The 29-part film takes audiences to the heart of era-defining biotechnology The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), today launched a 29-part film series, “Nature’s Building Blocks,” spotlighting the role of biotechnology in transforming both our health and the planet as well as addressing global inequalities. BIO’s second original film series, produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, uncovers advances in biotechnology that could define this era through three distinct chapters focusing on the environment and sustainability, the health of humanity and the accessibility of health advancements. “Nature’s Building Blocks will transport audiences around the world, showcasing life-altering technology. From tackling the climate crisis to spotlighting the need for more diversity in clinical trials, the audience will learn how biotechnology is harnessing the power of possibility and breaking down barriers,” said Hilary Stiss, Director of International Affairs for BIO. The series explores how biotechnology is being used to feed our growing population, fuel our world, and transform our industries. Through impactful stories, it uncovers innovative technologies defining today’s medicine and explores how conditions such as diabetes, cancer and Parkinson’s disease are being understood and addressed through more sophisticated research and development. From spotlighting women’s health to emphasizing the importance of accessibility of treatments in previously overlooked communities, this series unveils the progressive present and future of biotechnology. “The work of biotechnology is more than just vaccines and medications, it’s defining today's medicine and transforming the way we feed and fuel our world,” said Stiss. The series will be available online for one year. Click here to learn more about “Nature’s Building Blocks.”

HHS yesterday released three payment models for testing by CMS, which HHS believes will lower the cost of prescription drugs. BIO's Chief Policy Officer, John Murphy, made the following statement: "Today, the Department of Health and Human Services released a report outlining several proposals the Agency believes will lower the cost of prescription medicines. It was unfortunate to see the report repeat several long-debunked issues related to the pricing of medicines. Several of HHS’ proposed demonstration programs seem to be a positive step in delivering what BIO has long pushed the government to do: address the real problems underlying prescription drug pricing – patient out-of-pocket expenses and better payment systems that reward the value a medicine brings to the patient and the overall healthcare system. In proposing to test generic copayment caps in the Part D program and seeking to enhance access to cell and gene therapies through multi-state outcomes-based payment arrangements, HHS is making strides to deliver true relief to patients at the pharmacy counter while also ensuring incentives remain for innovation to help those patients still awaiting a discovery that one-day might help them. In these two proposed demonstration programs, BIO looks forward to working with HHS. "Unfortunately, in its third proposal, HHS misses the mark significantly. By proposing to penalize companies for utilizing surrogate endpoints in an effort to get groundbreaking and necessary treatments to patients, HHS is putting its thumb on the scale against innovation. "The accelerated approval pathway encourages scientific and medical advancement and innovation by leveraging the use of surrogate or intermediate clinical endpoints that are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. Drugs granted accelerated approval must meet the same statutory standards of safety and substantial evidence of effectiveness as those granted traditional approval. Innovative manufacturers…