Federal State Budget Institution State Scientific Center

From Alexander Flemings discovery of penicillin to the teams of dedicated scientists working around the clock to help set the world back on its feet in the face of COVID-19, few industries impact humanity as profoundly as the pharmaceutical industry.For all its challenges, setbacks and high standards of excellence, the pharmaceutical industry conducts itself in such a way that ensures its employees are never kept far from a sense of purpose.Purpose can be a complex idea that is sometimes hard to internalize. A sense of purpose tends to loom in the background of the day-to-day. For some, they have a clear sense of purposeand for others, purpose sometimes remains unclear.The faces of purposeFor all the definitions out there, for me, purposeful work comes from service to others; and there are few industries that aim to ease suffering and improve the human condition more than the pursuit of a new medicine.The longer I work in the pharmaceutical industry, the more time I take to pause and reflect on the purpose that comes from working within a patient-focused industry.Most importantly, to see the purpose embedded in the faces of our patients and the hearts of our care communities. This is what continues to drive me as the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. I have seen the continued dedication of my colleagues within this pursuit of developing new medicines and the fulfillment it can bring. That pursuit, like all other meaningful things, can also come at a cost.The cost of new medicineThere is a significant cost of both time and money when developing a new medicine. To give some perspective, when the first iPhone was brought to the market in 2007, it had taken approximately 2.5 yearsand $150 millionto develop. A report from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America organization (PhRMA), states that it takes at least ten years, with clinical trials alone taking six to seven years, and an average cost estimated at $2.6 billion for a new medicine to be available on the market.To simply illustrate the challenges that scientists and researchers face, for every 100 medicines discovered today, approximately 12 will become available to patients. This is because of the high level of rigor and standard that the industry applies and adheres to when it comes to safety and efficacy expectations for these medicines.Additionally, according to research conducted by the Congressional Budget Office, pharmaceutical companies are among the biggest spenders on research and development, spending on average 25 percent of their total revenue (and often much more) in the development of new drugs. This by far exceeds most of other industries when it comes to investment in their research and development area.While, developing drug therapies is an incredibly expensive, time-consuming and high-risk endeavor, there is one element that is often overlooked, the human talent behind it all. No discovery can be made without the brilliant, curious minds of those scientists, researchers and clinicians who have a passion to explore and discover new, innovative therapies for the patients that need them. Without these exceptional people, who sacrifice much in time away from family and loved ones to use their talents to find treatments and cures, our world would look a lot different today. I want to thank these people for all that they do for humanity each and every day to better the lives of those around the world.Embracing purpose I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to work in an industry that is committed to easing human suffering and I feel fortunate to spend my career in a field where my purpose is so clear and fulfilling.Professional fulfillment is that quiet, profound recognition that those things you dedicate your life to, that require effort, time, personal sacrifices and perseverance, ultimately contribute to a body of work that pursues innovation and improves lives of patients and caregivers. Its an unspoken satisfaction that comes from being a part, no matter how small or large, of making the world a better place for others.Over the years, Ive learned to make it a point to reflect on our common purpose and shared mission within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and to take pride in these advancements and their impact on humanity.As new generations of pharmaceutical professionals join this great mission and engage in this noble pursuit, I hope that they are also able to take the time to reflect on the purpose of their work and the impact they have on the patients they serve.About the authorWael Hashad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a passionate leader with more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical management, sales, and marketing both in the U.S. and international markets. He develops and inspires high-performing teams and has built a global reputation for his transformational leadership style by creating cultures that focus on dedication, transparency and innovation. An accomplished executive, Wael has a strong history of formulating and executing strategies for brand development from phase one, to global launch and post life-cycle management. Wael earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the College of Pharmacy, Cairo University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Akron in Ohio.SourcesBusiness Insider, Apple Spent Over $150 Million to Create the Original iPhone.History.com, Steve Jobs Originally Envisioned the iPhone as Mostly a Phone. PhRMA,Biopharmaceutical Research & Development: The Process Behind New Medicines, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America organization (PhRMA).Congressional Budget Office. Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry. '

