Education And Opportunity Mark Strength Of Atlanta Biotech Industry

A skilled workforce is the engine that will drive growth across America’s biotechnology industry, and Atlanta has built multi-faceted training programs that are developing and sustaining the talent pipeline for everything from advanced laboratory research to industrial biomanufacturing.

March 13, 2026 - Atlanta, Georgia – Today, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) traveled to Atlanta for its second Georgia stop on the Biotech Across America Roadshow. Commissioners Paul Arcangeli, Dawn Meyerriecks, and Dov Zakheim visited a biotechnology workforce training center and a cutting-edge research facility to learn more about the innovation, policy, and the unique opportunities for biotech in Atlanta. Workforce development initiatives were key recommendations in the NSCEB’s April 2025 action plan for Congress to boost the U.S. biotech industry and strengthen national security.

 

“America’s biotechnology leadership will ultimately depend on people as much as technology,” said NSCEB Commissioner Paul Arcangeli. “The Commission’s action plan makes it clear that building and maintaining a pipeline of skilled workers—from the trades to advanced laboratory research—is essential for actually scaling innovation. We have the talent, and in Atlanta, they have the opportunities needed to drive their success.”

 

“Biotechnology has immense job-creating power across the American economy,” said NSCEB Commissioner Dawn Meyerriecks. “Atlanta is a show of force when it comes to biomanufacturing job creation and this formula is repeatable in communities all over the country. These types of jobs will bring growth and prosperity to towns and cities in every state.”

 

“To move discoveries from lab to market, we need a talented workforce prepared to work at the leading edge of biotech innovation,” said NSCEB Commissioner Dov Zakheim. “The opportunities in Atlanta are shaping the next generation of biotechnology innovators and developing a legacy of leadership when it comes to training the future workforce.”

 

“Georgia’s life sciences sector is helping strengthen America’s national security by expanding domestic biomanufacturing capacity, advancing biotechnology innovation, and building a highly skilled workforce,” said Maria Thacker Goethe, President & CEO, Georgia Life Sciences. “We were honored to host the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology and showcase how Georgia’s collaborative ecosystem—spanning industry, research institutions, and workforce training partners—is driving the next generation of the bioeconomy. The work happening across our state demonstrates how regional leadership in biotechnology directly contributes to national resilience and global competitiveness.”

 

Event Details:

Commissioners first visited the Georgia Bioscience Training Center in Covington. The facility is part of a public-private partnership with the State of Georgia to drive biomanufacturing training opportunities in the region. The center provides customized life science industry training and is helping attract more biotech business to Georgia. Partnerships like this are critical to biotech industry growth and the NSCEB’s research highlights how stronger public-private partnerships contribute not only to industry growth, but to greater innovation and improved economic resilience.

 

In Atlanta, Commissioners visited the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing (CMaT) at Georgia Tech where they met students from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation, and the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) program. Access to the NSF facility and the training opportunities for ARCS participants are transformative advantages for regional biotech businesses.

 

At the end of the day, Commissioners joined a roundtable discussion on Georgia’s biotech ecosystem. Biotech industry leaders, representatives from academia, and state officials discussed how innovation in biotechnology is shaping the future direction of the industry, workforce development, and educational needs. They also discussed state and federal policy issues impacting industry growth both in Georgia and across the country.

 

Participants Included: 

 

  • Accuitis
  • Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation
  • Andson Biotech
  • ArunA Biomedical
  • Emory University
  • Focused Cryo, Inc.
  • Frugal Science Academy
  • Georgia Bioscience Training Center
  • Georgia Department of Economic Development
  • ·Georgia Life Sciences
  • Georgia Life Sciences Institute
  • Georgia Quick Start
  • Georgia Research Alliance
  • Georgia Tech
  • GeoVax
  • Lambert High School iGEM team
  • Micron Biomedical
  • Moonlight Therapeutics
  • NSF Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies
  • Nutrivert
  • Office of U.S. Representative Lucy McBath
  • Soal Therapeutics
  • Takeda
  • TopoDx
  • UCB



Biotech Across America Roadshow 

The Commission is hitting the road to highlight biotechnology across America, including the companies, academic institutions, workforce development programs, and policy initiatives that are driving the future for this rapidly growing industry. Commissioners will continue learning about the work being done across this vibrant ecosystem while engaging on the key findings and recommendations from the Commission’s recent report to Congress. 

