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IP tops agenda at BIO, ICBA delegation in Geneva |
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Intellectual property topped the agenda when BIO organized meetings between international biotech associations and UN officials in Geneva this month.
What happened: On Oct. 2-3, BIO arranged for partners in the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA) to meet UN officials and national UN missions. BIO CEO Rachel King and representatives from national biotech associations attended.
Why it matters: This annual delegation allows BIO and its global colleagues to inform international decisionmakers about issues that matter to biotech.
IP and WTO: The delegation expressed concerns about the chilling effect on biotech innovators that would result from a proposed extension of the World Trade Organization (WTO) waiver of IP rights for COVID-19 vaccines to include diagnostics and therapeutics. BIO opposes both waivers because IP is essential to innovation.
IP and WHO: Plans for the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Accord, to prepare for the next public health emergency, included proposals for IP waivers, but many countries want stronger IP.
Biotech can join the debate: “Some countries are looking for creative suggestions and welcome industry input on how to avoid further degradation of the global IP framework,” said Justin Pine, BIO Senior Director of International Affairs.
What’s next: The U.S. position on the proposed WTO IP waiver will become clearer after release of a U.S. International Trade Commission report, which is expected on Tuesday.
Read more in Bio.News. |
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BIO talks with Japanese officials about their innovation ecosystem |
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Japanese officials discussed ways to strengthen their biotech innovation ecosystem with a BIO delegation visiting Tokyo last week.
What happened: The chair of BIO’s Board Standing Committee on International Affairs, Macrogenics CEO Scott Koenig, led the delegation of BIO members and staff, meeting with the Japanese Health Minister and other top officials to talk about making Japan a better place for biotech.
Why it matters: A more welcoming regulatory and investment environment would benefit biotech firms, Japan’s economy, and patient access to medicines. While Japan’s government has worked to develop its biotech ecosystem, the country suffers from a “drug lag” in receiving cutting-edge therapies, and officials there acknowledged more can be done.
What BIO’s doing: BIO surveyed companies to learn about obstacles to entering the Japanese market to formulate recommendations presented to Japanese officials: Reimbursement policies: Japan’s drug price regulation has resulted in reimbursement rates that are too low for many small biotechs to be able to afford to enter the market, but certain adjustments could improve the incentive system to reward innovation. Regulatory process: Recommendations include forgoing phase-one clinical trials if these have already been conducted for other regulators—and increasing expedited pathways for drug approval. Venture capital: Greater VC participation can be encouraged by reducing some risks of investing in drug development. Industry-academic cooperation: Government initiatives should support university-industry partnerships.
What’s next: BIO will submit a report on Japan and hold meetings at the June 2024 BIO Convention in San Diego. Japan’s regulatory agency expressed interest in meeting with BIO’s Board of Directors. Read more on Bio.News. Health Care News: The Hill: HHS: More than 7 million people have received updated COVID vaccine
“More than 7 million Americans have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine since it was approved one month ago, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).” |
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This company discovered natural antibacterials in the coral reef |
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Meet Aequor, the BIO Ag & Environment member founded by a scuba diver who discovered natural antibacterial and antibiofilm agents in the coral reef—here’s how you can help them win an award for their innovation.
Why it matters: “Antimicrobial resistance kills millions of people each year, and up to 10 million people could die annually by 2050 due to AMR if nothing changes,” says co-founder Cynthia Burzell, Ph.D. “By harnessing nature’s potential, we make groundbreaking discoveries in the ocean that have led to the development of new drug candidates that can destroy AMR superbugs.”
What’s next: Aequor is currently involved in a Department of Defense project to combat contamination in drinking water sources like aquifers, groundwater, and wells.
Vote for Aequor: The company is one of three finalists competing for the People’s Choice Award at the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) conference—watch their pitch video and vote! |
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