BIO at the World Vaccine Congress

Today, we recap the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C., and look at a recent report highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of biobased products. Enjoy the weekend. (532 words, 2 minutes, 39 seconds)

World Vaccine Congress highlights innovation, messaging strategies

The World Vaccine Congress wrapped in Washington, D.C., this week—billed “the most important vaccine event of the year,” with BIO’s experts joining key conversations about how to improve vaccination uptake and messaging.

The event: With more than 4,000 attendees, the World Vaccine Congress brings together global leaders in science, government, public health and manufacturers to discuss progress in the vaccine value chain.

Why it matters: Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical invention.

BIO shared expertise during several panels:

• Phyllis Arthur, SVP of Infectious Diseases & Emerging Science Policy at BIO, discussed adult vaccination as well as the evolving role of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
• Emily Acker, Director of Infectious Disease Policy at BIO, shared strategies for successful messaging about vaccines.

BIO members were recognized— including GSK (“Best Pharma Company”). Valneva’s chikungunya vaccine won “Best Prophylactic Vaccine,” while Merck and Moderna’s INT for cancer won “Best Therapeutic Vaccine.”

A key takeaway: Communication by trusted messengers—from healthcare providers to community leaders—can build vaccine confidence, especially when it comes to increasing uptake of adult vaccines and emerging vaccines. 

What’s next: A recent BIO report explored the state of the vaccine pipeline—read more in Bio.News.

On Wednesday, April 10, BIO Chair Dr. Ted W. Love will join the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign for a conversation about his journey into biotechnology and the need to take on large, complex challenges to drive greater health equity for all. Join the conversation in person or virtually at 6pm PDT.

Click here to register for free.

Biobased materials have positive impact on environment, economy

Biobased products significantly reduced the consumption of fossil fuels and play a pivotal role in the U.S. economy, according to a recent report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The report:An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2023 Update covers seven major segments of the biobased industry: Agriculture and Forestry, Biobased Chemicals, Biobased Plastic Bottles and Packaging, Biorefining, Enzymes, Forest Products, and Textiles (using data from 2021, the most recent year available).

The key finding, environment: “The petroleum use that was avoided by using biobased products was estimated to be as much as 10.7 million barrels of oil assuming an 80% reduction in 2021,” says the report.

The key finding, economy: In 2021, the U.S. biobased products industry employed 3.94 million jobs and contributed $489 billion in 2021, an increase of 5.1% up from $464 billion in 2020.

Watch this space: USDA is investing $10 million into projects to develop biobased products through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Bioproduct Pilot Program.

What needs to be done: Key actions that could give the bioeconomy a big boost, according to BIO, include:

• Consensus on the scope of the U.S. bioeconomy;
• Development of an updated classification system to measure and foster growth of the bioeconomy and
• Increased cooperation and coordination among federal agencies that participate in carrying out the E.O.

The Farm Bill, which awaits full five-year renewal, could boost production and purchase of biobased products. Meanwhile, BIO’s also working on tax incentives to produce renewable biomaterials.

BIO’s view: “We know that biomanufacturing can produce valuable economic and environmental benefits, and we want to make sure that the U.S. does not fall behind in developing and applying biomanufacturing technologies,” said John Torres, BIO’s Director of Federal Government Relations for Agriculture & Environment.

President Biden’s Friday: Touring the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, where he’ll meet with federal, state, and local officials and receive a briefing on response and recovery efforts.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Recess. Enjoy the weekend.