Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, the president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), today applauded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for publicly releasing new guidance related to the emergency use authorization of future Covid-19 vaccines. The FDA’s action came just days after Dr. McMurry-Heath called on U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to release the guidance in order to help those developing a vaccine and to promote greater public confidence in future Covid-19 vaccines. Dr. McMurry-Heath released the following statement: “In the midst of a pandemic, transparency and collaboration are critical if we are going to quickly and safely eradicate this global health threat. That is why we recently called for the public release of any new FDA guidance concerning emergency use authorization for Covid-19 vaccines. The release of this information is vital for the scientists and researchers working on the frontlines combating this pandemic, as well as for building public confidence in the scientific solutions our industry is committed to delivering. “We applaud the FDA for following their tried and true tradition of releasing their guidance in a public and transparent way. Science should stand on its own. While we are still reviewing the details, this is an important step forward in providing greater regulatory clarity for vaccine makers and in earning the American people’s trust in any future vaccines. We look forward to ongoing communication with the independent experts at the FDA to further clarify the steps needed to bring a safe and effective vaccine to the American public.”

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) announced today the retirement of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Yvette White-Wiggins, after a distinguished 18-year career with the organization. White-Wiggins rose through the ranks at BIO and served as CFO since 2016, building a solid financial infrastructure that will serve the organization for years to come. “We are truly grateful for Yvette’s extraordinary service to BIO over her long tenure here”, said Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, BIO’s President and CEO. “Yvette’s commitment to our organization went beyond expert cash management and financial accounting. She was a true believer in our mission to improving lives, as she faced her own challenges with two different types of cancer. Her life story continues to be an inspiration to us all.” A prominent contributor to BIO’s “I am BIO” campaign, White-Wiggins can be seen here moderating the inaugural video in the series. White-Wiggins will be succeeded by Steve Jasko who brings more than 25 years of financial and operational experience to the position. He has served as CFO for two not-for-profit organizations, the TB Alliance, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His pharmaceutical experience includes six years at Celgene where he first held the position of Corporate Treasurer and later Vice President of Finance and Business Development for the Cellular Therapeutics Division. He also has nearly a decade of experience working at Merck. “As BIO moves into its next chapter, we welcome Steve to the team,” said McMurry-Heath. “His wide range of financial experience as well as his background in non-profits and pharmaceutical companies will make this a smooth transition. We look forward to his building on the foundation that Yvette built.”