Category Archives: Advocacy and Regulations

Opportunity to comment on new reporting rule at CMS

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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Contact: CMS Office of Public Affairs
202-690-6145

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SUNSHINE;

RULE INCREASES TRANSPARENCY IN HEALTH CARE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS ) announced today a proposed rule that will increase public awareness of financial relationships between drug and device manufacturers and certain health care providers.  This is one of many steps under the Affordable Care Act designed to increase transparency in the health care system, which can lead to better care at lower costs.Continue reading→

One step closer on the road to SBIR Reauthorization

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The SBIR/STTR program has not been reauthorized yet but we are one step closer as the December 16th deadline approaches.

Monday (December 12, 2012) word of a Senate/House compromise was announced that may lead to a positive outcome that would reauthorize the SBIR/STTR program for six years.  This would be a huge improvement over the multiple short term extensions we have seen  in recent years. Continue reading→

Making Sense of the Medical Device Tax

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Estimated at $20B, the Medial Device Tax was included in the Affordable Care Act that was signed into law by President Obama in 2010. The amount is based on a 2.3% excise tax that will be levied on the total revenues of a company, regardless of whether a company generates a profit, starting in 2013.

While many industry groups including AZBio, AdvaMed, and MDMA have been sharing information on why this tax is unwise and have worked to explain the negative effects that it could have on innovation and patient care, there is always the possibility that it will not be repealed before 2013.

Ernst and Young recently published a Tax Note on the Medical Device Tax that gives a comprehensive overview of what it is, who it affects and how they will be affected.  The tax note is provided below as published by E&Y and is shared with permission.Continue reading→

AZBio Celebrates Trailblazers

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Arizona’s bioscience community came together on December 1, 2011 to show appreciation to the leaders who have blazed the path for bioscience growth here in Arizona.  We call these individuals “Trailblazers.”

Members of community from across the  state had an opportunity to share ideas with legislators, elected officials and leaders from Arizona’s bioscience companies, universities and research institutions.  AZBio members also were updated on the latest results from the AZBio Viewpoint Survey and all attendees received the 2012 AZBio public policy initiatives as well as  a comprehensive list of policy recommendations from the Flinn Foundation and the Bioscience Road Map Steering Committee. Continue reading→

Just released: Pete Pellerito of BIO to keynote AZBio Trailblazer Awards on December 1st

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Peter M. Pellerito of BIO to share a National Perspective on Best Practices That Support Bioscience Industry Growth at AZBio Trailblazer Awards Luncheon December 1, 2011.

The Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio) today announced that Peter M. Pellerito of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) will present a keynote on best practices for state bioscience industry growth at the AZBio Trailblazer Awards on December 1, 2011 as the community gathers to honor state leaders.Continue reading→

Small Business, Innovation, and the Importance of the SBIR and STTR

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Readers note:  This post will continue to be updated throughout the week as the SBIR deadline approaches.  Updates will appear at the bottom of the post.

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At times like these, when the need for innovation, is greater than ever, the SBIR and STTR Programs hold the keys to the growth of new and innovative products in the U.S. small business sector.  Funding through SBIR and STTR awards provides critical support for new discoveries in both the small business and university research communities across 11 key Federal Agencies and unlocks the vault to bring out new innovations right here at home.

Continue reading→