A statewide coalition aimed at fostering medical innovation and growth in Colorado’s bioscience and bio pharma areas launched Friday at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus.
“With Washington about to consider comprehensive health care reform, we’re really stressing the point that the innovation side, particularly in biopharma, is important to preserve and grow,” said Sean Duffy, a spokesman for We Work for Health Colorado.
The coalition is composed of biopharmaceutical companies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, economic-development organizations, labor organizations, higher-education and health-advocacy organizations. It includes UCD, Colorado State University, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority and Forest City Enterprises.
The state’s bioscience industry covers about 18,000 jobs spanning 920 organizations and has grown about 5.5 percent from 2001 to 2006, outpacing private-sector growth.
The average salary is $67,000 — 54 percent higher than the average private-sector wage.
Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com
