Congressman Gerlach Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA) as Legislator of the Year for 2012-2013. Congressman Gerlach receives the award in conjunction with today’s BIO Legislative Day Fly-In reception.

“I remain committed to working on practical, bipartisan solutions for bolstering investment in ground-breaking research and development and ensuring patients continue to have access to the most effective treatments and look forward to continue partnering with BIO on these efforts.”

"Congressman Gerlach's sponsorship, along with Congressman Neal, of the High Technology Small Business Research Incentives Act would help emerging companies find new sources of investment. Furthermore, the Congressman's joint work on legislation to address the Vaccine Excise Tax merits particular commendation," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.

"The life sciences industry accounts, both directly and indirectly, for over 300,000 high-skilled, high-paying jobs in Pennsylvania. Congressman Gerlach understands the challenges facing our biotechnology industry, especially emerging companies, in the current economic environment. We thank him for his outstanding leadership on behalf of the biotechnology industry in Pennsylvania and throughout our country," said Pennsylvania Bio President Christopher Molineaux.

Congressman Gerlach expressed his appreciation for the tireless work of BIO to encourage investment, promote growth and spur job creation in the biotech and life-sciences sector.

"BIO represents some of the most imaginative and innovative businesses in the world. I am extremely honored to receive this award," Gerlach said. "I remain committed to working on practical, bipartisan solutions for bolstering investment in ground-breaking research and development and ensuring patients continue to have access to the most effective treatments and look forward to continue partnering with BIO on these efforts."

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 43 states will participate in hundreds of meetings with Members of the House and Senate during the BIO Legislative Day Fly-In. Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry including, adequate reimbursement for vital therapies under Medicare, FDA Funding, Tax Policy, and capital formation issues relevant to biotechnology companies.

Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO IPCC Conference
March 25-27, 2013
San Diego, CA

BIO International Convention
April 22 – 25, 2013
Chicago, IL

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
June 16-19, 2013
Montreal, Canada