Senators Tracy Pennycuick and Frank Farry led a joint hearing at Merck & Co. to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Pennsylvania’s biotechnology sector. The session, organized by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee, focused on how AI is influencing research, drug development, supply chains, and innovation in medical and agricultural sciences.
Pennsylvania is home to about 3,000 life science companies that contribute an estimated $61 billion directly to the state’s economy. Senator Pennycuick emphasized the rapid changes brought by AI: “What once took years of laboratory work can now be modeled, tested, and refined in a fraction of the time,” she said. She highlighted regions such as Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties for their concentration of biotech activity. Pennycuick added, “Our Commonwealth has a proud and growing biotech footprint… These organizations are developing life-saving treatments, advancing genetic research, and strengthening the state’s position as a national hub for scientific excellence. But as with any rapidly evolving technology, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. We must ensure that our policies keep pace with innovation, encouraging progress while protecting safety, privacy, and ethical integrity.”
Senator Farry discussed policy considerations: “As chair of the newly created Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee, a focus has been on addressing challenges and shaping policies that allow innovation in biotech to thrive in Pennsylvania,” he said. “Artificial intelligence is transforming the biotech industry, creating many opportunities while also presenting challenges. Our responsibility is to develop a thoughtful policy framework that strengthens Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in AI-driven life sciences, supports economic growth, while protecting patients, workers, and the public interest.”
The hearing included testimony from representatives across academia and industry: Kurt Imhof from Life Sciences PA; Dr. Jacob Gardner from University of Pennsylvania; Dr. O. Burak Ozdoganlar from Carnegie Mellon University; Mary Zuccato from Every Cure; Dr. Eunice Yang from OK2Standup; David Yonce from Cogwear; Dr. Nevada Heft from Merck; Dr. Nicole Maciolek from Altasciences; and Dr. Jeffrey Headd from Johnson & Johnson.
