New Season of I am BIO Podcast to Showcase Life-Changing Biotech BreakthroughsLaunching February 27, spring 2024 season exploresa new CRISPR therapy, advances in microbiome research, biotech for pets and more WASHINGTON – (Feb. 23, 2024) – On February 27, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) premiers its Spring season of the I am BIO podcast with a discussion of new options for sickle cell patients. A groundbreaking treatment using CRISPR technology provides new hope for the nearly 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease – a disease and community that has been neglected for decades.“The recent FDA gene-therapy approvals reflect breathtaking progress, not only for sickle cell patients, but also the biotech industry,” said BIO’s Chief Public Affairs and Marketing Officer, Rich Masters. “During this season of the podcast we uncover other amazing biotech innovations from new therapies based on the microbiome to advances in Alzheimer’s treatments to the real meaning of ‘organic.’ Our podcast tells the biotech story—which is as intriguing and exciting as any murder mystery series!” Guests on the I AM BIO podcast are knowledgeable experts who explain the science in clear, engaging narratives. Each year the podcast releases 12 episodes – six in the spring and six beginning in September.This season, look forward to episodes on:The microbiome.The real meaning of “organic”.Biotech for pets. New therapies for Alzheimer’s. Questions from our audience.The podcast consistently lands on “top 10 biotech podcast” lists including Labiotech, Excedr, and Vial. Listen now on BIO’s website, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.###About BIOBIO is the premier biotechnology advocacy organization representing biotech companies, industry leaders, and state biotech associations in the United States and more than 35 countries around the globe. BIO members range from biotech start-ups to some of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies …

The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024 was introduced in the House of Representatives this week. BIO CEO and President, Rachel King, made the following statement following the bill's introduction: "BIO strongly supports the House introduction of the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill would reauthorize the Pediatric Rare Disease Priority Voucher Program for an additional four years. "The PPRV program provides critical incentives to promote R&D for drugs to treat rare diseases impacting children across the country. Ensuring this program remains intact provides stability and confidence for researchers and investors. "Rare diseases, by definition, impact a small percentage of the patient population. The costs of drug development paired with the risk involved of bringing a successful drug to market can often discourage investment in the rare disease space. This is especially true for rare diseases unique to children, including treatments for childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, and more. "The PPRV program is a necessary step to ensure continued investment into cures and treatments for rare pediatric diseases. We thank Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Nannette Barragan (D-CA), Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Lori Trahan (D-MA) for their leadership on the bill and look forward to working with Congress to get it across the finish line and provide hope to the millions of kids – current and future – suffering from diseases for which little or no cures exist."