New Brunswick, NJ, October 30, 2015 ― The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ) this morning honored four for their contributions in public service, life sciences research, patient advocacy and health care policy. The awards were presented at HINJ’s Life Sciences Celebration 2015, which was held at the Wyndham Garden Trenton.
The recipients of HINJ’s 2015 honors were:
- The Honorable Bob Franks Public Service Award: HINJ presented the Honorable Bob Franks Public Service Award — named in honor of the late former U.S. Congressman and HINJ President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Franks — to U.S. Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ-7) for his leadership in protecting patients and scientific research and the advancement of global human health. Lance, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, played a key leadership role in passage of the House’s 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) in July 2015.
- Research: In recognition of his contributions to and leadership in medical sciences research, HINJ honored Nils Lonberg, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Oncology Discovery Biology, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
- Patient Advocacy: In recognition of her leadership in patient advocacy in New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic Region, HINJ honored Deborah P. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic.
- Special Recognition: HINJ honored David L. Knowlton, the recently retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (NJHCQI), in recognition of his career in patient advocacy and leadership in New Jersey health care policy. Mr. Knowlton’s award was accepted by his son, Scott Knowlton.
Presiding over the event, Craig Bleifer, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. and Chair of HINJ’s Board of Trustees, said, “There is much to celebrate in New Jersey’s life sciences community. HINJ is delighted to recognize the achievements of this distinguished group, who, like our HINJ member companies, have demonstrated a sustained commitment across a broad spectrum of activities to medical innovation and improving the human condition.”
HINJ President and Chief Executive Officer Dean J. Paranicas shared Mr. Bleifer’s enthusiasm. “It is entirely fitting that we honor the efforts of those who share our industry’s ideals,” Paranicas said. “The life sciences in New Jersey has a long and distinguished history. The state’s life sciences community is, and, I am confident, will long continue to be, a global leader.”
To view photographs from HINJ’s 2015 Life Sciences Celebration, visit HINJ’s Facebook page or click here.
Founded in 1997, the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ) serves as the voice for the state’s life sciences industry. HINJ seeks to expand patient access to the most innovative biopharmaceuticals and medical devices and promote awareness of the industry’s impact on New Jersey’s quality of life and economic well-being. In 2012, HINJ member companies’ economic impact in the state exceeded $26 billion, according to HINJ’s 2013 Economic Impact Report.
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