RALEIGH -- A bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators has launched the North Carolina Joint Legislative Life Science Caucus to meet regularly with industry leaders, consider new research relevant to shaping state policy, and address policy impact on the growing life science field.

According to a press release, The North Carolina General Assembly’s newly-formed caucus will be co-chaired in the House by Rep. Rep. Marilyn Avila (R, NC-40), House Deputy Majority Leader, and Rep. Graig R. Meyer (D, NC-50), Co-Chair of the Democratic Freshman Caucus. By acting as a think tank within the General Assembly, the Caucus will improve legislative understanding of, among other things, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, and digital health.

“North Carolina is increasingly recognized as a leader in the groundbreaking life science industry,” Rep. Avila said. “The life science industry has saved countless lives thanks to new breakthroughs in biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals and more. As a former chemist and small business owner, I know that the best thing we can do to create more jobs, grow our state’s economy and advance science is to encourage more innovators to invest in North Carolina. The Life Science Caucus will ensure we are delivering the best policies for North Carolinians and creating a brighter future for everyone.”

“The Life Science Caucus is an exciting new development in North Carolina,” said Thomas Hardaway, Senior Regional Director for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “The increase in biopharmaceutical jobs has proven how important informed policymaking is to fostering growth. Now, legislators will have better access to the research and knowledge they need to keep North Carolina at the forefront of the industry.”

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, life science jobs in North Carolina have grown three times faster than the national average, with more than 70,000 people employed across the state as a direct result of North Carolina’s investment in life science.  Last year, Raleigh-Durham was named the second best city in the U.S. for life science jobs.

In the Senate, the Life Science Caucus will be co-chaired by Sen. Tamara Barringer (R, NC-17) and Sen. Angela Bryant (D, NC-04).  It will be open to all North Carolina legislators who wish to participate.