N.C. Lawmaker Named a BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2002) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) named U.S. Rep. Richard Burr (R – N.C.) a Legislator of the Year for 2001-2002. Presented today during BIO’s annual Legislative Day event, the award honors Rep. Burr’s leadership of both biotechnology and broader health-care initiatives.

“Representative Burr has been an outstanding leader in the House on health-care and biotech issues,” said BIO President Carl B. Feldbaum. “His emphatic support for biotechnology has been a fundamental part of his work as vice chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and on the Speaker’s Task Force on Health Care.

“Representative Burr’s dedication to the promise of biotechnology is especially evident in his continuing support for modernizing the Food and Drug Administration, reauthorizing the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), and finding a private-sector solution for Medicare prescription drug coverage,” Feldbaum added.

BIO’s Legislative Day attracted more than 160 industry representatives, ranging from CEOs to scientists, who convened on Capitol Hill to discuss important biotechnology issues, including the reauthorization of PDUFA, Medicare reform, prescription drug coverage, and reducing trade barriers for American farmers.

BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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