Central Virginia’s pharmaceutical industry got a shot in the arm July 20 in the form of $16 million in federal funding to establish what the government called “a domestic manufacturing pathway for essential medicines and advance U.S. national security and economic competitiveness” globally.
The funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program was announced jointly by Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine; and Rep. Jennifer McClellan, whose district includes the Tri-City and metro Richmond areas. All three legislators had written letters in support of the funding.
The money will go to the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing and R&D Cluster in Petersburg and Richmond managed by the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority.
Lawmakers pleased with the decision
“For years, Virginia and the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster have been leading the charge in establishing our country’s dominance in the production of critical medicines,” Warner, D-Virginia, said in the statement. “These federal dollars will help cement the Commonwealth’s position as a national leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing while creating good-paying jobs in the Petersburg region, strengthening our economy, reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, and protecting our national security.”
In his statement, Kaine, D-Virginia, said he was “thrilled” that the cluster got the funding.
“When I was on the Richmond City Council, I helped form the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve done together to turn it into a thriving domestic manufacturing hub and economic engine in the region,” Kaine said. “I look forward to the continued partnership.”
McClellan, D-Virginia, said the funding was necessary if the cluster wants to compete in the worldwide prescription marketplace.
“To remain competitive on the global stage, we must continue to invest in domestic manufacturing for life-saving medicines that create jobs, support regional growth and offer reliable access to medications for patients in need,” she said. “This grant funding will do all that and more by supporting the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing Cluster in its core mission to create a sustainable and cutting-edge manufacturing hub in the Richmond-Petersburg region.”
What makes up the cluster?
The APM and R&D Cluster is an end-to-end ecosystem for the development and manufacturing of essential medications. Stretching from Petersburg to Richmond, the cluster also includes area colleges and research initiatives.
The heart of the manufacturing arm is in Petersburg. Novo Nordisk, Phlow Corp. and Civica Rx have set up shop in the city’s Industrial Park off Interstate 95 and Wagner Road.
The crux of the research is in the Richmond area, with Virginia Commonwealth University as the primary educational partner. It also includes the Richmond-based Virginia Community College System and several major universities across the state.