Why It Matters

Invivyd Inc. is making a strategic bet by hiring Forbes Tate Partners LLC, upgrading from boutique firms to a top-tier player with deep pharmaceutical industry connections. The timing signals Invivyd’s intent to influence critical pending legislation on pandemic preparedness and antibody therapeutic development.

The company is positioned to influence several congressional initiatives aligned with its business model, including the MedShield Act of 2025 (S.1085), which accelerates medical countermeasure development through AI and surveillance, and the SEWER Act (H.R.766), which expands wastewater surveillance infrastructure.

This represents a clear upgrade from Invivyd’s previous strategy. Since 2021, the company spent $1.119 million on lobbying primarily through in-house staff and boutique firms. Forbes Tate brings unmatched access, representing major pharmaceutical powers including Amgen, Genentech, and PhRMA.

By the Numbers

Invivyd Inc. has spent $1,119,000 on federal lobbying since 2021. The company’s internal team accounted for $510,000, followed by McManus Group at $390,000.

The new Forbes Tate Partners LLC engagement adds two registered lobbyists. Zachary W. Williams brings over two decades of healthcare lobbying experience representing major pharma companies on pricing and drug policy, plus pathogen surveillance expertise.

Barrett Phillips Thornhill offers specialized antimicrobial expertise and deep Republican congressional connections, having served as Legislative Assistant to Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and held staff positions under Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA).

The Agenda

Invivyd Inc. is pursuing broad advocacy on infectious disease policy and biopharmaceutical development rather than targeting specific legislation. The company’s lobbying focus aligns with active congressional initiatives, including the MedShield Act of 2025 (S.1085) and the SEWER Act (H.R.766).

Historically, Invivyd has advocated for pandemic preparedness legislation, including H.R. 3832 (The Disease X Act of 2023) and H.R. 4421 (Preparing for All Hazards and Pathogens Reauthorization Act). The Forbes Tate Partners LLC engagement signals intensified efforts as Congress debates public health surveillance frameworks.

Broader Context

Congress is actively debating multiple bills relevant to Invivyd’s mission. Regulatory momentum favors antibody therapeutics, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) celebrating FDA plans to phase out animal testing for monoclonal antibody development and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-1) praising domestic antibody manufacturing investments.

However, the political environment surrounding COVID-19 countermeasures remains contested. The FDA announced plans for black box warnings on COVID-19 vaccines, creating regulatory headwinds for COVID-focused therapeutics like Invivyd’s VYD222.

Between The Lines

Legislative tailwinds include the MedShield Act and SEWER Act, plus FDA modernization efforts. However, headwinds persist: the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act reauthorization has stalled, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene continues calling for FDA revocation of COVID-19 vaccine approvals.

Competitive Landscape

Vir Biotechnology Inc. represents the most direct competitor, also using Forbes Tate Partners with the same lobbyist. Genmab US Inc. and Spyre Therapeutics Inc. actively lobby on similar antibody therapeutics issues, indicating crowded advocacy terrain.

The Bottom Line

Invivyd’s engagement with Forbes Tate comes as Congress debates pandemic preparedness and the FDA modernizes approval pathways for antibody drugs. While regulatory tailwinds include FDA efforts to phase out animal testing for monoclonal antibodies and bipartisan manufacturing support, headwinds persist from COVID-19 politicization. Invivyd must position antibody therapeutics as biodefense tools while avoiding toxic COVID-19 politics.

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