in D.C. to thank the representatives for their tireless work on this measure.?https://lnkd.in/eg2UFSbh

Exciting news in military health for service members and their families along with companies like GRAIL. The Defense Department and @TRICARE will cover multicancer early detection, game-changing cancer-screening tests that will help save the lives of North Carolinians who protect ours. https://lnkd.in/eibF-Nse

NCLifeSci strongly supports the investment NIH makes in our university research programs and opposes recent NIH guidance cutting funds for the infrastructure and support our universities provide to researchers. https://bit.ly/42UoT7d

A fascinating tour at #BRITE ??????(Biomanufacturing Reseach Institute) during our NCLifeSci board Meeting. #HiringScientists Great to catch up with President Laura, and connecting with the Board colleague David from Pfizer! #Biomanufacturing #LifeScience #HealthCare