NCLifeSci Blog

NCLifeSci moves forward with health plan for members

The association health plan for NCLifeSci member companies will be delayed a year after Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC paused the effort over a miscommunication about enrollment numbers. The plan was supposed to launch Jan. 1 but stalled when BCBSNC interpreted an initial census gauging interest... Continue Reading

NCLifeSci launches health plan for life sciences members

The NC Life Sciences Organization Board of Directors approved an association health plan Nov. 13 aimed at providing life sciences member companies access to affordable group health insurance. Companies will be able to begin enrolling in the plan immediately. Cost Savings and Plan Options Early... Continue Reading

Safety culture takes center stage at Q4 Biotechnology Manufacturers Forum meeting

Three industry leaders shared best practices for building world-class safety programs at the Dec. 1 meeting of the NCLifeSci Biotechnology Manufacturers Forum at the NC Biotechnology Center. Bob Rezek, senior director of environmental health and safety at CSL Seqirus; Peter Self, HSE senior... Continue Reading

Industry experts navigate clinical trial safety at NCLifeSci forum

Gerry Klein, M.D.; June Almenoff, M.D., Ph.D.; Christopher Crean; Rich Shea; and Jamie Lazar were the panelists for the 2025 NCLifeSci forum on "Safety in Clinical Trials." Drug development leaders gathered Oct. 30 at an NCLifeSci forum to discuss the growing complexities of ensuring patient... Continue Reading

NC lawmakers outline strategies for life sciences growth at forum

North Carolina legislators emphasized the need for unified industry vision and sustained advocacy as key strategies for advancing the state's life sciences sector during the NCLifeSci Legislative Forum and Luncheon held Oct. 23 at the NC Biotechnology Center. The co-chairs of the NC General... Continue Reading

Pharma tariffs punish industry investing billions in North Carolina

The NC Life Sciences Organization is profoundly concerned about the recently announced 100% tariff on brand-name pharmaceuticals made by President Donald Trump. This policy, if implemented, would have severe and far-reaching negative consequences for patients, the life sciences industry and the... Continue Reading

Expert highlights manager effect on employee retention Q3 BMF meeting

Lynne Whitesell of Harris Whitesell Consulting Biotech manufacturing companies can dramatically improve employee retention by focusing on immediate manager quality, with great supervisors making workers three times more likely to stay, a workforce consultant told industry leaders at the... Continue Reading

2025 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting highlights innovation, challenges

The North Carolina Life Sciences Organization's 2025 Annual Meeting brought together industry leaders, researchers and policymakers Sept. 17 at SAS headquarters in Cary to address pressing challenges facing the state's thriving biotechnology sector. More than 300 attendees registered to hear... Continue Reading

2025 Annual Dinner: BioCryst CEO Jon Stonehouse on building a biotech success story

NCLifeSci President Laura Gunter with BioCryst Pharmaceuticals CEO Jon Stonehouse BioCryst Pharmaceuticals CEO Jon Stonehouse said his nearly 19-year tenure leading the rare disease biotech company has been marked by multiple "near-death experiences" that ultimately forged a resilient culture... Continue Reading

Three NC community college students awarded 2025 Sam Taylor Scholarships

2025-26 Sam Taylor Scholarship recipients Michael Butcher, Shawn Moore and DeAnthonie Taylor with Tracey Wyrick of Montgomery Community College and Brenda Grubb and April Raines of Central Community College at the 2025 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting Three NC Community Colleges students have been... Continue Reading

Forum: Life sciences real estate market faces headwinds as AI reshapes industry

North Carolina positioned well despite national challenges, but infrastructure gaps remain Continue Reading

BMF meeting explores building trade skills pipeline in North Carolina 

Workforce training, the skilled trades and opportunities for veterans were the focus of the second quarter meeting of the NCLifeSci Biomanufacturers Forum held July 9 at the NC Biotechnology Center. As North Carolina's life sciences sector continues its rapid expansion, industry leaders are... Continue Reading