Title
Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to conduct a hearing on the City of Philadelphia's capacity to prepare individuals of all educational backgrounds for careers in the growing life sciences industry, with a focus on the cell and gene therapy subsector.
Body
WHEREAS, The life sciences industry encompasses businesses and organizations whose work is centered on the study of living things. It includes a diverse array of fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research. One of the most dynamic sectors in this industry is cell and gene therapy, where companies are making cutting-edge discoveries that can cure congenital blindness and certain forms of cancer; and
WHEREAS, Life sciences is a rapidly expanding industry in the City of Philadelphia with millions of square feet of lab space expected to open in the next two years. Additionally, the Philadelphia region has received more than $8 billion in venture capital funding since 2021 and one billion per year from the National Institute of Health; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is nationally recognized as the #5 city for life sciences, jumping four spots since 2021, and was named the 6th best market for life sciences research talent in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia was ranked the #2 among 14 cell and gene therapy hubs in the United States and is home to the first FDA-approved cell therapy and the first FDA-approved gene therapy; and
WHEREAS, Despite market turbulence, this industry is expected to continue growing. Major development like 3201 Cuthbert (projected to be the city's largest life sciences research lab facility) and Hilco's Bellwether District (designed to include dozens of life sciences companies) are both actively under construction, while the Schuylkill Biotech Campus is in the final planning stages; and
WHEREAS, Mature cell and gene companies that receive FDA approval offer jobs at all educational levels, including employment opportunities such as manufac...
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