BIO Supports Administration’s Effort to Devise Pandemic Influenza Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1, 2005) – Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, issued the following statement today in response to the National Pandemic Influenza Plan released by the Bush Administration:

“BIO applauds the administration’s effort to design a plan to address a potential influenza pandemic.  An influenza pandemic and the consequential threat to public health and economies throughout the world warrants a strong response. The President is taking an important step.

“Our member companies support an established plan that includes, among other things, liability protections, dependable markets, transparent procurement procedures, strong research and development and procurement funding, and support for production infrastructure.  BIO looks forward to working with the Administration as well as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in advancing this effort,” Greenwood concluded.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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