Exact Sciences acquisition ‘puts a spotlight’ on state’s biohealth sector

Abbott’s recently announced $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences helps “put a spotlight” on the state’s biohealth sector, which is already attracting more attention from major companies.

That’s according to Lisa Johnson, CEO of BioForward Wisconsin. In an interview, she said Madison-based Exact Sciences has been a key pillar in the state’s diagnostics industry under the leadership of Kevin Conroy, who’s staying on in an advisory role through the acquisition.

“This buyout only exemplifies the strength of Wisconsin’s biohealth industry as we attract more biopharma to the state,” she said last week.

She noted pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has a presence in the state through a distribution center and contract development and manufacturing organization. On the startup side of the industry