BIO Board Member Dr. Gerberding to testify this morning
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, chaired by Senator Lamar Alexander, will hold an important hearing today to examine lessons learned from the current global health crisis to help make sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic. Public health expert and patient advocate, Dr. Julie Gerberding, will join the discussion, alongside former top policy leaders.
The biopharmaceutical industry is racing to eradicate COVID-19, with nearly 600 programs currently underway to combat the deadly virus, including more than 150 vaccine programs, more than 180 antiviral treatments and more than 250 therapies to treat the various consequences of COVID-19 infection.
As these important efforts continue, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has been working closely with its members to identify policy priorities intended to ensure the United States is better prepared for future pandemics. As BIO’s Phyllis Arthur, Vice President for Infectious Diseases and Diagnostics, said in advance of today’s hearing:
“Being better prepared for the next pandemic must be a top priority for our nation, and today’s hearing will help create the type of policy environment needed to make that possible. Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray are to be applauded for their leadership, and we look forward to answering Chairman Alexander’s call for input with a comprehensive set of recommendations that will help ensure our nation is better prepared for future infectious disease outbreaks and other biosecurity threats.”
As today’s important hearing gets underway, here are three key areas for Congressional leaders to explore:
Ensuring a Functioning Market: As the major purchaser for biodefense countermeasures and drugs to address public health emergencies, a well-resourced, stable, and strategically managed Strategic National Stockpile is critical to ensuring continued private investment in the…
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