ICYMI: State of Georgia Bio Virtual Town Hall Recording

As many of our colleagues are now aware, Georgia Bio (and the Georgia BioEd Institute) is separating from the Center for Global Health Innovation (CGHI) and adopting a more incremental, industry-focused approach to our efforts. Georgia Bio is recommitting to its core mission of advocating for, connecting, educating and inspiring our member enterprises and stakeholders in much the same way our colleagues have known Georgia Bio since its inception in 1989.  To achieve this, the organization transitioned from a 501c3 to an independent 501c6 organization, Georgia Biosciences Organization, Inc. Our new EIN# is 27-3855537.

What About My Membership?

CGHI members will receive complimentary membership with Georgia Biosciences Org. until their next scheduled renewal date when they will be invited to renew with Georgia Biosciences Org. We are happy to work to establish the organization as a new vendor with your company/organization as needed.

On Wednesday, October 18, Georgia Bio CEO Maria Thacker led a virtual ‘town hall’ to discuss the state of Georgia Bio, Georgia BioEd and the larger life science ecosystem in the state. If you weren’t able to join us, or would like to share the conversation with colleagues, the recording is here.

The 2023 Georgia Life Sciences Summit – November 1

T he 2023 edition of the Georgia Life Science Innovation Summit is right around the corner. The summit, more concentrated in scope yet expansive in industry inclusion, will be Wednesday, November 1st at the Sandy Springs Arts Center. The program is coming along nicely including a recently secured keynote or plenary address featuring Dr. Ted W. Love, former President and CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics and 2023-2025 Chair of the Board of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

We encourage you to join us in reconnecting with the life science industry ecosystem. Learn more and register here.

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.

GLS Joins Georgia Partners in Calling for Federal PBM Reform

December 7, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences is proud to stand with patient advocates, providers, and employers across the state in urging Congress to take meaningful action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. We recently signed on to a joint letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation stressing the urgent need for transparency, fair practices, and policies that ensure savings flow directly to patients.

GLS’ President and CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe in December's issue of Georgia Trend

December 4, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe shares her perspective on the value of Georgia’s research universities in this month’s issue of Georgia Trend. “Georgia research institutions have felt a very significant impact from the federal rollbacks, specifically in NIH and NSF funding. Thacker Goethe’s message about the impact of research cuts is simple: Disruption shatters the foundational trust researchers have in grant continuity….” To read the full article, click here .
MORE POSTS