 

About NSCEB: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the bioindustrial revolution. The Commission published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit: biotech.senate.gov

 

Contacts: 

NSCEB: press@biotech.senate.gov 


August 31, 2026
The White House, August 31, 2026 - ADVANCING MOST-FAVORED-NATION (MFN) PRICING: Today, President Donald J. Trump announced nine new agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower prescription drug prices for Americans in line with the lowest prices paid by other developed nations (known as the most-favored-nation, or MFN, price). The agreements bring the total number of pharmaceutical manufacturers with MFN deals to 26, covering 89% of the branded drug market. The nine manufacturers are comprised of mid-sized pharmaceutical companies, including Alcon, Astellas Pharma, BeOne Medicines, BridgeBio, CSL, Kyowa Kirin, Sun Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. The agreements reduce prices on drugs that treat numerous costly, chronic, and even rare diseases, including hemophilia, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease, skin conditions, and various forms of cancer. The agreements will provide every State Medicaid program in the country access to MFN drug prices on products made by the nine companies, resulting in billions of dollars in savings for Americans and continuing President Trump’s historic efforts to strengthen the program for the most vulnerable. The agreements ensure foreign nations can no longer use price controls to freeride on American innovation by guaranteeing MFN prices on all new innovative medicines the nine companies bring to market. Each of these manufacturers has agreed to fundamentally rebalance international drug pricing by providing MFN pricing to American patients. BOLSTERING AMERICA’S PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND RESERVES: These nine pharmaceutical manufacturers committed to invest at least $19.6 billion collectively in U.S. manufacturing in the near term. Additionally, as part of the MFN agreements, several companies are donating active pharmaceutical ingredients for key products to the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve (SAPIR) to reduce reliance on foreign nations and ensure the United States has an adequate supply of such products in the event of an emergency. UCB will contribute 163 tons of levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant used to control and prevent certain types of seizures, to the SAPIR. Sun Pharma will contribute 71.4 tons of clindamycin and 6.75 tons of doxycycline; both antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, to the SAPIR. Teva Pharmaceuticals will contribute 45 metric tons of metronidazole, an antibiotic and antiprotozoal used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, and 4.8 tons of amlodipine, an antihypertensive drug, to the SAPIR. Astellas will contribute 25 kg of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection in people who have had organ transplants, to the SAPIR. LOWERING COSTS FOR AMERICANS: President Trump’s decisive and historic actions are lowering drug prices for the American people. Since its February launch, patients have saved more than $700 million on medicines through TrumpRx, including massive discounts on some of the most popular and costly medications used to treat obesity and infertility. In July of 2026, senior citizens without access to GLP-1 coverage to treat obesity gained access for just $50 per month. In the two months since the launch of this program, over 500,000 seniors have saved a total of $216 million dollars on these life-changing medicines. The Council of Economic Advisers estimates the total savings from President Trump’s MFN deals to reach $600 billion over the next decade. DELIVERING ON PROMISES TO PUT AMERICAN PATIENTS FIRST: President Trump is delivering on promises for American patients, accomplishing historic wins that the political establishment did not believe were possible. On May 12, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled: “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients” directing the Administration to take numerous actions to bring American drug prices in line with those paid by similar nations. On July 31, 2025, President Trump sent letters to 17 of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers outlining the steps they must take to bring down the prices of prescription drugs in the United States to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations. There are now MFN deals with each of those leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. On September 30, 2025, President Trump announced the first agreement, with the drug manufacturer Pfizer, to bring MFN prices to American patients. On December 1, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health and Human Services announced an agreement with the United Kingdom (U.K.) that will increase the net price of new prescription drugs by 25% in the U.K., helping ensure they pay their fair share for innovative medicines. On December 19, 2025, President Trump