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Biotech already cured a virus with the letter “C” – do you know which one?
Bio.News  •  May 13, 2020
If you’re just waking up, BIO’s Phyllis Arthur joined WJLA, Washington DC’s ABC affiliate, to discuss the industry’s response to COVID-19. Watch the segment here. In other news, we’re recognizing Hepatitis Awareness Month and the biotech industry’s work on another “C”-named disease, as well as a llama (!!) who might help us beat COVID-19, in 650 words, around 3 minutes, 15 seconds.
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New Medicine Pipeline Tracker Illustrates Unprecedented Effort to Eradicate COVID-19
Business Development, Human Health  •  Press Release  •  May 12, 2020
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today unveiled a first-of-its-kind, interactive tracker of the new treatments and vaccines in the COVID-19 pipeline. This online resource illustrates the unprecedented campaign being undertaken by biopharmaceutical innovators to combat – and ultimately eradicate – the novel coronavirus.  Unlike other tracking tools, BIO’s Industry Analysis Team has identified funding sources from the onset of each project; de-duplicated multiple programs and trials for the same drug; and pinpointed the locations of companies discovering these important innovations. The tracker also organizes and categorizes projects in ways that will help public and private sector funders more strategically and holistically assess and prioritize programs to speed their advancement.  Here are some key takeaways: In the fight against COVID-19, more than 400 unique drug programs were launched in just 16 weeks, including 101 experimental vaccines and 138 programs aimed directly at the SARS-CoV-2 virus;   Private-sector innovators are responsible for more than 90% of vaccines and therapeutics in development to protect individuals and communities from COVID-19;   More than 70% of COVID-19 R&D is being undertaken by small companies; and   More than 50% of this important work originated on American soil.  Among other features, the tracker breaks down the programs by types of approaches, or modalities, being tested to combat COVID-19, and includes information about type of organizations and companies involved in developing the molecules, funding the research, and sponsoring trials. Sourcing of drug names and phase of development comes from BioCentury, Biomedtracker, and international BIO affiliate organizations. As scientists and researchers work around the clock to develop therapeutics and vaccines to fight against COVID-19, this tracker will be updated weekly on Mondays to ensure you have the most recent…
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This new tool can help you track COVID-19 R&D
Bio.News  •  May 12, 2020
ICYMI: Last night, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) took an important step forward for America’s seniors and the future of innovative CAR T-cell therapies. Here’s our take. We have an announcement, too: the launch of a cool new COVID-19 R&D tracker. There’s also been a lot of chatter on biofuels and the biobased economy—one of the most important tools available for getting the American economy back to full health. Here are 915 words, about 4 and a half minutes.
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CMS Announcement an Important Step Forward for Patients, Transformative Therapies
Human Health, Cost & Value of Biopharmaceuticals  •  Press Release  •  May 11, 2020
Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that it is proposing to create a new Medicare-severity-diagnosis related group (MS-DRG) designed specifically for reimbursing providers administering CAR T-cell therapies to cancer patients. The new proposed regulation, which has been released as part of this year’s inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule, is expected to be finalized this summer.  Following the announcement, BIO’s Executive Vice President for Health Policy, Dan Durham, issued the statement below:  “The Trump administration has taken an important step forward for America’s seniors. Transformative therapies not only save lives, but they also provide enormous benefits to society more broadly by lowering other costly health care spending,” said BIO’s Dan Durham. “Ensuring patients have access to these medical breakthroughs without disruption or delay is paramount, and it begins with CMS’ recognition of the value of innovation and CAR T-cell therapies. We look forward to working with the administration to achieve this goal.”  ###  
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“What worries me the most is that we’re going to miss the next emerging disease”
Bio.News  •  May 11, 2020
It's Monday...and National Twilight Zone Day. Of course it is. But for today, we're sticking with this theme by taking a look back when several researchers warned us about a future pandemic from a virus-like SARS—16 years ago. Here's a quick 500 words, under 3 minutes.
