Philadelphia’s Role in Biotech Innovation - Alongside Myeloma Coaches

The Philly Builds Bio+ 3rd Annual “Bridging the Gap to Commercialization” Symposium, held on October 1, 2024, showcased Philadelphia’s emergence as a global leader in the biotech sector. The event brought together key players from startups, investors, researchers, real estate, and government to discuss the region’s vital contributions to life sciences innovation. With over $5.9 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding between 2019 and 2023 and a thriving ecosystem of 13,000 life science professionals, Philadelphia’s strategic initiatives and partnerships are positioning the city at the forefront of advanced therapies and biotech advancements.

Rebecca Grant, Senior Director of Life Science Innovation for Philadelphia, provided an insightful outlook on the region’s growing life sciences sector. Keynote speakers emphasized Philadelphia’s critical role in driving biotech progress, particularly in cell and gene therapies. Highlighting this was the work of institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP, which have led to groundbreaking treatments and positioned the city as a hub for cutting-edge research.

Personal Stories of Impact: Michael and Richard

Among the symposium's highlights were keynote addresses by Michael Riotto and Richard Armstrong, both thriving amidst their myeloma diagnoses and serving as HealthTree Coaches. Michael shared his journey from diagnosis through his pivotal role in patient advocacy, highlighting how his personal experiences have driven his commitment to helping others navigate their myeloma journeys. Richard complemented this by sharing his insights on fostering community support and resilience within the myeloma community. Together, they underscored the human impact of biotech advancements, demonstrating the power of patient advocacy in transforming lives.

You can meet 1:1 with a HealthTree Myeloma Coach like Michael and Richard for free to find emotional, educational, or financial resources today. 

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You can watch BioBuzz’s interview with Michael here: 

Why the Symposium Matters for Patients Everywhere

The "Bridging the Gap to Commercialization" Symposium is not just a platform for industry leaders—it's a beacon of hope for patients, both in Philadelphia and beyond. By highlighting advancements in therapies and fostering collaborations across various sectors, the event ensures that cutting-edge treatments continue to evolve. For those navigating complex conditions like myeloma, events like this illuminate the path forward, connecting research breakthroughs with real-world patient care. 

At HealthTree, we're accelerating this progress by connecting researchers with valuable patient data through our Cure Hub Registry. Be part of this transformative journey—connect your medical records today and help drive the next breakthrough in myeloma treatment.