The White House today hosted world leaders and key public and private sector partners at the second Global COVID-19 Summit, a virtual event. Following the conversation, Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), made the following remarks: "For the last two years, the scientists within the life sciences industry have worked tirelessly to develop therapeutics and vaccines to fight COVID-19 and save lives. In addition to creating these lifesaving treatments, we have worked with key partners – including governments, NGOs, and more – to promote greater vaccine equity and access around the world. “We have made a lot of progress in this effort. In 2021 alone, companies produced more than 11 billion doses of COVID vaccines, enough to give two shots to every adult on the planet. We anticipate that number jumping to 18.6 billion by the end of this year. "However, as has been made clear at today’s Second COVID-19 Summit, there is still work to be done to help overcome global vaccine hesitancy and to ensure countries around the globe have the health care infrastructure they need to get more shots in arms. “BIO is encouraged by the recommitment of global leaders, including the United States, to strengthen COVID-19 response efforts. The scientists within the life sciences industry stand ready, once again, to help achieve this critical goal of increasing access to vaccines and therapeutics.”