PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal research funding is driving medical breakthroughs, job growth, and economic activity in Pennsylvania, as lawmakers and health officials point to the state’s life sciences sector as a national leader.
What This Means for You
- Faster Medical Advances: Federal funding supports new treatments, including cancer therapies and gene editing.
- Economic Impact: Research investment supports thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity across Pennsylvania.
- Local Access to Innovation: Hospitals and universities in the region are helping bring new treatments from research labs to patients.
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick hosted National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on Tuesday for a visit to Penn Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where officials highlighted how federally funded research is translating into patient care and economic development.
From Research to Patient Care
During the visit, officials observed how Penn Medicine integrates clinical care with research — often described as “bench-to-bedside,” meaning scientific discoveries are quickly developed into treatments for patients.
At the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, researchers demonstrated how collaboration across medical, engineering, and scientific disciplines supports the development of new therapies.
“Pennsylvania is helping lead the future of life sciences,” McCormick said, pointing to the role of research institutions in advancing treatments and technologies.
Breakthrough Treatments and Innovation
The visit included a tour of a laboratory focused on CAR-T cell therapy, a treatment that modifies a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.
Officials said early federal funding helped establish the foundation for this type of therapy, which is now widely used in cancer treatment.
Bhattacharya also referenced a patient case involving personalized gene editing to treat a rare genetic disorder, highlighting how emerging technologies are expanding treatment options.
“When NIH backs bold science, breakthroughs once thought impossible can become reality,” Bhattacharya said.
Economic Impact of Research Funding
Data shared during the visit showed Pennsylvania ranks among the top recipients of NIH funding nationwide.
The University of Pennsylvania received approximately $723 million in NIH funding in fiscal year 2025, ranking fifth nationally.
Statewide, Pennsylvania received about $2.27 billion in NIH funding, supporting more than 21,000 research jobs and generating $5.31 billion in annual economic activity.
Officials said each dollar invested in NIH research returns an estimated $2.56 to the economy.
Regional Collaboration and Growth
Leaders said collaboration among universities, hospitals, and research institutions is a key factor in Pennsylvania’s life sciences growth.
Penn President J. Larry Jameson said the region’s concentration of expertise allows for coordinated research and innovation across disciplines.
Officials also held a roundtable discussion with regional partners focused on expanding access to treatments and supporting biotechnology development.
Next Steps
Officials said continued federal investment and collaboration will be central to advancing medical research, supporting job growth, and expanding access to emerging treatments across Pennsylvania.
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