announced nine new agreements with major pharmaceutical companies. On February 5, 2026, President Trump launched TrumpRx.gov , where patients can access large discounts on many of the most popular and highest-priced medicines in the country, paying prices in line with the MFN price. As of today, August 31, the Administration now has agreements with Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, EMD Serono, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Gilead Sciences, GSK, Merck, Novartis, Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie, Regeneron, Alcon, Astellas Pharma, BeOne Medicines, BridgeBio, CSL, Kyowa Kirin, Sun Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. President Trump is calling on Congress to enact the Great Healthcare Plan , a comprehensive plan to lower drug prices, lower insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency. Source: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Deal with Nine Additional Pharmaceutical Manufacturers to Lower Drug Prices for Americans – The White House
August 31, 2026
NexGard® Plus donation to Johns Creek Police Department K-9 officers marks the company's commitment to the community. JOHNS CREEK, Ga. (August 31, 2026)– Boehringer Ingelheim today celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. Animal Health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to innovation, talent, and the future of animal health. Johns Creek was selected for its access to talent in one of the region's fastest-growing life sciences and innovation corridors, and proximity to other Boehringer sites in Georgia. The grand opening brought together elected officials, community leaders, customers, partners, and employees to celebrate Boehringer's presence in Georgia and its purpose of Transforming Lives for Generations through science and innovation. “The animals we care for and the customers we serve are at the center of everything we do,” said Peter Ploeger, U.S. Animal Health Country Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim . “This headquarters was designed to bring our people together, inspire collaboration, and strengthen our ability to develop solutions that improve the lives of companion animals, livestock, and the people who care for them. We are proud to call Johns Creek home and excited about the impact we will create together.” The Johns Creek headquarters complements Boehringer's broader Georgia footprint, which includes research, development, and manufacturing operations in Athens and manufacturing operations in Gainesville. Together, these sites, combining manufacturing, innovation and commercial activities, underline the importance of the U.S. for the company, which continues to invest in Georgia operations to deliver solutions that advance animal health around the world, according to event remarks from Dr. Armin Wiesler, Member of the Board of Managing Directors, Animal Health Business Unit . Georgia and local leaders, including Select Fulton Director of Economic Development Samir Abdullahi, highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim's continued investment in Georgia and commitment to the Johns Creek community. “Georgia continues to attract world-class companies because of our skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, and commitment to innovation,” said Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp . “Boehringer Ingelheim's investment in Johns Creek, along with their strong support of First Lady Marty Kemp's animal welfare efforts and K-9 law enforcement officers, reinforces their commitment to being a long-term partner with the State of Georgia." As part of the grand opening celebration, Alexandra McMenamy, U.S. Animal Health, Head of Pet at Boehringer , joined Chief Mitchell and local officials in presenting a donation of NexGard® Plus parasite protection to the Johns Creek Police Department's K-9 Unit in recognition of the department's service to the community. “We are proud to welcome a company committed to the well-being of animals,” said Mayor John Bradberry . “Boehringer Ingelheim’s support of the Johns Creek Police Department’s K-9 Unit is greatly appreciated.” The donation, made just after International Dog Day (August 26), highlights the company's commitment to supporting both animal health and the communities where its employees live and work. 
August 21, 2026
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) has named Georgia #4 among its “Next 5 States” for emerging U.S. biopharma clusters . The article highlights UCB’s planned $2 billion investment at in Gwinnett County, Micron Biomedical’s new Alpharetta facility, Manus Bio’s expansion in Augusta, Science Square, Emory University, the CDC — and Georgia Life Sciences’ 10-year Life Sciences Roadmap . This recognition is exciting. But even more importantly, it validates the work happening across our entire ecosystem — and perfect momentum as we head into the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit next week. Read more by visiting: Next 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters
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