A developing weather pattern has the attention the National Weather Service, which noted a gradually increasing winter weather threat for Monday through Tuesday across much of the Baltimore-Washington region, including Montgomery County.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Sidion Alicia Grant, a missing 53-year-old. (more…)
A new bakery is headed to Olney, with TOUS Les JOURS set to take over the former Five Guys space at 3333 Olney Sandy Spring Road.
Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.
Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.
A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region
One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.
This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.
“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”
A Strong Partnership Network
Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.
Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)
Chicken Basket, located at 30 N. Summit Ave. in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, has expanded with a new carryout and delivery location at Takoma Eats, 6120 Kansas Ave NW in Washington, DC. (more…)
Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland
The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,
Emergency crews responded Thursday afternoon to a motor vehicle collision with entrapment at the intersection of Bel Pre Road and Arctic Avenue in Aspen Hill.
|
Montgomery Parks is unveiling new interpretive panels and a listening post at Johnson’s Local Park that spotlight the powerful and often untold history of the Emory Grove community in Gaithersburg.
Founded in 1864 by formerly enslaved African Americans, Emory Grove grew into a self-sustaining community rooted in faith, tradition, and resilience. For nearly a century, it thrived as a cultural and spiritual center for Black families in Montgomery County.
|
Fontina Grille at 801 Pleasant Drive is reminding guests that it remains open at its King Farm location as it prepares for a move this fall to The Laureate at Westside at Shady Grove. Restaurant officials said there has been some confusion among customers who believed the restaurant had already closed, but the current location continues to operate as usual. (more…)
A 16-year-old Gaithersburg girl has been charged in connection with a social media threat made against Thomas S. Wootton High School on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown brought its community together in a big way this month with a Black History Month talent show that doubled as a celebration of student creativity, mentorship, and school pride.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Reiarha Green, a missing 14-year-old.