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HHS is pulling mRNA research funding – here's what BIO says about it, plus a look at what drives people to become patient advocates. (674 words, 3 minutes, 22 seconds)
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Defunding of mRNA research stirs national security concerns |
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The decision by Health and Human Services (HHS) to end nearly $500 million in grants and contracts for developing mRNA vaccines has stirred concerns from BIO and others.
What’s impacted: 22 projects managed by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) are included in a “wind down,” HHS says.
Why it matters: After enabling the development of effective COVID vaccines in record time, mRNA technology continues to enhance national security by allowing rapid reaction to emerging threats. It’s also driving research for flu, HIV, autoimmune diseases, even cancer.
The real story:As of 2022, COVID vaccines saved 3.2 million lives and prevented 18.5 million hospitalizations, mostly through mRNA technology.
The big picture: “Ending BARDA’s investment in mRNA technology creates a national security vulnerability,” says Chris Meekins, a pandemic preparedness official under the first Trump Administration.
BIO’s view: “Biopreparedness through investment in research of innovative biotechnology platforms, like mRNA, is vital to maintain the flexibility, capacity, and the self-determination of defending our nation. Our government, in collaboration with academia and industry, must preserve and grow the investment in these advances,” BIO says.
What’s ahead: “Retraction of investment in one area of research for this platform could erode progress and discourage investment in other promising areas of research for it, including cancer and rare diseases, where progress and early, positive results are being seen,” says a BIO statement published in STAT. |
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Why does someone become a patient advocate? |
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Many patient advocates BIO works with say it’s personal.
Why it matters: In studies and stats, each patient is represented by a data point, said Michele Oshman, BIO’s Chief Patient Advocate and Head, Patient Advocacy Center of Excellence, at the BIO International Convention. “But behind every data point there is a person, a family, and somebody for whom there’s a why.”
Case in point: Kristin Smedley, whose two sons were born with CRB1 Degenerative Retinal Disease, explained her advocacy to Bio.News for Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.
One mom’s story: After Smedley tracked down researchers and learned that raising research funding could help find a treatment for her boys, she founded the Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation. Then, seeing the challenges of education for blind children, she founded Thriving Blind Academy.
BIO 2025 highlighted many such patients—including Rich Brennan, VP of Advocacy for ALS Association who described his journey as a young boy with leukemia who met baseball idol Steve Garvey, thanks to the kindness of a stranger and the tenacity of his oncologist.
Recognizing the why: “Everybody that I know thinks, ‘I want to touch that magic of seeing a life that my work has helped change,’ ” said Samuel Blackman, M.D., Founder of Day One Biopharmaceuticals. Read more on Bio.News. |
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Patient-led survey: Insurance barriers and personal factors drive patient concerns on drug affordability. Insurance design, cumulative healthcare costs, and complex personal circumstances are among burdens making prescription drugs less affordable and accessible, finds a survey by The Ensuring Access through Collaborative Health and Patient Inclusion Council (EACH/PIC). “Affordability isn’t a price tag—it’s a lived experience,” said founder Tiffany Westrich-Robertson, who requires specialty medications for her axial spondyloarthritis. “When policymakers focus only on retail prices, they overlook the true experience of patients. We’re calling for policies that address the full scope of what makes medication inaccessible for patients.” Read more here.
PBMs inflate the cost of prescription drugs, finds a new American Medical Association (AMA) report. The report highlights how pharmacy benefit managers’ anti-competitive practices and vertical integration hinder patient access. “As PBMs increasingly act in their own self-interest without transparency or accountability, drug prices rise and patients face health risks from cost prohibitive drug treatments,” says AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D.
FDA announces ‘PreCheck’ program to boost domestic drug manufacturing through deregulation and better communication. “First, the Facility Readiness Phase provides manufacturers with more frequent FDA communication at critical development stages, including facility design, construction, and pre-production,” says an FDA announcement. “Second, the Application Submission Phase centers on streamlining development of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls section of the application through pre-application meetings and early feedback.” FDA says it will present the program in a Sept. 30 public meeting, accessible online. |
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While the House and Senate are in recess through Sept. 1, BIO continues to engage with both Congress and the Administration on issues important to biotech. |
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