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Moderna Therapeutics and the search for a COVID-19 vaccine
Bio.News  •  May 9, 2020
In this special weekend edition of Good Day BIO, we’re introducing Biotechnology: Beyond Imagination, a new series highlighting the technology and scientific advancements of BIO Digital participating companies and BIO member companies. Featuring videos and blog posts that will enhance your understanding of technologies being developed in our industry, this series will demonstrate how cutting-edge advancements hold promise for our future and truly go beyond imagination.
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BIO Supports State and Congressional Efforts to Reject Gratuitous Requests From Oil Industry
Agriculture & Environment, Sustainable Fuels  •  Press Release  •  May 9, 2020
Washington, D.C. (May 8, 2020) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today released the following statement in support of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition letter urging EPA to reject unjustifiable Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers: “We thank Governors Walz and Noem and the Governors' Biofuels Coalition for opposing this unjustified request,” said Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section. “Unfortunately, this gratuitous effort by the oil industry to use the economic pain Americans are facing to circumvent their long-standing obligations to increase the use of clean fuels is unsurprising given that they spent millions trying to fend off their obligations even before the pandemic. As we rebuild our economy, we must invest in more resilient technologies, cleaner fuels, and more sustainable manufacturing processes.  This starts by supporting the farmers and sustainable fuel producers in rural America.” In addition, BIO issued a statement in support of a bipartisan effort led by Senator's Tina Smith (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to uphold the RFS and reject requests for RFS obligations to be waived. “It’s incredibly devious of the oil industry and its champions to use the economic pain Americans are facing right now to circumvent their obligations to increase the use of clean fuels. If EPA were to grant this waiver it would only undermine efforts to improve air quality and public health at this critical time,” said Stephanie Batchelor, Vice President of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section. “We applaud Senators Ernst and Smith for leading the opposition against this effort. We must build towards a resilient and cleaner future and that starts by promoting investment in low carbon fuels and supporting the farmers and sustainable fuel producers in rural America.” Learn more about BIO's position on sustainable fuels policy: …
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green energy

Governor's Biofuels Coalition Letter Urges EPA to Reject RFS Waivers
Agriculture & Environment, Sustainable Fuels  •  Letters, Testimony & Comments  •  May 8, 2020
Undermining the RFS at a time when rural America is struggling economically, farmers are fighting to stay in business, and the biofuels industry has been impacted by furloughs and plant closures is unconscionable. We respectfully urge you to reject this request and work with coalition governors to preserve rural jobs and protect our state economies. 
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Merck on what pregnant women need to know about COVID-19
Bio.News  •  May 8, 2020
Major news to start the weekend: Moderna’s moving forward with Phase 2 of the clinical trial of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.  In advance of Mother’s Day (Sunday May 10), we have an exclusive feature on how Merck is addressing maternal health needs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, plus the latest on what you can expect to happen on Capitol Hill next week. Read in about 5 minutes (1100 words)—then call your mom to say thanks.
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Administration’s Benefit Rule Threatens Access and Affordability of Prescription Medicines
Human Health, Cost & Value of Biopharmaceuticals  •  Press Release  •  May 7, 2020
BIO’s Tom DiLenge, President of Advocacy, Law & Public Policy Division issued the following statement today after the Trump administration adopted a “Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2021” that allows health plans to block drug manufacturer discounts from helping to lower patients’ cost-sharing obligations: “This decision by the Trump administration is truly baffling. At a time when insurance companies are enjoying high profits while patients are struggling financially, the administration has adopted a rule that will increase patients’ out-of-pocket drug costs, undermine access to necessary medications, and further pad insurance company profits. This misguided approach will ultimately jeopardize the health and well-being of patients and lead to increased spending on other, more costly medical services. The American people should be focused on staying healthy and financially secure during these difficult times, but this reckless regulatory change risks both.” ###  
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