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Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner Sandy Springs & Rockmart Teens Take Top Honors in Statewide Science Competition Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2025) – Georgia Life Sciences today named Bhavya Alapati , a junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field. Eleven students from across Georgia competed for this year’s title and cash prize. Bhavya’s project investigated a novel method of identifying strokes using a device she created called SpectroStroke, a small-scale spectrophotometer, to detect homocysteine, an amino acid product that is associated with stroke. Bhavya identified the ability of homocysteine to be detected using Ellman’s reagent, which reacts with the free sulfhydryl group on the molecule to produce a yellow color. Bhavya created a wearable patch that contains the Ellman’s reagent. Then, she designed the SpectroStroke to be able to detect the color change when the patch is exposed to elevated levels of homocysteine. Bhavya’s SpectroStroke can detect normal levels of homocysteine up to extremely high levels seen in those experiencing a stroke. The ability to detect a stroke earlier would reduce damage and long-term effects of the condition. A future iteration of the SpectroStroke would include real-time monitoring capabilities to help track changing homocysteine levels. "Supporting and celebrating outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology is vital for the future of science and medicine. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge not only encourages the brightest young minds to explore their potential but also nurtures the next generation of leaders who will drive groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” said Georgia Life Sciences President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe. “By recognizing and empowering these students, we are helping to shape a future where innovation thrives and the possibilities for improving lives are endless. Well done, Bhavya!” Georgia Life Sciences also congratulates the Georgia BioGENEius runner-up, Shelby Kendrick , who is a senior at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. Shelby’s research investigated the ability of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus found in soil, to degrade pre-treated polypropylene plastic (PP). This fungus has been discovered to produce high concentrations of degrading enzymes and raises the moisture level of its substrate. Shelby isolated the fungus from soil samples and confirmed the species using PCR amplification and DNA barcoding. Samples of polypropylene were pre-treated with 75% ethanol and UV exposure, then placed in a liquid culture of A. terreus in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) media, and the culture was incubated for 23 days. At the end of the trial period, PP samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. These samples showed changes in their surface layer, indicating evidence of biodegradation. Polypropylene plastic is found in household items such as plastic cups and is a known problem in the environment due to its inability to degrade. Shelby’s future research on the use of A. terreus for biodegradation includes optimizing degradation conditions and assessing methods of application in the environment. Judging the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge were Ralph L. Cordell, CDC, and Alex Harvey, ViaMune. Cash prizes were awarded to Bhavya and Shelby. # # # About Georgia Life Sciences Georgia Life Sciences, founded in 1989, is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. It is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization working to improve access to innovative discoveries that have lifesaving impact. The association connects business, academia, government, and other allied entities involved in the application of life sciences products to fuel growth and collaboration through policy development, community programs, national industry initiatives, and a portfolio of educational and networking events. Learn more at galifesciences.org.

Emerging biotechnology is key for U.S. to remain dominant and secure future economic growth in a new era of global competition

Updates: Since this statement was made, the administration announced, April 9, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. See the AdvaMed CEO statement on this change. GLS aligns with this statement. April 3, 2025 The recent U.S. tariff announcement has sent ripples through the life sciences, biotech, and MedTech industries, raising concerns about its potential impact on innovation, manufacturing, and global supply chains. While some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, have been temporarily exempt from these new tariffs, the uncertainty surrounding future trade policies remains a significant challenge for our industry. These tariffs—set to take effect on April 5—include a base 10% tariff on all countries, with reciprocal tariffs reaching up to 50% on certain nations. There are growing concerns that these measures could increase costs for life-saving medical technologies, disrupt supply chains, and hinder job growth. Additionally, the agricultural biotech sector will likely be affected immediately, particularly with higher tariffs on non-USMCA-compliant goods. Pharmaceuticals, while currently exempt, may face their own tariffs in the near future, pending a potential Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical manufacturing and national security. Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem thrives on innovation, investment, and global collaboration. Our industry depends on stable, predictable trade policies that support growth, not policies that introduce uncertainty and additional financial burdens. We must ensure that trade policies protect patients, support manufacturers, and sustain the broader biotech and MedTech economy. Georgia Life Sciences will continue to monitor these developments in partnership with our national associations and work closely with our members and policymakers to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. We encourage our community to stay engaged and share any concerns about how these tariffs may impact your businesses, workforce, and supply chains. For questions or to provide input on how these policies affect your organization, please reach out to our team.

