Illinois Biotech Sector Gains momentum, Fueled by Research, Pharma & Patient Advocacy
CHICAGO, IL – Illinois’ biotechnology ecosystem is experiencing meaningful growth, attracting major pharmaceutical investment, expanding research capabilities, and fostering robust patient advocacy, according to recent observations during a visit by BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) President & CEO John Crowley.
The state boasts a strong presence from large pharmaceutical companies including AbbVie, Astellas, Takeda, and CSL Behring, all with manufacturing facilities within Illinois. Chicago specifically has added 2 million square feet of lab space since 2020, driven by a cluster of four new buildings, noted by industry representative Conrad.
Research is spearheaded by the “big three” universities – Northwestern, university of Chicago, and University of Illinois – which are collaborating on technologies focused on inflammation and the immune system at the newly established CZ biohub Chicago, a second hub location funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation. Illinois Tech, described as the state’s ”technical college,” also plays a key role in research and advancement.
Illinois is also leading in patient-focused legislation, becoming the first state to require insurance coverage for biomarker testing, a critical component of personalized medicine.This commitment to patient support was highlighted during Crowley’s visit, which included a meeting with Amy and Pat Tomasulo, founders of the Facial Pain Research Foundation (FPRF).The FPRF was created to raise funds and awareness for trigeminal neuralgia, a rare and debilitating condition affecting approximately 150,000 people annually in the U.S., with a higher incidence among females and those over 50.
the FPRF is now positioned to explore providing seed funding to companies developing treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, demonstrating a growing capacity for patient advocacy groups to directly support biotech innovation. “They’re at a good inflection point, having more of an impact,” Conrad said of FPRF. The expansion of both biotech employment and the influence of Illinois patient advocates underscores the sector’s increasing importance to the state’s economy and healthcare landscape.
