Tennessee State Representative Sexton Honored as BIO State Legislator of the Year

Philadelphia, PA. (June 17, 2015) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Tennessee State Representative Cameron Sexton (District 25) as a state Legislator of the Year for 2015. Rep. Sexton, as Chairman of the Tennessee House Health Committee, sponsored and passed the Tennessee Affordable Drug Act, which authorized the prescription and dispensing of biosimilar products in the state. Rep. Sexton will receive this honor during the 2015 BIO International Convention.

"I am grateful to accept this special recognition from BIO.  Scientific advancements in the life science industry can bring much needed treatments and cures to patients in Tennessee and beyond,” said Rep. Sexton.  “There is a lot we can do together to support sound policies that help bring innovative therapeutic medicines and treatments to patients in a safe, effective and fiscally prudent manner, while sustaining both business and medicine."

“A rising star in Tennessee, Chairman Sexton’s hard work and dedication to ensuring the people of Tennessee have quality health care should be commended,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.  “We are pleased to name Chairman Sexton as one of our Legislators of the Year for his  perseverance in working with his fellow lawmakers to craft legislation that will ensure patients not only have choices when it comes to prescription medication but also ample information to help them make smart decisions.”

“Chairman Sexton demonstrated a keen understanding of the issue and commanded the passage of the biosimilars bill in the Tennessee House,” said Abby Trotter, Executive Director of Life Science Tennessee. “His work will help to bring these efficient and effective therapeutics to Tennessee patients.”  

The 2015 BIO International Convention is the world’s largest biotechnology event, and will run through Thursday, June 18.  Hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, this year’s event, which is taking place in the Philadelphia Convention Center, is expected to attract more than 3,000 biotechnology companies and more than 15,000 attendees from 48 states and 65 countries.

Photos of the award presentation are available upon request.