Patroski Lawson, founder of the government affairs firm KPM Group, announced on June 10 the formation of the American Biotech Innovation Alliance (ABIA), a new organization aimed at uniting biotechnology leaders to create a national policy plan for advancing American biotech innovation.
Lawson described the urgency of the initiative by referencing discussions he had in both White House and Senate settings over recent years about challenges posed by Chinese advancements in biomedical research and development. "We gotta do something about the China problem," Kellyanne Conway said during a meeting with biotech CEOs and presidential counselors seven years ago, according to Lawson. At an event in October 2025, Senator Bill Cassidy asked industry executives how to respond to China's growing influence; no immediate solutions were offered.
The ABIA was launched in early May with founding members including Moderna, Gamida Cell, CG Oncology, and approximately 50 companies now participating. The group plans to convene meetings across the country before bringing their proposals to lawmakers in Washington, D.C., aiming for consensus across academics, investors, executives, and other stakeholders. "We’re going to focus 100% of our efforts on making sure that we don’t leave 2027 without a national strategy," Lawson said.
Lawson emphasized that China's rise as a leader in life sciences did not happen overnight but resulted from targeted government initiatives such as five-year plans designed to ease policy roadblocks and increase investment. "They’ve been ruthlessly executing against that ever since," he said. He argued that similar coordinated efforts could be implemented within the United States if there is sufficient will among industry participants.
As biomedical innovation expands beyond traditional hubs like Boston or Silicon Valley into states such as Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Utah, Lawson stated that any new policy must reflect this geographic shift. "Nothing’s important unless you write it down and you execute against a strategy and plan," he said.
Lawson compared this moment for biotechnology advocacy to historic movements requiring individual action: "It starts with one person. Think about Rosa Parks... She helped spark a movement because of her action." He concluded by encouraging those who care about American biotechnology to take initiative.
