The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today released its “COVID-19 Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Supply, Demand, and TRIPS Agreement Flexibilities” report. The report aims to analyze various issues and information gaps concerning COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics.   BIO’s Chief Policy Officer, John Murphy, made the following statement:   “This report reiterates our stance that there is no credible evidence supporting the need for an expanded TRIPs waiver -- or other expansions that would hinder critical intellectual property protections within the biomedical field -- to increase global access to COVID-19 diagnostics and therapeutics.  “Innovation and intellectual property go hand-in-hand. We look forward to advocating for American ingenuity and the global innovation ecosystem that ushers in new generations of treatments. We will continue to work with this Administration to find solutions that encourage innovation within the life sciences fields and increase patient access to critical diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.”  Read the full USITC report here.  

Today, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) awarded Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb with its 2023 Governor of the Year Award. Throughout his tenure, Governor Holcomb has worked to support the promise of future bioscientific innovation and grow the life sciences sector in Indiana and beyond. The annual BIO award honors governors for their leadership in public service and commitment to strengthening the biotechnology sector in their state. For over a decade, the award has recognized governors from across the country and both sides of the aisle. “It is an honor to be recognized for Indiana’s commitment and support to the future of biotechnology and the life science sector,” said Governor Holcomb. “Indiana has the perfect combination of trained engineers and scientists, research institutions and globally recognized companies who are leaders in the life science industry. Hoosiers are incubating innovative ideas and transforming those ideas into unprecedented growth and success that is positively changing the lives of people around the world.” “It is my honor to recognize Governor Holcomb with BIO’s 2023 Governor of the Year award for his leadership and commitment to the life sciences sector in Indiana,” said BIO President and CEO Rachel King. “Policy decision-making at the state-level is critically important for the future of biotechnology. For years, Governor Holcomb has been a steadfast supporter of the life sciences in the Hoosier state and of the researchers, scientists, and others who make innovation happen. From initiatives to boost economic development to policies that protect patients, his leadership will have a strong impact on the growing life sciences sector in Indiana for years to come.” “The life sciences sector has an almost $80 billion economic impact on Indiana’s economy, employing over 160,000 people across 2,000 companies,” said Kristin Jones, President and CEO of Indiana Health Industry Forum. “Since he first took office, Governor Holcomb…