Maryland lawmakers form biotechnology caucus

ANNAPOLIS, Md. According to published reports, a group of Maryland lawmakers have formed a biotechnology and life sciences caucus to promote the industry throughout the state.

The lawmakers will use the forum to work with agencies, academic centers and the private sector to boost the state's life science industry.

The formation of the new group comes at a time when Maryland's biotech landscape continues to be on the rise. New biotech companies are popping up throughout the region at Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland at Baltimore and University of Maryland at Baltimore County.

The first meeting was held last week, and another meeting is scheduled for Feb.14 with guest Jennie Hunter-Cevera, president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

The caucus will meet periodically throughout the current legislative session and between sessions.