Policy, Talent and Innovation Are Fueling Pennsylvania's Life Sciences Growth
Key Insights
Pennsylvania's life sciences ecosystem is driven by strong academic research institutions attracting significant federal funding for early-stage scientific research, according to Kurt Imhof of Life Sciences Pennsylvania (search).
The state is home to approximately 109,000 individuals directly employed by the life sciences industry and hosts a robust clinical trial continuum with major biopharmaceutical sponsors.
For the first time in over two decades, Pennsylvania's Governor included life sciences as a pillar of the state's economic development plan, leading to major investments from Eli Lilly, TerraPower Isotopes (search), and Johnson & Johnson.
At the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, Kurt Imhof, Senior Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs at Life Sciences Pennsylvania (search), outlined how the Commonwealth is solidifying its position as a global life sciences powerhouse through a combination of research excellence, progressive policy, workforce development, and strategic investment in advanced therapies.
Research Excellence and Investment Momentum
Pennsylvania's life sciences economy continues to expand, underpinned by several key factors. "First, the state's strong academic research institutions continue to attract significant federal funding for early-stage, foundational scientific research," Imhof explained. "Second, the state is home to a strong cross-section of global pharmaceutical and medical device and diagnostics manufacturers, contract research organizations, and supply chain entities, among others, that employ a similarly diverse and talented workforce."
The state also benefits from a robust clinical trial continuum, with academic research institutions, affiliated health systems, and biopharmaceutical companies sponsoring significant clinical trial activity across the Commonwealth.
Policy Frameworks Driving Competitiveness
For the first time in more than two decades, Pennsylvania's Governor put forth an economic development plan that included life sciences as one of its pillars for growth. This emphasis has led the administration to proactively market the state's life sciences ecosystem. The establishment of an "Office of Transformation and Opportunity" and a more robust business attraction team has already yielded results, with several significant investments announced this year from Eli Lilly, TerraPower Isotopes (search), and Johnson & Johnson.
Imhof noted that additional steps remain: "There are additional steps the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in cooperation with the Governor, can take to advance the life sciences economy – such as passing the Governor's $100 million 'Innovate in PA 2.0' proposal."
Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline
Pennsylvania has approximately 109,000 individuals directly employed by the life sciences industry, with breadth of talent across manufacturing, supply, and scientific, clinical, and research specialties. The state consistently graduates a significantly high number of degrees in both the overall life sciences field and the biological and biomedical sciences subset.
However, Imhof identified areas for improvement: "Where Pennsylvania could utilize assistance is in executive level talent to lead companies and attract capital." He also emphasized the importance of public and private entities working collaboratively to ensure a talent pipeline for sustained life sciences manufacturing growth.
Leadership in Advanced Therapies
Pennsylvania holds a clear leadership role in advanced therapies, including cell and gene therapy. Pittsburgh has emerged as a pioneer in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven healthcare. The state also maintains an outsized influence in pandemic and public health preparedness.
"Pennsylvania is home to the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited disease, the first FDA-approved redosable gene therapy, the first FDA-approved CAR T cell therapy, and is home to two researchers who pioneered — and subsequently received the Nobel Prize — the science behind mRNA vaccine development," Imhof stated.
The BIO 2027 Convention is set to return to Pennsylvania, with Philadelphia as the host city, which Imhof described as "an acknowledgement of the state's important position in the global life sciences ecosystem."
Future Policy Developments
As federal-level uncertainty continues, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a stabilizing agent for the life sciences ecosystem. Key initiatives include expanding the state's Research & Development Tax Credit — which, unlike most states, can be sold by non-revenue companies to raise early-stage capital — creating a statewide clinical trial network to leverage research and clinical care leadership, and matching federal dollars such as Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant funding.