October 21, 2026

Governor Sherrill Launches New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative

Yesterday, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the inception of the New Jersey Supercomputer Initiative (NJSCI), a public-private partnership focused on driving all dimensions of innovation — including research, innovation, education and workforce development across the State. The $125 million partnership is an amalgamation of New Jersey's higher education institutions, State agencies, the New Jersey AI Hub and a variety of industry leaders across technology, including significant contributions from the co-founders and leaders of NVIDIA and SHI International.

As Governor Sherrill mentioned, the opportunities afforded to innovators across the State by lifting the ceiling that currently limits scientists' ability to more aggressively interrogate massive datasets are immense. BioNJ congratulates Governor Sherrill, as well as former Governor Murphy, for planting the seeds for this major initiative, and on taking the steps necessary to ensure that New Jersey does indeed remain at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences and beyond.

To read a press release from the Governor's Office on the NJ Supercomputer Initiative, click here.

We look forward to discussing how these technologies are being deployed — as well as the future of these opportunities — in the life sciences this Friday at Princeton University at BioNJ's AI & Digital Health Day: From Pilot to Practice - AI at Work in Life Sciences.

Mid-Term Elections Drawing Near

With the mid-term elections just around the corner, New Jersey’s Early Voting Period begins soon. Here are the important upcoming dates. Click here to see if you’re registered to vote. Sample ballots for the election are being mailed today.

October 24-November 1: Early Voting Period
October 27: Deadline to apply for Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election
October 30: Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots Electronically for Qualified Overseas Civilian & Military Voters
October 31: Halloween!
November 2: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election
November 3: Election Day and Deadline for Post Office Receipt for Mail-In Ballots
8:00PM: Deadline for In-Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes

New Jersey Legislative Update

On Monday, the Assembly Science, Innovation & Technology Committee held a hearing with a focus on addressing artificial intelligence policy anchored by a bill package considered for discussion only:

A5089 (Macurdy/Park/Singh) — "AI Image Disclosure Act"; concerns disclosure of certain AI-generated content.
A5090 (Macurdy/Park/Singh) — "GAI Accountability Act;" imposes civil penalties on generative artificial intelligence platforms engaging in harmful activity, including exploitation of children.
A5275 (Macurdy) — Requires certain artificial intelligence developers to make certain disclosures to Attorney General.

Given the significant role that AI is increasingly playing in the life sciences, BioNJ is looking forward to hearing from Senator Andrew Zwicker (D, LD16), at our AI & Digital Health Day hosted at Princeton University this Friday, October 23, 2026.

For more information on BioNJ’s AI & Digital Health Day, contact Ian McLaughlin, SVP of Government Affairs & Policy at BioNJ: IMcLaughlin@bionj.org.

Additionally, tomorrow, October 22, the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee will be holding a hearing with invited guests to speak regarding how the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1) is being implemented.

To listen to this Senate Health H.R. 1 hearing on Thursday, click here.

Also tomorrow, the Assembly Health Committee is holding a hearing devoted to GLP-1 medications with a focus on appropriate clinical use, Patient access and affordability, consumer safety, compounded products and misinformation surrounding these medications.

To listen to the Assembly Health GLP-1 hearing on Thursday, click here.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposes

Medicare Advantage & Part D Reforms

Last week, CMS announced, “a proposed rule that would improve the accuracy of provider directories for Medicare Advantage plans, establish transparency and compensation requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and deliver enhanced cost-saving protections for low-income Medicare beneficiaries.”

The proposal includes a requirement that plans verify and update provider directory information at least every 90 days and report accuracy scores to CMS, with scores displayed publicly.

To view this proposal and for submission of public comments, click here.

Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Launches Rare Disease Framework

Last week, the FDA announced the launch of the Rare Disease Framework Initiative with the goal of developing an optimized, “fit-for-purpose framework” devoted to the realities of drug development in this space. The Initiative is intended to contemplate the nuances of each disease, Patient needs, product types and the evidence that can be realistically generated when serving such small Patient populations.

The FDA will be holding a public meeting focused on this Rare Disease Framework Initiative on October 28, 2026 in partnership with the Reagan-Udall Foundation.

To register for the FDA’s public meeting, click here.

To explore the FDA’s Rare Disease Framework, click here.

In response to the Rare Disease Framework, John Crowley, President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is an important step toward advancing regulatory approaches that better reflect the realities of rare disease drug development.

“BIO has long advocated for fit-for-purpose approaches that maintain rigorous scientific standards while recognizing the challenges of small Patient populations, complex diseases and significant unmet need. For millions of Patients and families facing a rare disease, time matters. Every delay can mean disease progression, lost opportunities and more time waiting for a treatment that may change or save a life.

“We applaud the FDA and HHS for this significant action and look forward to working with the Administration to help bring new therapies to Patients faster while upholding the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.”

BioNJ echoes John’s sentiments and is pleased to see this innovative policy in support of the rare disease community, given the unique challenges associated with research and development across this spectrum of conditions. We look forward to seeing this catalyze the emergence of new and more effective therapeutics for the diverse rare disease community, Because Patients Can’t Wait^®.

FDA Proposes Changes to Compounding Peptides Policy

On October 15, the FDA submitted a proposal to the White House for review that would reduce barriers for pharmacies to compound peptides. This follows the recommendations by an FDA advisory panel to loosen restrictions on six of the seven peptides that were under review in July of this year despite not being approved by the FDA as safe or effective.

For coverage of this proposal in Reuters, click here.

For coverage of the FDA advisory panel recommendations in July, click here.

BioNJ Patient Advocacy Summit to Take Place on November 10

Patient advocacy and government affairs professionals from Patient advocacy organizations and innovative life sciences companies are invited to join us for free on November 10 for a day of education, engagement and empowerment.

Click here to check out the full agenda, including the presentation of our inaugural Public Policy Champion Awards! Honorees to be named shortly.

We Need Your Help: Please Support BioNJ Policy and Advocacy Efforts

BioNJ is the voice of New Jersey’s life sciences sector in Trenton and Washington. BioNJ’s Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2026. You can help to ensure that BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a Public Policy Support Series Sponsorship.

Click here for more information. Thank you for your consideration.

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