The 116th Congress convened under the shadow of a partial government shutdown with Republicans handing the gavel to newly elected Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). House Democrats have made it clear that healthcare will be a key priority, second only to investigating the Trump administration.

Like an ocean liner changing course, the national discussion around “modern” healthcare has moved slowly away from volume toward health outcomes. As such, we in the industry need to be both innovators and advocates for change.

Synspira is developing glycopolymer drugs for infection, inflammation, and congestion in the lungs. According CEO Shenda Baker, “We would like to see more companies in this space. But we are also looking forward to leading the way.”

Is the biopharmaceutical industry prepared for the fourth industrial revolution? It may not be leading the way, but it probably is more prepared than it has been for any of the previous three industrial revolutions.

Women who are starting life sciences companies often do not have access to a network of mentors and advisors, whose strong advocacy establishes instant credibility and opens the doors to investors.