State Policy Priorities

Historical investments in the Biosciences industry helped Michigan become a nationally recognized leader in bioscience discovery and innovation, especially with the implementation of the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor Initiative in 1999. Today, Michigan’s bio-industry supports almost 48,000 direct jobs and ranks 16th largest nationally. However, Michigan’s specific and visible commitment to the biosciences continues to be absent and is bereft of any specific resources to support the biosciences cluster unlike other regions.

In short, Michigan is no longer a top-tier biosciences state - regions with smaller life science footprints have overtaken us.


Nevertheless, the state has a very strong and world class biosciences research base but must actively work to create an environment that enables new enterprise formation and technology commercialization, while supporting existing company growth. A dedicated and comprehensive vision for bio-industry growth is essential if the cluster is to be sustainable, much less flourish and be a leader again.

  • Improve Michigan's Business Climate for Biosciences

    Deploy a visibly branded, private sector-centric “Michigan Bioscience Growth Initiative” (akin to the Massachusetts’ Life Sciences Initiative and the Governor’s Virginia Biotechnology Initiative) as an economic strategy. 


    Enact legislation and incentives for growth of specialty bioscience sectors like agri-biosciences and clinical trials that can leverage Michigan’s strengths and agriculture and clinical research.


    Institute a “Michigan Made” legislation to spur re-shoring of pharmaceutical and medical durable products manufacturing and supply chain.

  • Incentivize Bioscience Innovation

    Re-establish an early stage investment incentive for angel investors. 


    Enhance SBIR/STTR small business technology match funding. 


    Restore funding to peak levels for MEDC the entrepreneurship, business assistance and capital investment resources that accelerate technology development, company formation and job growth.

  • Invest in Biocience Talent and Workforce Development

    Fund the creation of specialized bioscience apprenticeship and other training programs in fields like biomanufacturing, quality and compliance, and clinical trials to meet current and future workforce needs in research, development and production. 


    Reestablish an incentive to retain and deploy bioscience talent in Michigan and ensure experienced individuals can re-apply their knowledge to help grow existing and new Michigan life sciences companies.

  • Patient Access to Health Innovation

    Support legislation that places patients first and ensures access to new treatment, keeps out-of-pocket costs low, recognizes adoption of new therapies for rare and chronic diseases, and relieves restrictions to health care coverage. 


    Establish by statute a Michigan Rare Diseases Advisory Council, an advisory group that would provide a voice for rare disease patients and their caregivers, as well as a forum to address the many challenges they face in terms of access to care and coverage. 


    Develop legislation to cover bio-marker testing from hospital and medical service providers for purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an insured’s disease or condition to guide treatment.


    Pass a “Co-Pay Accumulator” bill that would assist patients directly by requiring insurers to count all drug rebates received for medication toward a family's maximum out-of-pocket costs or planned deductibles.


    Oppose artificial controls on the prescription drug marketplace, including drug price review or transparency requirements that will burden manufacturers, stifle Michigan’s bioscience innovation, and do nothing to lower patient out-of-pocket costs.


    Develop a state income tax incentive for clinical trial patients that credits their out-of-pocket expenses or those not otherwise covered by a trial sponsor, thereby driving participation in clinical trials.