BioNJ Celebrates Innovation and Life Sciences at 33rd Annual Dinner Meeting

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Feb 6, 2026

BioNJ hosted its 33rd Annual Dinner Meeting and Innovation Celebration last night in East Brunswick, an event which recognized and celebrated the Garden State’s burgeoning life sciences industry.

According to BioNJ, New Jersey is the nation’s second-largest biopharma hub, powered by a GDP of $121 billion ― representing 7.8% of the state’s economy, more than double the US average.

“We come together to honor the remarkable dedication and transformative work of New Jersey’s life sciences community – a beacon of innovation and hope that turns patients’ dreams into reality around the globe,” said BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart.

The evening kicked off with Gov. Mikie Sherrill discussing the importance of the life sciences industry to the New Jersey economy and the health of the nation.

“I want to congratulate tonight’s honorees for the work that you have done to make our communities more healthy – from life-saving innovations to patient advocacy,” Sherrill said. “Nearly half of the nation’s new treatments and cures come from New Jersey. What you do is amazing, not just for our state, but for families across the country and across the world. You make such a huge difference creating life, hope and opportunity for so many people, and it makes me so proud to be the governor of this state.

“The state has so much potential,” Sherrill continued. “A lot of that potential is because of the business and the people in this room. We have more than 4,000 life sciences facilities in New Jersey. Eight of the world’s top 10 drug makers and nine of the world’s top 10 R&D companies. A thousand new drugs currently in development, and 300,000 jobs.”

Sherrill said that she recognizes the importance of the role that her administration will play in continuing the momentum of the industry.

“That’s why we are so committed to making it easier to do business here. We want to make sure it’s easier to invest and grow,” she said, citing the expansion of economic development agency programs, protecting incentives such as the New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit, and helping companies win more pharma-related federal grants.

In what has become a theme when addressing the business community, Sherrill said that her door is always open.

“Let’s work together so that we can get the results that we all want and need. I am asking you all to stay engaged,” she said. “I have learned over the years that we do our best work, not when we sequester ourselves in back rooms and come up with policies we think are going to be great, and then force them upon the people. We come up with our best policies when we work closely and when we have the feedback from the community.”

The evening also celebrated the recipients of multiple honors, including the 2026 Innovator Award Honorees made up of New Jersey companies which received a novel FDA approval in 2025.

“With 20 novel FDA approvals, as well as a newly approved cell and gene therapy, in 2025, New Jersey proudly stands at the forefront of progress, setting the standard for excellence across the nation,” said Hart.

The 2026 Innovator Award Honorees include:

• Abbvie for the approval of Emrelis™ 

• Bayer for the approvals of Hyrnuo® and Lynkuet® 

• Daiichi Sankyo for the approval of Datroway® 

• Eli Lilly for the approval of Inluriyo™ 

• GSK for the approvals of Blujepa and Exdensur 

• Insmed for the approval of Brinsupri™ 

• Johnson & Johnson for the approval of Imaavy™ 

• Kyowa Kirin (in partnership with Kura Oncology) for the approval of Komzifti™ 

• LEO Pharma for the approval of Anzupgo® 

• Merck & Co. for the approvals of Enflonsia™ and Keytruda Qlex™ 

• Novartis for the approvals of Itvisma®, Rhapsido® and Vanrafia™ 

• Otsuka Pharmaceutical for the approval of Voyxact® 

• PTC Therapeutics for the approval of Sephience™ 

• Regeneron for the approval of Lynozyfic™ 

• Sanofi for the approvals of Qfitlia™ and Wayrilz™

Additionally, the Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation and Leadership, presented by Dr. Barer himself, was awarded to Dr. Jan van de Winkel, president and CEO of Princeton-based Genmab.

Named after Dr. Barer, founder and former chairman and CEO of Celgene Corporation and former BioNJ chairman, the award recognizes outstanding researchers and business leaders who have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the life sciences industry in New Jersey and throughout the world.

“Dr. Jan van de Winkel’s passion for patients has been the driving force behind his work — fueling scientific breakthroughs that have changed countless lives and setting new standards for what is possible in biomedical innovation,” Hart said. “Equally inspiring is his deep and enduring dedication to New Jersey, where he has championed growth, invested in talent and helped strengthen the state’s position as a global leader in life sciences. This award is a fitting tribute to a career defined by bold ideas and transformative impact.” 

BioNJ’s inaugural Ecosystem Impact Award was also given to Kathleen Coviello, chief economic transformation officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. 

The award recognizes Coviello for her lifelong commitment, extraordinary leadership, and significant efforts in advancing the life sciences ecosystem in New Jersey.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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