Good Day BIO: Monkeypox, price controls, and the FDA feeds your mind

It’s not too late to take action on drug price controls—we tell you why (and how). Plus, the busy summer continues with the Biden administration declaring monkeypox a Public Health Emergency and the FDA releasing much-needed educational materials on GMOs. (659 words, 3 minutes, 17 seconds)

U.S. declares monkeypox a ‘public health emergency’

With more than 6,600 monkeypox cases reported in the U.S.—including 1,200 in the past three days—the action will “deliver more resources” to the response, says BIO.

The news: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared monkeypox a Public Health Emergency (PHE), following the footsteps of the World Health Organization (WHO) last week.

Why it matters: “The Public Health Emergency declaration will deliver more resources to state and federal partners on the front line of the response, and help at-risk populations receive the vaccines, therapeutics, and testing they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Phyllis Arthur, BIO’s VP of Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science.

Specifically: The declaration will help the administration “explore new strategies” for delivering vaccines and therapeutics, as well as data sharing between jurisdictions, per HHS.

BIO supports the action—but we need to do more: “As our nation and the world works to contain this virus, we call on Congress to ensure that federal and state agencies have the resources they need to end this outbreak,” continued BIO’s Arthur. 

Read More:

Yes, we have a monkeypox vaccine—thanks to investment in medical preparedness

We have monkeypox treatments—but must act fast 

But we haven’t forgotten about drug price controls…

To catch you up, the Senate is getting ready to vote on legislation with drug price controls, which by all measures will destroy drug development, finds new research from Vital Transformation (funded by BIO).

The latest news: Senate Democrats reportedly reached a deal last night, meaning price controls could pass “as soon as this weekend,” says The Washington Post.

Investors agree: price controls will thwart future cures, particularly for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, investors have explained this week.

Simply put: “To attract capital, the highest-risk projects require the greatest future returns to cover expected losses. Even a modest drop in potential earnings could put biotech below the threshold for institutional investors, who can place their money in safer, more profitable industries,” wrote Forward Venture’s Standish Fleming in STAT News.

And price controls will cause us to “surrender in the fight against cancer,”wrote the House Ways and Means GOP, citing the recent University of Chicago study finding price controls would reduce annual cancer R&D spending by 31.8%.

Before you head out for the weekend...

TAKE ACTION TO STOP THIS LEGISLATION AND SAVE FUTURE CURES.

‘Feed Your Mind’ – on the truth about GMOs

What do corn, potatoes, pink pineapple, and a certain farm-raised Atlantic salmon have in common? They’re genetically modified organisms approved for humans to eat in the U.S.—and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to know more about them.  

The news: The FDA released new “Feed Your Mind” educational materials to provide “science-based information” on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and food. The initiative launched in 2020 to increase consumer understanding of GMOs, says FDA.

What’s included: a video and infographic specifically for consumers, a video and discussion guide for health educators, and a video and fact sheet for registered dietitians and nutrition professionals.

Why it matters: Consumer acceptance of gene-edited food compared to conventional or organic food is generally low—but education, particularly about the benefits, is the best way to increase it, found recent research. (And only 37% of people surveyed had even heard of gene-edited foods!)  

The big picture: These materials remind consumers GMOs are safe to eat. These technologies can improve food security in developing countries, increase profits for small-scale farmers in developing countries, and reduce pesticide use. Between drought and heat affecting crops, to ongoing supply chain issues requiring us to rethink agriculture to feed a growing population, ag biotech (like GMOs and gene editing) are more important than ever for “higher crop yields, less crop loss, longer storage life, better appearance, better nutrition, or some combination of these traits,” says FDA.

President Biden’s Friday: Signing two bipartisan bills to “hold those who commit fraud under COVID-19 small business relief programs accountable.”

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: It was supposed to be recess for the Senate, but they’re expected to continue work this weekend on the Inflation Reduction Act. Here’s your last reminder (for now): take action to stop price controls. The House is in recess.