The entity formerly known as MedMates has rebranded.
Now known as Rhode Island Bio, the 2011-born group still works to coalesce the life science industry throughout southeastern New England.
Additionally, Rhode Island Bio has become the official affiliate of Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and will "work to secure resources for the Rhode Island life sciences community and provide its members with exclusive access to events, materials and supplies, workspaces, growth partners and more," a press release on the move states.
These moves will ultimately help the state as a whole, said Carol Malysz, executive director of RI Bio.
“There is no single organization, individual, or business that can build Rhode Island’s economy,” she explained. “It will require leadership, ingenuity, a long-term perspective and a unified commitment from the federal, state, academic institutions and private sectors to support this growth and change. We are here to support this commitment by advocating for policies and resources, convening like-minded professionals and organizations, and promoting the overall life sciences economy in our exceptional state.”
President and CEO of Medley Genomics and RI Bio board member Patrice Milos agreed.
“We share a bold vision for life sciences in Rhode Island,” she said. “RI Bio is perfectly positioned to lead our state’s vision of unlimited potential to unlock the next generation of treatments, discover new cures and help patients take greater control of their own health. As co-collaborators and partners in the RI Bio community, we must all collectively seize the momentum now to achieve our place as a recognized leader in life sciences.”
In addition to the rebrand, the entity announced a partnership with Bryant University, Leadership Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training. This will establish a program that "addresses the critical skills needed to grow life sciences organizations," the release states, adding that it will teach participants skills including change management and conflict resolutions, among others.
Michael Elliot, vice president of immunology scientific innovation at Johnson & Johnson Innovation, has also been announced as RI Bio's newest board member. "His insight and expertise will be invaluable to the growth of RI Bio," the release states.
