Public Policy

Massachusetts’ leading advocate for our life sciences super cluster

In 2007, the MBC was a driver of the state's $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative and helped defeat price control legislation on the state level.

Biotechnology is a complex, highly regulated industry. At the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, we work diligently to education policy makers and the public about who we are and what are the specific needs of our companies as they push the boundaries of science to improve our lives.

As the state's leading advocate for our life sciences super cluster, we fight for public policy initiatives and tax incentives in Massachusetts that will enable biotechnology companies to do their best work. At the same time, we maintain an active presence in Washington to help influence federal legislation.

As we advocate for the industry, we keep our members up to date on important issues, providing them with crucial information about the potential impact of proposed policy and tax changes.

We led industry efforts in Washington to create a pathway for the approval of follow-on biologics that protects patients without hindering innovation. We also worked to effectively reform patent laws and expand access to Small Business Innovation Research grants.

Action

To support biotechnology and promote its policy goals, the MBC:

Governor Patrick speaks at an MBC Event
  • Lobbies on legislation critical to growth and success of the biotechnology industry
  • Engages in dialogue with government regulatory agencies and advocates for biotechnology positions on pertinent issues
  • Sponsors candidate forums during election season
  • Disseminates news on the latest developments in politics and policy through a variety of publications
  • Educates Massachusetts policy makers on benefits of biomedical R&D at an annual State House forum conducted in partnership with allied institutions
  • Conducts public forums on pressing contemporary issues
  • Issues policy papers and statements delineating the MBC point of view on various topics
  • Funds a Political Action Committee (PAC) on both the state and federal level to help support political candidates who recognize the benefits to society.