DLC, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh released the following statement in response to the passage of the 2022-23 Pennsylvania state budget. "On behalf of our 1.8 million members, AARP Pennsylvania appreciates the steps taken by the Governor and General Assembly to distribute American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the 2022-2023 state budget. After a lifetime of hard work, Pennsylvania's seniors deserve to live with independence, security, and dignity. The availability of common-sense options will enable them to age in place in their homes and communities. Understanding that increasing property taxes are most burdensome to residents who are older and on fixed incomes, AARP Pennsylvania advocated for the $140 million investment in the state's Property Tax Rent Rebate Program, which brings much needed relief at a time when high inflation - including the rising prices of gas, prescription drugs and food - is hitting older and disabled adults right in the pocketbook. Additionally, the allocation of $125 million for a new Whole Home Repairs Program was also supported by AARP Pennsylvania to assist those who want to remain at home but lack the financial resources needed to pay for simple home repairs. The adoption of this program will also help Pennsylvanians make their homes more livable, and more energy efficient by fixing poorly functioning heating systems and tackling other projects that can help lower energy costs. Lastly, the infusion of $250 million ARPA dollars to support the state's long-term care facilities -- nursing, assisted living, and personal care homes – and enhance care delivered at the bedside is critical to the health, safety and well-being of residents who depend upon the care provided by such facilities. On this point, our advocacy has been clear: residents and their families deserve to know that any licensed facility they go to will have adequate and safe staffing, and taxpayers have the right to expect value for the billions of dollars invested into long-term care. ARPA funds did provide a historic opportunity to offer older Pennsylvanians with options to live in their homes and communities when health and financial limitations make that harder. While encouraged by these ARPA investments, we will continue advocating for Pennsylvania's decision makers to do more to expand home services, reduce service waiting lists and strengthen the paid long-term care workforce, so direct care staff can earn a living wage with benefits." CONTACT: TJ Thiessen, (202) 374-8033, [email protected] SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

RESTON, Va., Aug. 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, today announced it has been awarded a modification to its Department of Defense (DoD) Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) blanket purchase agreement (BPA) N66001-21-A-0031. The modification expands the DoD’s access to IT asset management and cybersecurity solutions with the addition of five manufacturers. Carahsoft holds an additional BPA (N66001-19-A-0120), with 28 total solution providers available to meet the DoD’s mission needs. Under these agreements, Carahsoft and authorized reseller partners will jointly provide software, software maintenance support, information technology professional services and training to the DoD, U.S. intelligence community and Coast Guard from the following: BPA N66001-21-A-0031: BPA N66001-19-A-0120: “The Carahsoft Team is committed to providing leading solutions to meet the needs of the DoD, and we are proud to incorporate more of our vendors’ technologies and expertise to solve the latest challenges,” said Craig P. Abod, Carahsoft President. “With our Best-in-Class designation, we look forward to continuing to build momentum around these BPAs to better serve our Defense customers with software and services from our solution providers and reseller partners.” The agreements support the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and are intended to reduce the contracting and open market costs associated with the traditional procurement process, including searching for sources, developing technical documents and solicitations, negotiating contractual terms, and evaluating offers. Carahsoft’s BPAs are designated Best-in-Class by the Office of Management and Budget, certifying they meet high standards for cost avoidance, data-driven procurement and independent reviews. Asset management and cybersecurity solutions are available under Blanket Purchase Agreement N66001-21-A-0031 and Blanket Purchase Agreement N66001-19-A-0120 through Carahsoft’s GSA Schedule No. GS-35F-0119Y. For more information, contact the Carahsoft IT Asset Management BPA Team at (703) 889-9878 or ITAMBPA@Carahsoft.com. About the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (DoD ESI) DoD ESI is an official DoD initiative sponsored by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead in the establishment and management of enterprise COTS IT agreements, assets, and policies. DoD ESI lowers the total cost of ownership across the DoD, Coast Guard and Intelligence Communities for commercial software, IT hardware, and services. About Carahsoft Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator® for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source, Customer Experience and Engagement, and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at . Contact Mary Lange(703) 230-7434PR@carahsoft.com