BIO to file amicus brief in FTC merger case

BIO will file an amicus brief today in the Amgen-Horizon Federal Trade Commission (FTC) case—we have the scoop, plus what immunocompromised patients need to know about the benefits of COVID vaccines. (541 words, 2 minutes, 42 seconds)

BIO to file amicus brief opposing FTC interference in biotech merger

BIO will file an amicus brief today arguing that the legal position taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in opposition to a biotech acquisition will chill mergers essential to the industry.

The case: The legal theory advanced by the FTC suggests that the Commission is moving beyond the longstanding bipartisan consensus on merger enforcement, which historically has valued biotech M&A activity as a driver of innovation.

Mergers drive innovation: The biotech industry depends on small, innovative companies discovering drugs, which then merge with larger firms either to get new therapies to market or accelerate their distribution, says Carlo Passeri, BIO’s VP of Capital Markets and Financial Services.

Uncertainty impedes innovation: The surprising opposition to this merger makes FTC’s actions hard to predict, which hurts business, according to Delacourt.

BIO’s view: “As representatives of the biotechnology industry, we are concerned about the Commission’s current direction, which will bog down M&A activity in a cloud of regulatory uncertainty,” says Delacourt. “It’s a threat to innovation. … It’s a threat to patient access to the drugs they need.” 

Read full coverage in Bio.News.

How COVID vaccines benefit patients with cancer

Immunocompromised people obtain several benefits from COVID-19 vaccines, recent research has shown.

Background: Concern that immunocompromised patients could not mount an immune response to COVID-19 vaccines meant they were not included in clinical trials.

But now: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for cancer patients and immunocompromised patients.

Studies show several benefits, as Bio.News explains:

• Enhanced immune response: Although a patient undergoing cancer treatment may only exhibit a partial response, the vaccine can provide the necessary protection.
• Protection during treatment: Given before or between treatment cycles, the vaccine increases protection during chemotherapy or radiation—when patients are most vulnerable.
• Reduced transmission risk: A patient undergoing cancer treatment will be less likely to become infected by hospital staff or to pass a COVID-19 infection to caregivers.
• Reduced risk of severe illness: The vaccine reduces risk of patients facing repeated medical interventions, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
• Alleviating psychological burden: Vaccination brings a sense of empowerment to emotionally burdened patients and their families, allowing the patient to contribute to their own care and well-being. 

Why it matters: Science once again shows COVID-19 vaccines are our best defense against the pandemic. During National Immunization Awareness Month, we recognize the value of vaccines (and are keeping an eye out for the updated COVID vaccines this fall). 

Read more in Bio.News.

More Agriculture & Environment News:

FDA: FDA names first Deputy Commissioner for proposed Unified Human Foods Program
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing the selection of James ‘Jim’ Jones to serve as the first Deputy Commissioner for … a proposed unified Human Foods Program (HFP). Program areas would include food safety, chemical safety and innovative food products, including those from new agricultural technologies, that will bolster the resilience of the U.S. food supply in the face of climate change and globalization, as well as nutrition to help reduce diet-related diseases and improve health equity.”

President Biden’s Thursday: Vacation in Nevada.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: The House and Senate are in recess through Labor Day.