NJ officials want to expand biopharma biz

A state economist for New Jersey has spelled out some of the biggest threats to the Garden State's biopharma industry. In a recent address, James Hughes underscored that New Jersey is losing its reputation as the country's "medicine chest," reports Gannett. Its high concentration of pharma jobs has slid badly during this decade while states like Texas have come up with major new programs to back research into cancer drugs.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark S. Schweiker told the group that the best way to expand biopharma was to adopt a regional approach, with south New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware joining forces to promote a "Greater Philadelphia" approach. Schweiker, it should be noted, is now president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber.

- read the article from Gannett