IowaBio News

Support Growing Biotech Industry - Iowa has long been a hub of innovation in the search for breakthrough medical treatments. Over the past decade, our state has been home to nearly 1,300 trials. Unfortunately, the biotech industry here in Iowa and across the nation is facing many threats. Foreign competition is stronger than ever, and misguided policies at home threaten to undermine the industry’s ability to find and develop new cures.

The close of the 2014 session of the Iowa Legislature brought new policy that will help grow the state's biotech industry, one of the nation's fastest growing industries. Because of Iowa's rich agricultural resources, biosciences has grown at an exponential rate. A recent Battelle Institute study shows the bioscience industry in Iowa employs over 15,000 people. These are jobs that average over $60,000 a year. The study also shows that even during the recent recession that started in 2008, Iowa was adding biotech positions at 4.5 percent a year.

This year, Congress is likely to encounter an uptick in issues regarding commercializing bio-engineered animals for human consumption. Currently, the FDA is reviewing an application for approval of bio-engineered salmon, and since last spring, several bills have been introduced to label foods containing bio-engineered ingredients.

This year, Congress is likely to encounter an uptick in issues regarding commercializing bio-engineered organisms for human consumption. Currently, FDA is reviewing an application for approval of bio-engineered salmon, and since last spring, several bills have been introduced to label foods containing bio-engineered ingredients.

Right now, there are almost 500 clinical trials under way in Iowa. Many involve advanced biopharmaceutical treatments for killers like cancer and for debilitating chronic diseases like Alzheimer's. Iowa has long been a hub of innovation in the search for breakthrough medical treatments. Over the past decade, our state has been home to nearly 1,300 trials.

On April 1st, IowaBio welcomed and announced its new Executive Director, Joe Hrdlicka.  Hrdlicka, of West Des Moines, brings nearly 20 years of public affairs, management and marketing experience to the Association.

Rachel Hurley, the Iowa Biotech Association’s executive director for more than three years, has accepted a position with Monsanto Co. as the Midwest government affairs manager, she told supporters today.