In a coordinated effort on the national stage, Georgia Life Sciences is joining forces with 47 other state biotechnology associations under the Council of State Biosciences Associations (CSBA) umbrella to urge congressional action on research and development tax amortization legislation. The coalition has sent a formal letter to congressional leadership calling for the immediate passage of the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act (H.R. 1990), bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Ron Estes (D-KS) and John Larson (R-CT). The bill aims to repeal harmful research and amortization provisions that went into effect in 2022 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Georgia Life Sciences representatives are heading to Washington DC this week alongside fellow CSBA members to meet directly with Georgia legislators. The group will advocate for this critical tax reform, which would restore immediate expensing of R&D expenditures rather than requiring companies to amortize these deductions over five years for domestic expenditures or 15 years for foreign expenditures. The current mandatory amortization requirements are "already diverting much-needed funds away from small R&D-intensive companies, potentially jeopardizing the development of future treatments and negatively impacting the local economies where these companies are established," according to the CSBA letter. During their Capitol Hill visits, the Georgia Life Sciences delegation will also address other pressing issues facing Georgia’s life sciences community while emphasizing the importance of supporting innovation in an industry dominated by pre-revenue companies developing critical medical breakthroughs.

The Food and Drug Administration's top vaccine official, Dr. Peter Marks, has resigned under pressure, directly criticizing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s approach to vaccine policy in his departure. In his resignation letter to Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, Marks wrote: "It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies." Marks was reportedly given the option to resign or be fired during a meeting at the Department of Health and Human Services on Friday. In a subsequent interview, Marks reinforced his concerns, stating: "This man doesn't care about the truth. He cares about what is making him followers." John F. Crowley, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) , praised Marks' tenure in a statement following the announcement: "Under the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA shepherded in a new era of scientific breakthroughs -- from new vaccines to curative cell and gene therapies that have strengthened and saved the lives of millions of patients and families." Crowley expressed concern about potential ramifications for healthcare innovation, noting: "We are deeply concerned that the loss of experienced leadership at the FDA will erode scientific standards and broadly impact the development of new, transformative therapies to fight diseases for the American people." BIO emphasized its commitment to working with the new Commissioner and administration while stressing the importance of upholding scientific expertise and high standards at health institutions.

New survey: U.S. biotechs warn tariffs could impede access to cures, stifle innovation  March 26, 2025

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Introducing the Georgia Life Sciences Podcast , a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning more about Georgia's role in the life sciences industry.

We are excited to welcome several new strategic partners to the Georgia Life Sciences Cost Savings Program. These partnerships are designed to help Georgia-based life sciences companies optimize costs, increase efficiency, and enhance business operations. The new partners will offer life sciences businesses exclusive savings on products and services ranging from laboratory supplies to essential business services, ensuring companies can focus more on innovation and growth. The new partners joining the program include: Biotech Exec - Executive Staffing and Management Consulting Corporate Traveler - Business Travel Management Services NexGen BioBanking - Biospecimen Storage and Supply Solutions Select Gases - Specialty, Medical, and Industrial Gases SU Group - Equipment Maintenance Management Program (EMMP) These partnerships bring added value to Georgia’s thriving life sciences ecosystem by providing essential resources to companies at every stage of development. From startups to established industry leaders, these new cost-saving opportunities will help foster continued growth for Georgia Life Science members. To learn more about our portfolio of cost savings partnerships and specific discounts, visit www.galifesciences.org/membership/savings-portfolio .