|
|
|
A busy week continues, as we kick off the BIO Agriculture & Environment Summit, and recap BIO’s Capitol Hill fly-in. Plus, a new report highlights the societal value of vaccines. (634 words, 3 minutes, 10 seconds) |
|
|
|
|
Today’s BIO Agriculture and Environment Summit highlights possibilities for biotech |
|
|
Government action to advance biomanufacturing, biofuels, and biotech for climate should be applauded—but we need more, said BIO President & CEO John F. Crowley in remarks at the BIO Agriculture and Environment Summit this morning.
The summit unites government and industry leaders to share the latest knowledge on innovation, regulation, and opportunities in biotech. We’ll hear from speakers including a regulatory panel of Bernadette Juarez (USDA), Madison Le (EPA) and Dr. Kristi Muldoon-Jacobs (FDA). In addition, attendees will hear from U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), and U.S Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary for Trade Alexis Taylor, and Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. We will also speak with leaders from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.
Why it matters: Biotechnology has a critical role in enabling sustainable farming and manufacturing while addressing climate change and its impact on food and the environment. The summit enables discussions to help policymakers and industry advance this technology.
Victories and challenges: Crowley’s keynote praised steps like the recent White House release of the “Bold Goals for U.S. Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing” and support for biofuels but called for more action to achieve our goals and reduce unneeded regulatory obstacles. “We are committed to matching our members’ and our partners’ enthusiasm to help build a better future for our country and for the world”, says Beth Ellikidis, VP of the Ag and Environment Section, “Today’s summit is an opportunity to bring together the brightest and most innovative minds...to hear more about the exciting work underway.”
Learn more: Watch for more coverage here and at Bio.News throughout the coming days—stay tuned. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Social value of vaccines far exceeds their cost, new study finds |
|
|
Along with saving lives, adult vaccination saves costs for society, paying back several times over, finds a new report from the Office of Health Economics, commissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA).
The key finding: “Adult vaccination programs can return up to 19 times their initial investment when the full spectrum of economic and societal benefits is valued,” the report finds. That means society as a whole saves $4,637 for each adult receiving a full vaccination course.
Why it matters: With WHO’s World Immunization Week starting next Wednesday, the report clearly shows policymakers in all countries that adult vaccines are worth supporting.
Not just for kids: While most people understand the need for routine childhood immunization, adult vaccination is also important, co-author Lotte Steuten tells Bio.News. The report looks at 10 countries with a range of incomes, including the United States, and finds all gain economic benefits from adult vaccination.
BIO’s view: “We often talk about the value of vaccination for public health,” says Phyllis Arthur, BIO’s SVP for Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy. “This robust study and findings give us a new opportunity to demonstrate overall economic health because of vaccination.” Read more about the report and the value of vaccines at Bio.News. |
|
|
|
|
100 BIO members Fly-In to discuss biotech priorities on Capitol Hill |
|
|
|
In BIO’s biggest fly-in since the pandemic, more than 100 advocates met lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday and Wednesday to promote issues that matter to biotech.
Who was on the Hill: Members of BIO’s Board of Directors and dozens representatives from the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) came together to discuss the importance of biotechnology with Congress – Senators and U.S. Representatives, Democrats and Republicans. The top issues included: What they’re saying: The fly-in was a “wonderful opportunity to meet with our Illinois delegation and talk about issues that are important to the industry and bring in members that don’t normally get an opportunity to meet in D.C. with Congressional members,” said John Conrad, President & CEO of iBIO of Illinois and Chair of the CSBA board.
Why it matters: “Our members really spoke about the important work of their companies and the economic impact of the biotech industry across the nation. Each time BIO members tells their stories, we really do make impact”, said Aiken Hackett, BIO’s VP of Federal Government Relations.
Learn more about the economic footprint of biotech in the states in BIO's latest TEConomy Report.
|
|
|
|
Top Photo: A meeting with U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA). Bottom Photo: A meeting with U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
