MedMates Rebrands as RI Bio, Brings New Resources, Partnerships and Research to Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rhode Island Bio (RI Bio), southeastern New England’s leading life sciences industry group, has announced the launch of its new brand, the availability of its full suite of member services and a host of significant organizational developments that will impact the life sciences economy throughout the state. Formerly known as MedMates, RI Bio is now the official affiliate of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and will work to secure resources for the Rhode Island life sciences community and provide its members with exclusive access to events, materials and supplies, workspaces, growth partners and more.

“We share a bold vision for life sciences in Rhode Island,” said Patrice Milos, RI Bio board member and president & CEO of Medley Genomics. “RI Bio is perfectly positioned to lead our state’s vision of unlimited potential to unlock the next generation of treatments, discover new cures and help patients take greater control of their own health. As co-collaborators and partners in the RI Bio community, we must all collectively seize the momentum now to achieve our place as a recognized leader in life sciences.”

In addition to launching its new brand and membership services, RI Bio is announcing several exciting collaborations that will burgeon the Rhode Island life sciences community in the months to come:

  • Leveraging the Revolution in Life Sciences: Growing the Rhode Island Innovation Ecosystem
    Commissioned by Governor Gina Raimondo in 2016, the Rhode Island BioHub Group finalized the BioHub report in October 2018 in partnership with RI Bio. It outlines, in great detail, the potential economic impact of an integrated Life Sciences Innovation Ecosystem and the unique growth opportunities available to developing life sciences companies in the Rhode Island market. Availability of the report will be announced later this month.
  • Life Sciences Leadership Development Program
    Via a partnership with Leadership Rhode Island, Bryant University and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, RI Bio will be offering a training program that addresses the critical skills needed to grow life sciences organizations. The program will focus on change management, effective communication, conflict resolution, team building and strengths-based leadership. Initial RI Bio companies will include Amgen, EpiVax, Rhode Island Quality Institute and Ximedica.
  • New RI Bio Board Member: Michael J. Elliott, MBBS, PhD, FRACP
    Newly appointed to the RI Bio Board of Directors is Michael Elliott, currently serving as Vice President, Immunology Scientific Innovation at Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Physician-scientist, drug developer and biotech pioneer, Dr. Elliott has led successful clinical development programs in the field of autoimmunity and served as general manager and site head for TransForm Pharmaceuticals, a former Johnson & Johnson portfolio company. His insight and expertise will be invaluable to the growth of RI Bio.

“There is no single organization, individual, or business that can build Rhode Island’s economy,” said Carol Malysz, executive director, RI Bio. “It will require leadership, ingenuity, a long-term perspective and a unified commitment from the federal, state, academic institutions and private sectors to support this growth and change. We are here to support this commitment by advocating for policies and resources, convening like-minded professionals and organizations, and promoting the overall life sciences economy in our exceptional state.”

To learn more about RI Bio, the Rhode Island BioHub Report, the Life Sciences Leadership Development Program or other services, please visit www.ri-bio.org

Quotes

“Rhode Island is home to nearly 5,000 high-paying biotechnology jobs and is very well positioned for continued growth within our industry,” said Jim Greenwood, president & CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization. “As a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations, RI Bio plays an integral role in our shared mission to advocate for policies that spur innovation, patient access to new medicines and good jobs in Rhode Island and across the country.”

“Effective and empowered industry leaders are essential to our Real Jobs Rhode Island workforce development strategy,” said Scott Jensen, director, RI Department of Labor and Training. “RI Bio is a critical partner in developing a world-class workforce for our state’s bioscience employers. We appreciate their leadership and look forward to the work ahead.”

“RI Bio is an important contributor to Rhode Island’s flourishing life sciences ecosystem,” said Stefan Pryor, Rhode Island secretary of commerce. “This sector has grown significantly in recent years and we know RI Bio will continue to serve as an important catalyst within this vibrant and vital industry.”

“Just as Leadership Rhode Island has moved Rhode Island’s workforce engagement numbers from the bottom in the nation to the top these last few years, we’re excited to focus our attention on maximizing the potential out of key leaders within the life sciences, a critically important industry for our future,” said Mike Ritz, executive director, Leadership RI.

About RI Bio

RI Bio is southeastern New England’s life sciences industry group. We are dedicated to galvanizing collaboration and growth among life sciences companies, hospitals, universities, sources of capital and governmental partners. We convene, advise and advocateWith the support of our partners, including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC), we work to secure resources to support the life sciences community and provide our members with exclusive access to regional/industry news, events, materials and supplies, workspaces, growth partners, and more. Visit us at www.ri-bio.org.

Contacts

Sara Beth Fahey
Matter Communications
sfahey@matternow.com

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