General Catalyst: Pro-Competitive Partnerships Drive “Steady Drumbeat of Innovation” in the Life Sciences

Investment in early-stage life sciences companies is critical to sustain America’s global leadership in discovering and developing new medical breakthroughs for patients, according to a recent General Catalyst blog, “The Future of Life Sciences Investment.” Early-stage life sciences companies are unique for their ability to leverage specialized scientific knowledge and a nimble structure to pursue new, innovative approaches to treat a disease. However, these companies often rely on external investment, such as from venture capital (VC), to be able navigate the cost pressures and considerable risks associated with early-stage drug development.


Life sciences mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent a clear exit point for VC investors, attracting investment and allowing companies of all sizes to combine their complementary resources, skills and expertise to bring new medicines to patients. Amidst an increasingly challenging investment landscape, preserving M&A is critical to continue supporting the hundreds of pre-clinical companies working to bring new therapies to patients. 


Highlights from the blog are included below:

  • “Over the past decade, the biopharmaceutical industry has quietly produced a steady drumbeat of significant medical advances…Despite these advances, there’s global pressure to innovate faster. While the U.S. has historically been the global leader in scientific research and development, it now faces increased international competition…”
  • “For America to maintain its competitive advantage, it must continue investing in research and clinical development… We believe that venture capital can meaningfully contribute to fill this investment gap, providing support for America’s continued ability to innovate and advance global human health."
  • “This isn’t just our belief — venture-backed companies are driving enhanced R&D productivity and efficiency. Recent data shows that roughly 65% of new medicines originated from outside of large pharmaceutical companies.”
  • “We believe the most meaningful breakthroughs in life sciences are rarely achieved in isolation. They’re the result of deep, sustained collaboration — between scientists and clinicians, industry and academia, and increasingly, founders and investors.”


As this blog highlights, life sciences M&A remains a critical pathway for fueling investment and supporting America’s role as a global leader in life sciences innovation. Policymakers must recognize the value of life science M&A and support enforcement policies that encourage these pro-competitive partnerships and the innovative medicines they bring to patients.


About the Partnership for U.S. Life Science Ecosystem (PULSE)

The U.S. life sciences ecosystem depends on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as well as other collaborations to bring together the resources, investment and expertise needed to develop and deliver new treatments and cures for patients. PULSE is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique life sciences ecosystem and the importance of M&A in leveraging efficiency and experience across companies of all sizes. PULSE will help advance a national dialogue focused on fostering innovation across the life sciences while supporting a competitive U.S. market that advances next generation treatments and cures for patients. For more information, visit https://pulseforinnovation.org/.

StandTogether | Georgia Life Sciences Institute - EPIC

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America's Biotech Leadership Depends on the States

By Maria Thacker Goethe • January 8, 2026
By: Patrick Plues | RealClearHealth January 8, 2026 For decades, America has led the global biotech industry – thanks, in part, to state-level policies that encourage research and manufacturing investments. But other countries, including China, are sparing no expense in the bid to overtake us. Beijing has officially made biotechnology a national strategic priority and is pouring billions into state-backed research and manufacturing efforts. All states should consider impactful biotech policies that grow and strengthen our domestic biotechnology industry. If states fail to utilize and replicate what are considered to be the best and most successful policies in biotech-focused economic development, the United States will soon lose its long-term leadership in developing medicines and medical technologies, which underpin our health, our economy, and our national security. Thankfully, many governors and state legislatures around the country are already answering this call -- as our new study, The U.S. Bioscience Industry: A Powerful Engine for State Economies, demonstrates. Keep Reading at https://www.realclearhealth.com/2026/01/08/americas_biotech_leadership_depends_on_the_states_1157584.html

GLS 2025 Year in Review

December 22, 2025
Dear Georgia Life Sciences Community, As we reflect on the past year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our Georgia Life Sciences members for making it such an impactful one. Your engagement and leadership continue to move our industry forward and advance our shared strategic priorities— driving strong policy, expanding the talent pipeline, and creating intentional spaces for collaboration across Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem. Our Year in Review captures the progress we’ve made together across these priorities and highlights the collective impact our members are having statewide—from strengthening the workforce and supporting manufacturing growth to elevating Georgia’s position as a national life sciences leader. This progress is only possible because of the collaboration, commitment, and insight of our member community. 
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