The coronavirus is no match for science—but we must finish the job

The number of coronavirus infections worldwide inch closer to the 100,000 mark, including a sharp increase to 120 in the United States.

While these numbers are alarming, a strong public health response combined with smart science and innovative thinking can help us win the fight, writes BIO CEO Jim Greenwood today in Morning Consult. 

America’s biopharmaceutical industry has stepped forward to develop vaccines and antiviral therapies to contain this quickly spreading illness, says Jim.

But collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital, to translate science into solutions. 

BIO’s is leading an initiative to help, connecting innovators with partners in industry and government to share information and best practices, as well as leverage the expertise of leaders with experience responding to past public health emergencies. 

Together, we need to finish the job. “The truth is, had we finished projects on our SARS and MERS response, we might have products available today that could be rapidly tested and deployed during this outbreak,” explains Jim. 

Jim’s Judgment: The coronavirus is no match for science or the brilliant scientists and researchers working at America’s biopharmaceutical companies, both large and small. Let’s work with Congress to ensure our scientific ecosystem has the tools and resources available to finish this fight and ensure we are better prepared for the next one. – BIO CEO Jim Greenwood

Read more about the biotech industry’s coronavirus response:

• BIO’s Coronavirus Hub
• STAT’s Detailed Guide to Drugs & Vaccines in Development

More Health Care News: 

BioPharma Dive: New estimate puts cost to develop a new drug at $1B, adding to long-running debate
“U.S. biopharmaceutical companies spent about $1 billion to bring each of their new drugs to market between 2009 and 2018, according to a new analysis published in JAMA on Tuesday.” 

Reuters: Pfizer identified some antiviral compounds with potential as coronavirus treatments
“The company said it hopes to have the results from that screening by the end of March and if any of the compounds are successful, it would hope start testing them by the end of the year.” 

Reuters: Last Congo Ebola patient discharged with end of outbreak in sight
“Congo has now gone 14 days without any new confirmed cases.” 

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to think about how we can make healthier, more informed food choices—and a great time to dispel some of the myths about food innovation. 

Who, what, why: Every March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics raises awareness about the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

This year’s theme,Eat Right, Bite by Bite, encourages the public to eat a variety of nutritious food every day, take time to plan healthy meals and learn the skills to prepare them, and consult a registered dietician nutritionist if you have questions. 

Variety is the spice of life—and thanks to biotech innovations like gene editing, we have the ability to secure a varied, sustainable supply of healthy produce and other food sources, despite challenges like climate change, disease, and pests, which are affecting crops around the world. 

But there are a lot of misconceptions about technology like GMOs—primarily that they’re less nutritious than other types of foods, including conventionally-grown. 

Reality: They’re not only tested and nutritious but can also feed the world. Innovations like modified soybeans and Golden Rice can help solve the challenge of providing healthy food to a growing global population.

BIO’s continuing to dispel myths about gene editing and ensure this technology is not burdened by unnecessary regulations—during National Nutrition Month, and all year long. 

Read more from GMO Answers.

More Agriculture & Environment News: 

South China Morning Post: US-China phase one trade deal likely to give state-owned companies more sway over Chinese economy, report says
“Beijing will be pressured to force SOEs to buy more imports to fulfill commitments, according to Peterson Institute for International Economics.”