Seven new biopharmaceutical companies join PhRMA, Forbes reports

Forbes recently reported that seven new biopharmaceutical companies have now joined the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lexington, Mass.; OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Melville, N.Y.; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cheshire, Conn.; Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Parsippany, N.J.; Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., Raleigh, N.C.; Vifor Pharma, Basking Ridge, N.J.; and Xoma Ltd, Berkeley, Calif. are now PhRMA member companies.

In addition to developing cutting-edge medicines that help advance patient care in the U.S. and abroad, the new members - which have a presence in six different states - have contributed to America's economy by supporting thousands of jobs.

"The addition of these member companies is a testament to the hard work PhRMA has been doing over the years, which has attracted enormous new talent to our ranks," said David Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca and PhRMA's Chairman of the Board. "We welcome the new member companies with open arms and look forward to working with them on one of the most important issues of our lifetime - health care reform."

America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies have played a constructive role in helping to ensure that a comprehensive health reform bill that is good for all Americans - particularly one that supports medical innovation and improves patient care - gets to President Obama's desk in the near future.