The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) this week released the “Berlin Declaration” — a framework to work with G7 and G20 on a joint solution for better access to vaccines and treatments around the world for future pandemics. In support of the declaration, BIO president and CEO, Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, made the following remarks: “Scientists played a critical role in saving lives over the last two years by developing lifesaving vaccines and therapeutics to combat Covid-19.  “Unfortunately, we know Covid will not be our last pandemic. What we do today will impact how quickly we can defeat the next health crisis.  “The Berlin Declaration outlines ways to allow governments, industry, scientists, and key stakeholders to act quickly in the wake of health crises. Adopting these principles now will no doubt save lives in the future — especially those in underserved areas of the world — by ensuring quick and equitable distribution of innovative vaccines and therapeutics.”  

Washington, D.C. (July 20, 2022) – John Murphy, chief policy officer for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passing the fiscal 2023 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration and Related Agencies appropriations bill.   “The bill passed by the House supports the innovation needed to secure the food supply and advance sustainable technologies that enable farmers and ranchers to help fight climate change. BIO applauds and thanks members of Congress who voted in favor of this vital funding bill.   “We commend the leadership of Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.), and the 19 cosponsors, on the adoption of their amendment to support regulatory consistency by providing FDA the resources it needs to issue guidance on new plant varieties produced using the tools of genome editing and modernize the agency’s plant biotech consultation program. Clear, science-based and timely regulation of agricultural biotech traits is essential to the development and commercialization of critical agricultural biotechnology products in order to facilitate grower access to innovative tools for meeting the challenges facing farmers today and into the future.     We also welcome the adoption of Rep. Baird’s bipartisan amendment to streamline FDA’s review and approval of animal food ingredients, such as feed additives that reduce methane in cattle and enzymes that enhance the digestibility of energy, protein and phosphorus in livestock.   “BIO also thanks the House for including provisions that 1) urge USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to take measurable steps to establish a predictable, science-based regulatory pathway on genetically engineered microbes, 2) encourage the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to support non-profit ag biotech research partners to engage in transgenic plant research, and 3) provide $16…