Statement from the Maryland Tech Council on PDAB Upper Payment Limit Action

ROCKVILLE, MD (April 13, 2026) — The Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, issued the following statement today after Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) voted to advance an upper payment limit (UPL) plan of action on a prescription drug.

“Maryland has long been a national leader in biotechnology and life sciences innovation, anchored by world-class research institutions, a highly skilled workforce, and a strong ecosystem of emerging and established companies who employ tens of thousands of Marylanders. That leadership position, however, is not guaranteed. It depends on maintaining a stable, predictable policy environment that supports innovation, investment, and patient access.

“Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) decision to advance an upper payment limit (UPL) plan of action introduces significant uncertainty into Maryland’s life sciences economy. While tech incubators, centers of innovation, universities and elected officials are working hard to increase the state’s competitiveness, Maryland’s unelected PDAB is putting Maryland’s future as a life sciences leader at risk.

“Life sciences companies making decisions about where to locate research, manufacturing, and commercialization operations evaluate not just talent and infrastructure, but also regulatory risk. Policies that may alter reimbursement structures or limit market viability can have a chilling effect on investment particularly for early-stage and mid-sized firms that drive much of Maryland’s innovation economy.

“At a time when Maryland is competing directly with neighboring states, Maryland must be mindful of how policy decisions impact our relative competitiveness. Investment is mobile and companies will choose to grow in environments that offer clarity and consistency. The Board is right to focus on non-UPL policies like Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms and delinking to bring down the costs for patients.

“There is also a broader global context. The United States is in a strategic competition to lead in biotechnology and advanced medical innovation, particularly as countries like China continue to increase investment and accelerate their capabilities in this sector. State-level policies that introduce additional barriers or uncertainty risk undermining not only Maryland’s leadership, but also the nation’s position in this critical industry.

“We urge policymakers to proceed with caution, engage meaningfully with industry and patient stakeholders, and ensure that any actions taken do not inadvertently weaken Maryland’s bioinnovation ecosystem and Maryland’s position as a global leader in life sciences.”

About the Maryland Tech Council
The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) is a collaborative community that is actively engaged in building strong technology and life science industries by supporting the efforts of our individual members. We are the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state of Maryland, and we provide value by giving members a forum to learn, share, and connect. MTC brings the region’s community together into a single, united organization that empowers our members to achieve their business goals through advocacy, networking, and education. The vision for the Maryland Tech Council is to propel Maryland to become the number one innovation economy for life sciences and technology in the country. Follow us at mdtechcouncil.com, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

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