More than 2,000 life sciences-related companies with nearly 84,000 professionals call Pennsylvania home. The sector grew by more than 7 percent in the past two years. In fact, five of the top ten global bio-pharma companies have a significant presence in the state: GlaxoSmithKline, Wyeth, Merck, Aventis, and Johnson & Johnson (Centocor).
      In addition, 786,304 medical professionals live, work, and play in the Keystone State. Together, life sciences and medical professionals account for almost 16 percent of Pennsylvania's employment base -- one of the highest concentrations in the nation and a clear sign of a highly-skilled life sciences workforce. The Milken Institute's America's Health Care Economy Study of 2003 showed that the Keystone State ranked 6th nationally for venture capital investment in biotech industry dollars per capita in 2002.
      Pennsylvania has taken measures to build on its existing world-class life sciences base. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is continuing a $2-billion multi-year Life Sciences Enterprise commitment to the industry and adding a portion of its recently enacted $2.3-billion Economic Stimulus program to bolster capital available for businesses.
      History shows that the Commonwealth has been a seminal location in the development of the life sciences industry. The Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751, was the nation's first hospital, creating a precedent that many cities soon followed. The first polio vaccine was created by Dr. Jonas Salk at the University of Pittsburgh, and the first simultaneous heart, liver, and kidney transplant occurred at the Presbyterian-University Hospital in 1989. These are just a few of the groundbreaking life sciences accomplishments that took place in Pennsylvania and helped spark the progression of human health advancements.
      Today, Pennsylvania is a hub of extraordinary research and innovative companies that are making astounding advances in biotechnology therapies, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostics.