BIO.News Newsletter

Whatever you celebrate—Easter, Passover, Ramadan, spring—we hope you enjoyed the weekend and quality time with family and friends. We’re back in action with news on COVID-19 vaccines and biofuels that you might have missed. (537 words, 2 minutes, 41 seconds)

We’re interrupting your spring break with Biden’s big announcement on bioethanol—plus, details on BIO’s new Early-Stage Advisory Council and more news links. (675 words, 3 minutes, 22 seconds)

We hear a lot of folks are on spring break this week for Easter and Passover, so we want to share some spring break reading and podcasts in case you have some extra time this week. And if you don’t, we plan to pop in with news from time to time, so stay tuned. We’ll return to our regular publishing schedule on Monday, April 18. (362 words, 2 minutes)

CMS released its unprecedented final coverage determination for a breakthrough Alzheimer’s drug—we have the details and why it’s an enormous setback for Alzheimer’s patients and a dangerous infringement on FDA’s autonomy. Plus, we mark the 50th birthday of APHIS. (683 words, 3 minutes, 24 seconds)

On World Health Day, we explore links between human health, the climate crisis, and equity—and the role for biotech. Following last week’s trade policy hearings, we see momentum to address biotech issues in Mexico and the EU. (712 words, 3 minutes, 33 seconds)

BIO’s Dr. Cartier Esham and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra appeared before Senate Committees yesterday. As CMS prepares to announce its final coverage decision for a revolutionary Alzheimer’s drug, a study looks at why the outcome matters for this drug and future drugs requiring real-world evidence. (854 words, 4 minutes, 16 seconds)

Oregon has proposed a plan to restrict coverage of accelerated approval drugs—here’s why that’s a bad idea (and what you can do about it). Today, we’re watching BIO’s Dr. Cartier Esham testify on FDA user fee agreements, and BIO member Gevo testify on renewable energy opportunities in the farm bill. (803 words, 4 minutes)

Catch up on what the U.S. Trade Representative said about a reported TRIPS waiver “compromise” and biotech solutions to reduce gas prices. (793 words, 3 minutes, 57 seconds)

It’s April Fool’s Day—but Mexico’s treatment of biotech is no joke. We have a recap of this week’s hearings on the administration’s trade agenda, which covered Mexico, the EU, and more. Plus, BIO’s Phyllis Arthur spoke at a POLITICO summit on the many legacies of COVID. (757 words, 3 minutes, 47 seconds)

Bipartisan Members of Congress call for prioritizing agriculture in the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. A recent report explains why there’s high unmet need in treating serious mental illness and potential policy solutions. Plus, we’re watching a House vote on an insulin cap and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra’s testimony today. (856 words, 4 minutes, 16 seconds)