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.”

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, the president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), released a letter today urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to “publicly release all new guidance developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning emergency use authorization for vaccines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” In the letter, Dr. McMurry-Heath emphasizes the importance of FDA guidance in promoting scientific rigor, transparency, and communication to help build public trust in any future vaccine related to Covid-19: “The release of FDA guidance would provide scientists and researchers greater regulatory clarity and strengthen public confidence in any future vaccine that may be authorized or approved. “BIO member companies are leading a global effort to develop vaccines against COVID-19… The scale and speed of the biopharmaceutical industry’s response to the novel coronavirus is unprecedented. These efforts to bring a safe and effective vaccine to the public provide real hope that this pandemic will soon end, and our nation will begin to return to normal. “We cannot allow a lack of transparency to undermine confidence in the vaccine development process. The public must have full faith in the scientific process and the rigor of FDA’s regulatory oversight if we are to end the pandemic. Releasing any additional guidance on granting emergency use authorization for a vaccine will go a long way in accomplishing this critical goal.” Read the full letter here.

BIO recognizes Governor Cooper’s leadership in biotechnology & innovation Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization awarded Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, with its 2020 Governor of the Year Award. Governor Cooper was presented the award virtually at NCBIO’s 2020 Annual Meeting. BIO’s annual award recognizes governors for leadership in public service, commitment to public health, and dedication to advancing biotechnology in their state. “Innovations in life sciences are transforming the way we approach treating diseases, environmental sustainability and food production,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina biotechnology companies have led the way to getting us faster diagnostic testing, treatments and new vaccines as we work towards curing and preventing diseases.” “On behalf of BIO, I am proud to honor Governor Cooper’s steadfast support of the scientists and researchers who make up North Carolina’s life sciences community,” said Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President & CEO of BIO. “Good public policy and strong leaders are critical to delivering the full promise of biotechnology. We are fortunate to have a partner in Governor Cooper as he works to expand opportunities in the biosciences in the Tar Heel state. His leadership has been instrumental to North Carolina’s role in developing new cures and treatments for patients and building a sustainable future.” “Governor Cooper has been a dedicated supporter of the life sciences in North Carolina. Under his leadership, we have seen strong capital investment leading to new economic growth in our state,” said Sam Taylor, President of NCBIO. “From developing new agricultural technologies to manufacturing life-saving medicines, North Carolina is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation. I applaud Governor Cooper on receiving BIO’s 2020 Governor of the Year award and for his unwavering commitment to North Carolina’s life science community.” ###