NBC 4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer is flagging growing confidence in a significant winter storm for Sunday into Monday, even as major forecast models remain far apart on snowfall totals.
Montgomery County’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group (APAAG) has released a new “Health Care Providers Handbook on Sikh Patients” to help medical professionals deliver culturally competent and respectful care. (more…)
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced that new ramp metering systems will become fully operational on 16 northbound Interstate 270 ramps in Frederick and Montgomery counties starting Tuesday, February 24, weather permitting.
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…)
After more than a decade, the Bluemercury location at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg has closed its doors permanently. The store originally opened in September 2015. The space has been listed as available in leasing documents for several months. (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,
Detectives with the Montgomery County Department of Police Major Crimes Division are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to the shooting death of an 87-year-old man in Potomac.
Forecast models continue to show a wide range of outcomes for a potential winter storm late Sunday into Monday, which is why official snowfall projections remain conservative for now. While some guidance suggests the possibility of heavier snow, confidence remains low, especially east of the mountains and below 1500 feet.
Society Restaurant & Lounge, located at 8229 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, has announced plans to rebrand as Society Seafood House. In a recent post on social media, the restaurant shared, “Coming Soon. Downtown Silver Spring’s destination for seafood, cocktails, and ambiance,” signaling a new concept focused on seafood dining and nightlife. (more…)
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 state attorneys general in submitting comment letters opposing two proposed rules from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would restrict access to transgender healthcare for youth.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is continuing progress on its second Montgomery County location, sharing a photo of its interior construction on February 17 with the caption, “Gaithersburg, progress is happening. Construction is underway, and this space is really starting to take shape. We’re excited to bring PJ’s Coffee to the neighborhood soon!”
Following his recent State of the State address, Governor Wes Moore announced a $4 million investment to support workforce development related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, administered through the Maryland Department of Labor.
DC Water announced on Thursday that crews have reached the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor that collapsed January 19 along Clara Barton Parkway near I-495 and the C&O Canal.