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LIFE SCIENCES

The Epicenter of Life Sciences Innovation

Home to more than 3,000 life sciences companies, Pennsylvania is a global hub for innovation. Our booming life sciences sector is valued at nearly $50 billion and fueled by the 4th highest academic R&D expenditures in the nation. Whether you're pioneering new therapies or next-generation technologies, Pennsylvania provides the infrastructure and opportunity to get it done. 

Collaboration is at the heart of every breakthrough in the Commonwealth, with top-ranked universities, renowned R&D institutions, and cutting-edge incubators creating a thriving life sciences ecosystem. From Greater Philadelphia’s leadership in cell and gene therapy to strong pharmaceuticals and chemical manufacturing in the Northeast, you’ll find clusters of life sciences activities across the state. Here, world-class medical centers like UPMC and Penn Medicine work closely with biotech startups and global giants alike to advance therapies from research to real-world application.

Over the next decade, Pennsylvania’s life sciences sector is expected to create more than 6,500 net new jobs across the state, with nearly 60% of that growth concentrated in R&D. We’re ready to deliver on talent and research funding, so you can get to the business of saving lives. 

Lab Technician testing the Equipment

“We are thrilled to announce the relocation of Adare’s global headquarters to Philadelphia. This decision showcases the efforts of both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia in becoming an important life sciences hub for companies like Adare. It is crucial for us to have access to a highly skilled talent pool and key markets, and the Philadelphia area provides exactly what we need.” — Tom Sellig, CEO, Adare Pharma Solutions

“We’re very proud in the Lehigh Valley of the base of life sciences companies we have here, and equally proud of all these great higher education institutions, which feed the pipeline of talent that make the growth of this sector possible.” — Don Cunningham,

President and CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation 

3,000+ Life Sciences Establishments

Life Sciences PA, Economic Impact Report, 2022
Over $2 Billion in NIH funding for Research Projects Life Sciences PA, Economic Impact Report, 2022
4th Largest Life Sciences Market in the U.S. (Philadelphia) Colliers Life Sciences Report, 2024
Over $1 Billion in Venture Capital Funding Life Sciences PA, Economic Impact Report, 2022
20,564 Patents  Created from 2016-2020 (#5 in the Nation) Life Sciences PA, Economic Impact Report, 2022
2 of the Top 5 NIH Funded Institutions Life Sciences PA, Economic Impact Report, 2022

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