The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ) hosted a forum titled “Pulse: Saving Lives Globally, Driving Our Economy Locally” at Middlesex College in Edison on March 13. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the state of New Jersey’s life sciences sector and its role in global health advancements.
The forum highlighted the importance of the life sciences industry to both public health and the local economy. Governor Mikie Sherrill delivered the keynote address, emphasizing New Jersey’s leadership in medical innovation. “From the band-aid to immunotherapies, New Jersey is leading the world in curing diseases and helping people live longer, with less pain and greater independence. Our life sciences companies invest billions of dollars and untold research hours at a breakneck pace to discover new, cutting-edge treatments and medical technologies that save patients’ lives across the country and the globe, all while serving as the engine powering New Jersey’s workforce and economy. I’m excited to work closely with our life sciences sector to boost innovation and create good-paying jobs in the Garden State, as we continue to cement our reputation as the Medicine Chest of the World,” Sherrill said.
Chrissy Buteas, President and CEO of HINJ, said, “New Jersey is known as the ‘Medicine Chest of the World’ due to our leading life sciences companies and world-class innovation ecosystem that saves lives every day. With 2,400 life science firms and a world-class workforce, New Jersey continues to be a global leader in advancing medical innovation. We are proud to partner with Governor Sherrill to strengthen our innovation ecosystem and preserve New Jersey’s global leadership and jobs while discovering new cures for patients everywhere.”
Panel discussions at the event addressed topics such as AI-driven efficiencies in healthcare, sustainable innovation, patient-centered design, public-private partnerships for improved access and equity, as well as how emerging federal and state policies are shaping investment and competitiveness within New Jersey’s life sciences sector.
Emily Meyers of the Arthritis Foundation NJ Chapter said partnerships between patient advocacy organizations and companies are critical: “At the Arthritis Foundation, we see every day how life sciences innovation translates into hope for millions of patients living with chronic conditions. Continued investment in research and AI-driven advances are helping to accelerate the discovery of new treatments, but collaboration with patient advocacy organizations is critical to informing the direction of research and discovery process. We value partnerships between patients and companies that events like today’s highlight.”
Michele Siekerka from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association said maintaining leadership requires supportive policy: “New Jersey is truly the Innovation State… To maintain that leadership it is essential that federal and state policymakers pursue smart forward-looking policies that encourage research investment and innovation.”
The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey contributes to public health education initiatives advancing biopharmaceutical progress according to its official website. The organization operates as a nonprofit dedicated to promoting policies supporting innovation, patient access, economic growth within life sciences according to its official website. HINJ also engages in advocacy at state and federal levels for policies fostering innovation according to its official website, builds alliances advancing healthcare innovation according to its official website, functions as a trade association focused on biopharmaceuticals according to its official website, with headquarters located in Princeton according to its official website.
Support for this event came from several organizations including Carpenter Contractor Trust, Choose New Jersey, DEVCO, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Rutgers University, Rowan University, Middlesex County government agencies or associations.
