From early-stage discovery to patient-ready therapies, every step of drug development requires expertise, infrastructure, and collaboration. At the recent Made in Maryland event, hosted at MacroGenics’ Montgomery County facility, industry leaders highlighted how all of these critical steps can happen right in Maryland, cementing the state’s position as a hub for biotech innovation.
Maryland’s Growth as a Biopharma Hub
Tom Spitznagel, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at MacroGenics, opened the evening by reflecting on Maryland’s growth in biotech. A decade or more ago, the state was not widely seen as a leading hub, but over the past ten years, Maryland has made significant strides, earning recognition as the third-largest biopharma cluster in the U.S. He emphasized that the event was about more than celebrating innovation; it was designed to strengthen community ties and foster collaboration. “Today is really about sharing stories across those Maryland companies, seeing what we can do for each other, meeting new people, and reconnecting old connections” said Spitznagel.
Photo credits: Nonso Obi
Funding and Early-Stage Innovation
The journey of drug development begins with ideation and research. Due to travel restrictions, the TEDCO speaker could not attend, so Chris Frew from BioBuzz stepped in to highlight the importance of strong early-stage funding and support programs. TEDCO blends venture capital with a focus on local job creation, providing resources ranging from seed funding to guidance on business planning and market research. Programs such as the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund also support cell- and gene-therapy innovations, helping companies scale from concept to early manufacturing.
Building Reliable Biology
Valerie Fremont of Quality Biological (QBI) illustrated how Maryland companies help researchers succeed with high-quality, reproducible products. QBI provides custom reagents, cell culture media, and GMP manufacturing solutions that allow clients–both startups and established firms–to scale reliably from discovery to development. Fremont likened their work to providing a “top-of-the-line bike” for researchers, ensuring they have the tools to win the drug development race.
De-Risking Development
Pedro Diaz of MilliporeSigma BioReliance underscored the critical role of testing and regulatory support. From early characterization of cell lines to viral clearance and lot release testing, BioReliance helps clients navigate regulatory requirements safely and efficiently. The company’s legacy spans from developing the first bioseed protocol for the polio vaccine in 1955 to pioneering rapid mycoplasma testing for modern cell and gene therapies, exemplifying Maryland’s commitment to innovation and risk mitigation.
Patient-Ready Therapies
J.D. Mowery of Bora Pharmaceuticals highlighted Maryland’s growing fill-finish capacity, a crucial step in getting medicines to patients. Bora’s recent investments in Baltimore demonstrate how the state supports not just discovery but also global distribution of therapies. Their facilities handle everything from vials and prefilled syringes to complex biologics, ensuring treatments meet rigorous quality standards and reach patients worldwide.
Designing the Spaces for Biotech Growth
Ameya Kale of CRB closed the session by examining the infrastructure that makes Maryland’s biotech ecosystem possible. From site selection to facility design, CRB helps companies translate discovery into scalable manufacturing operations. Proximity to the FDA, NIH, and a deep talent pool gives Maryland a competitive edge, while thoughtful facility planning ensures efficiency, regulatory compliance, and flexibility for future growth.
A Collaborative Ecosystem Driving Impact
As Chris Frew summarized, the Made in Maryland event highlighted how funding, testing, manufacturing, and infrastructure come together in a collaborative ecosystem. “This was really interesting for me to sit back and listen to all the incredible resources and assets and people that we have right here in Maryland that are working together and collaborating to move drugs forward and patient products forward” said Frew. The event showcased how state partnerships continue to make Maryland a standout hub for biotech innovation, where discovery, development, and delivery can all thrive locally.
View videos from the event presentations here.
