The Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio) today expressed strong support for Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to veto Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 483, legislation that would have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel (PDAAP) in the Commonwealth. Virginia Bio and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce sent a joint letter to Governor Spanberger commending her decision and reaffirming our shared commitment to patient-centered solutions that protect access to medicines and preserve Virginia’s national leadership in life sciences.
Grateful for Member and Partner Support
Virginia Bio extends its deepest thanks to the Virginia Bio Government Relations Committee, comprised of nearly 30 member companies, whose engagement and leadership were essential at every stage of this effort. Your voices — and the voices of your colleagues across the Commonwealth — made this outcome possible. Virginia Bio also wishes to specifically thank the Virginia Chamber and our national partners, Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers’ Association (PhRMA) the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), for lending their key voices and expertise. Their partnership amplified Virginia’s message and demonstrated the broad, unified opposition to policies that would have undermined biomedical innovation.
A Coordinated, Statewide Advocacy Effort
This outcome reflects months of sustained, multi-faceted advocacy by Virginia Bio, our members and partners. Recognizing the threat these bills posed to patient access to care, Virginia’s growing biotechnology ecosystem, and the Commonwealth’s economy as a whole, Virginia Bio mounted a comprehensive effort spanning earned media, grassroots mobilization, and educational advertising. In total, members of Virginia Bio’s dedicated grassroots community delivered over 5,500 letters to Virginia state lawmakers and key members of the Governor’s administration. Digital ads around the unintended consequences of the legislation generated more than 42,000 content views from key decisionmakers.
Virginia Bio’s advocacy also generated significant earned media coverage across the Commonwealth. CEO John Newby participated in interviews with several local television and radio stations at key moments. Whether through an interview for WRIC-TV on the impact of artificial price-setting, an opinion in The Richmond Times-Dispatch underscoring the proven ineffectiveness of similar efforts, or a statement to reporters across the Commonwealth, Virginia Bio ensured our members’ voices were heard.
Looking Ahead
As disclosed in recent news reports, key General Assembly leaders have vowed to bring this legislation back during General Assembly 2027. And, we remain vigilant regarding possible PDAAP budget language that could be added during current budget negotiations. Even with this, Virginia Bio applauds Governor Spanberger for her thoughtful leadership and dedication to protecting patient access to medicines while supporting Virginia’s growing life sciences economy. We remain committed to working with the Governor’s office and state leaders to advance patient-centered policies that strengthen access to innovative treatments, support the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences and biotechnology companies and the jobs they provide, and ensure Virginia remains a destination of choice for biomedical research, manufacturing, and investment.