Today, Governor Maura Healey visited Hopkinton on a roadshow to promote the Mass Leads Act, her latest proposal to make Massachusetts a global hub for life sciences, climatetech, and artificial intelligence (AI). As part of the proposal the governor announced that she is reauthorizing the Life Sciences Initiative, which has a direct impact on several Hopkinton companies.
Joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Healey toured the facility at RoslinCT on South Street, speaking with employees and learning about the life saving work happening at the firm. RoslinCT is a Cell Therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in cell and gene therapy products. RoslinCT counts both Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Lykan Bioscience as customers, both who have offices in Hopkinton. In collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, RoslinCT developed the first CRISPR-edited cell therapy product for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
“We’re really excited that the governor is renewing the funding, because we want to maintain Massachusetts as the center for life sciences,” said RoslinCT Chief Operating Officer Dean Morris. “For us, this bill is huge in that it helps us attract a unique level of talent for our workforce.”
Hopkinton was recently awarded a prestigious “Platinum” rating by MassBIO, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides support and services to the Massachusetts biotechnology industry. A rating of Platinum makes Hopkinton a highly desirable community for the Life Science Industry to build and work. The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a celebration event at RoslinCT on Tuesday, March 19 from 8:00 – 9:30 AM, and all are welcome to attend.
Several local leaders turned out, including Select Board Chair Muriel Kramer and members Irfan Nasrullah and Amy Ritterbusch. Town Manager Norman Khumalo and State Representative James Arena-DeRosa were also on-hand to greet the governor.
“The Mass Leads Act is about empowering Massachusetts, growing our economy, and building on our history and our future of innovation, science, and entrepreneurship. It’s going to power us forward in exciting ways,” said Healey.
Following a tour by COO Morris, Chair Kramer welcomed the governor to Hopkinton, and also extended the offer for Healey to attend the start of the Boston Marathon on April 15. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t offer you the opportunity to join us at our own little roadshow event,” said Kramer.
