The Montgomery County Department of Police is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect connected to a vandalism incident at a residence operating as a daycare. Detectives with the department’s 4th District Patrol Investigations Unit released images as part of their investigation. (more…)
The Montgomery County Humane Society is warning residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim to be from the organization or from Hanna’s Clinic.
The Washington Commanders shared a statement from the family of Christian A. “Sonny” Jurgensen III announcing his passing at the age of 91, honoring both his legendary football career and his life beyond the field. (more…)
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…)
Glenview Mansion, one of Rockville’s most recognizable landmarks, turns 100 this year. The City of Rockville is commemorating the centennial with a slate of public programs that invite residents and visitors inside the historic estate in new and creative ways.
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,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Germantown, MD man at Washington Dulles International Airport on Sunday who authorities say was attempting to leave the country while wanted on felony charges in Montgomery County.
Update: The Extreme Cold Warning now includes all of Montgomery County
The National Weather Service (NWS) says an Extreme Cold Warning and High Wind Warning remain in effect across parts of central Maryland through the weekend, bringing dangerously cold wind chills and potentially damaging winds.
A major sewer line along Clara Barton Parkway near the I-495 interchange and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park collapsed on January 19, releasing an estimated tens of millions of gallons of wastewater per day into the Potomac River.
Maryland officials announced proposed legislation that would allow farms to expand on-site food service operations, with the goal of supporting agricultural businesses and local economies.
Montgomery County Public Libraries is celebrating the 10th anniversary of MoComCon this March, marking a decade of one of the county’s most popular fandom-focused events.
Montgomery Parks is seeking public input on restroom access and facilities across the county through a new online survey aimed at better understanding how park restrooms are used and what features matter most to visitors.
Plainclothes officers with the Montgomery County Police Department seized more than 300 suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop in downtown Silver Spring on Wednesday evening, February 4. (more…)