VIRTUAL MEMBER EVENTS

The monthly President's Calls and BioTexas Cafe Series are THBI's signature member events. These discussions bring together THBI members, policy leaders, legislative staff and key agencies for insightful conversations. THBI invites expert speakers to cover a wide array of topics from latest life science advances and policy issues impacting Texas.

THBI President's Calls are member-only events. To learn how to access these events, or for sponsorship or participation opportunities, email Julia Perkins.

PAST EVENTS

BioTexas Cafe: Research in Your Backyard

Sponsored by We Work For Health Texas

THBI and the We Work For Health Texas coalition host a discussion on the importance of clinical trials and research and development in advancing cures and treatments for patients, while also supporting the Texas economy.

Since 2004, biopharmaceutical research companies have conducted, and continue to conduct, more than 17,000 clinical trials of new medicines in Texas in collaboration with clinical research centers, hospitals, and local research institutions. These clinical trials investigate some of Texas’ biggest health care challenges, including asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal diseases.

View Recorded Webinar

View Texas Research in Your Backyard Report

THBI Member Briefing: TRUE Grant Program

With special guests Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

THBI partnered with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a member-only briefing on the implementation of the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Program, the program’s opportunities and how it can benefit the life sciences in Texas.

During the last legislative session, S.B. 1102 created the TRUE program to award grants to lower division institutions of higher education or to local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and economic development corporations partnering with those institutions to support the creation, redesign, expansion, and delivery, as applicable, of workforce training programs and other qualifying education opportunities. The education and training must lead to post-secondary industry certifications or other workforce credentials required for high demand occupations, must be developed and provided in consultation with employers hiring in those occupations, and must create pathways to employment.

View Recorded Webinar

View Presentation Slides

BioTexas Cafe: Access to Precision Medicine, Biomarkers

Sponsored by Amgen

In partnership with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. It is also one of the costliest diseases to treat. Through advancements in research and technology, new, more cost effective targeted cancer therapies can be customized for a patient’s treatment based on factors such as genomic profile and physical environment through biomarker testing.

Research has shown biomarkers have potential to decrease treatment costs and improve patient survival and quality of life. Despite evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of biomarker testing and targeted therapy, not all individuals benefit equitably from these advances. In a 2021 survey, 66% of oncology providers reported that insurance coverage for biomarker testing is a significant or moderate barrier to appropriate biomarker testing. There are also notable racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities to accessing and utilizing of these advancements in care. These disparities in access and use of guideline-indicated biomarker testing and targeted therapy can potentially widen existing disparities in cancer survival. This discussion brings together industry representatives, patient advocates and a cancer healthcare provider to focus on biomarker testing education and how Texas policy makers can ensure all Texans have access to innovative treatments.

View Recorded Webinar

BioTexas Cafe: Cardiovascular Education and Access to Treatment

Sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, heart disease is the number one cause of death in Texas. The financial burden of heart disease and stroke is substantial. But there is good news. Prevention and treatment advances are helping patients live longer fuller lives. In 2021, vital research progressed on a variety of cardiovascular fronts such as kidney failure and obesity. Studies highlighted better ways to deliver care for stroke, heart failure and high blood pressure. And cutting-edge developments in the practice of precision medicine could improve the futures of old and young.

In recognition of American Heart Month, THBI and guest speakers discuss cardiovascular health prevention and treatment, what policies Texas can create to enable access to care, and the importance of supporting innovations in treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Guest Speakers include Senator Carol Alvarado, Texas Senate, Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention, American Heart Association, and Melvin Earl Klegerman, Ph.D., Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston

View Recorded Webinar