While several relevant committees met on September 15, the drug-related legislative package did not end up being recommitted or heard. Although anything can happen, the Assembly Appropriations Committee is not currently scheduled to meet between now and the next voting session. BioNJ will update our Membersupon any changes to the calendar and will continue engaging the Legislature and Governor’s office to ensure the potential impact that these provisions would have on the life sciences industry throughout New Jersey is abundantly clear.

The State Senate is also starting to pick up activity, with several committees meeting on September 29. Of note, the Senate Labor Committee (SLA) will meet at 10:00 AM and will consider S1410 (Cryan), which would limit restrictive covenants between employers and employees.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee (AJU) intends to meet on September 29 at 1:00 PM. In particular, one bill on the Committee’s agenda is worth noting: A4521 (Jaffer/McKnight), which prohibits certain non-disclosure and non-disparagement provisions in employment contracts.

The American Association for Cancer Research released a report last week demonstrating that more people are living longer and fuller lives following a cancer diagnosis, along with a substantial decline in cancer mortality in recent years. The Association attributes these strides to significant advancements in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, highlighting the FDA’s approval of eight new treatments along with ten approvals of expanded use. Further, innovation in the use of AI-based tools to support earlier cancer detection and the approval of new diagnostic imaging agents were noted as contributing to this decline in cancer mortality. BioNJ will continue to advocate for the implementation of policies that foster continued growth in the life sciences — and against those that inhibit innovation within the industry, at both State and federal levels — to ensure progress like this is recognized and continues unimpeded.

Days Until PDUFA Expires: 2 DAYS.

While PDUFA reauthorization is coming down to the wire, expectations are that the program will be reauthorized in the upcoming CR in the next few days. Fortunately, there are indications that the program will be reauthorized for five years.

Further positive signs: SBIR is also expected to be reauthorized for three years. BioNJ has engaged the State’s Congressional delegation with opportunities to learn about the program and to urge support for clean reauthorization. We are hopeful that this source of funding for the life sciences remains available.

As members of the World Trade Organization, including the U.S., contemplate a Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics expansion, BIO conveyed strong opposition on September 26, which you can see here.

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 2023. Help ensure BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a Public Policy Support Series Sponsorship.  

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