Policy & Advocacy

Through education and advocacy, MassBio promotes thoughtful legislative and regulatory solutions that give Massachusetts life sciences companies the best environment possible to research, develop, and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures, and that ensure patients around the world have equitable, affordable access to those new treatments. Likewise, we oppose policies that threaten patient access, limit innovation, or hurt the Massachusetts life sciences industry’s competitiveness in the global economy.

When government, industry, and academia work together, our industry thrives and patients around the world benefit. MassBio is here to ensure that the relationship is strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial.


Policy News & Legislative Updates

MassBio regularly issues statements about our position on a variety of state and federal policy proposals that impact our industry, our members, and patients. Check out this week’s policy update and subscribe to our Insider newsletter to receive the latest industry news.


The MA Biotech Caucus

The Massachusetts State Legislative Biotech Caucus is a group of state legislators interested in and supportive of the life sciences industry. Caucus meetings may include company site visits, panel discussions on hot topics, or educational programs. By sharing information and resources with the Caucus Co-Chairs, MassBio helps inform the Caucus’ activities and educational opportunities.

Policy Working Group

MassBio convenes a Policy Working Group of member company government affairs leads and key company contacts who meet regularly to discuss and formulate MassBio’s state and federal advocacy strategy.

Inclusion in the Policy Working Group is by invitation only.


Legislative Priorities

Legislative Priorities

Our approach to legislative advocacy is driven by two aligned missions: protecting patient access to existing and future therapies; and ensuring Massachusetts remains the best place in the world for life sciences companies to thrive. State and federal policy priorities are developed by MassBio’s government relations team in close consultation with our member companies through the Policy Working Group and other industry stakeholders.

State Priorities

Massachusetts is the world leader in life sciences innovation. We also lead in healthcare policy and access to high quality healthcare and breakthrough therapies. That’s why it’s critical we educate and inform state legislators as they make decisions that impact our ecosystem. Our state advocacy focuses on issues such as: commercial and Medicaid access and reimbursement, the proper use of health technology assessments (HTAs), co-pay assistance programs, transportation, housing, workforce development, and diversity & inclusion.

MassBio Bills of Interest:

H1176An Act relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry (Summary)Coppinger
S732An Act relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industryCronin
H978An Act relative to promoting healthcare access and affordability for patients (Summary)Coppinger
S612An Act relative to promoting healthcare access and affordability for patientsCronin

Testimony:

Additional Priorities:

  • Reauthorization of the Life Sciences Initiative
Federal Priorities

MassBio consistently works to promote a regulatory and legislative environment that enables the life sciences industry to thrive. MassBio has established long-lasting relationships with both lawmakers and regulators in Washington DC and continues to advocate for policies and initiatives on behalf of the industry. Our federal advocacy focuses on a range of issues from: access to reimbursement, paying for value, tax reform, workforce development, immigration, NIH funding, and the regulatory environment.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):

Signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate prices directly with participating manufacturers for selected drugs that have high total spending and are high expenditure, single source drugs without generic or biosimilar competition.

Press Release:

Comment Letters:


Additional Resources

MassBio actively works with policy makers to develop laws and regulations that foster innovation.

Massachusetts State Elected Officials – find your legislator

Other letters