A big deal for Novavax

Another promising development in the COVID-19 race: BIO member Novavax was awarded $1.6 billion by the federal government to develop and produce 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine by 2021, reports The New York Times.

The experimental vaccine “consists of a stable, prefusion protein made using its proprietary nanoparticle technology and includes Novavax’s proprietary Matrix‑M™ adjuvant,” explains the Maryland-based biotech. 

What does that mean? “Several vaccine experts said Novavax’s vaccine would help diversify the federal portfolio by including another candidate that uses a protein-based vaccine that has worked against other pathogens, like hepatitis B. The Novavax vaccine uses microscopic particles that carry fragments of the coronavirus, prompting the body’s immune system to respond,” says The New York Times. 

The deal will “fund the late-stage clinical studies…including a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial with up to 30,000 subjects beginning in the fall of 2020,” adds Novavax. 

And it's the largest deal to date from Operation Warp Speed, which has now invested $4 billion in coronavirus vaccine projects under development by at least six companies. 

What they’re saying: “Adding Novavax’s candidate to Operation Warp Speed’s diverse portfolio of vaccines increases the odds that we will have a safe, effective vaccine as soon as the end of this year,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. 

Learn more about what BIO members are doing to combat COVID-19 at www.bio.org/coronavirus.

More Health Care News:

Biopharma Dive: U.S. buys up early supply of Regeneron's COVID-19 antibody cocktail
“The federal government will pay Regeneron $450 million to scale up manufacturing of the New York biotech's experimental COVID-19 antibody-based drug, announcing Tuesday a deal that claims up to 300,000 doses for the U.S. by this fall.” 

The New York Times: 4 families take on rare disease
“Ninety-five percent of [rare diseases] have no known therapies. They are overlooked by most scientists, and some illnesses may be untreatable, even if they are understood. And what research there was has largely been halted as labs closed in response to coronavirus fears.”

On the heels of the roaring success of BIO Digital in June, we’re excited to announce BIO IMPACT Digital in September. Here’s the scoop. 

What: BIO IMPACT Digital is a comprehensive, two-day education and partnering event for the global agriculture and environment biotech industry—and this year, it will take place in an entirely digital format. 

When and where: September 21-22, 2020—from your computer or mobile device!

As you may recall, we announced that we changed the name of the BIO World Congress to BIO IMPACT, to more accurately reflect the focus on agriculture and environment biotechnology transforming the way we eat, move, and build. While we’re bummed that we can’t meet in person in Raleigh this year, we look forward to convening industry thought leaders online. 

Why attend: In addition to participating in interactive educational sessions on topics ranging from food and farm innovation to sustainable fuels to biobased manufacturing, attendees can meet potential partners through BIO’s One-on-One Partnering System and on-demand company presentations showcasing the latest innovations. 

Watch Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath talk about the event, and how the industry is addressing the world’s most pressing challenges like climate change and driving sustainability and the growth of the bioeconomy.

Click here to register and learn more.

More Agriculture and Environment News: 

The New York Times: Bubonic plague found in a herder in inner Mongolia, China says
“The disease, which caused the Black Death in the Middle Ages, is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium and is transmitted by fleas that become infected by rodents. In Inner Mongolia, the host is often marmots that live in rural areas.”