The number of coronavirus infections worldwide inch closer to the 100,000 mark, including a sharp increase to 120 in the United States.
While these numbers are alarming, a strong public health response combined with smart science and innovative thinking can help us win the fight, writes BIO CEO Jim Greenwood today in Morning Consult.
America’s biopharmaceutical industry has stepped forward to develop vaccines and antiviral therapies to contain this quickly spreading illness, says Jim.
But collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital, to translate science into solutions.
That's why BIO is leading an initiative to help, connecting innovators with partners in industry and government to share information and best practices, as well as leverage the expertise of leaders with experience responding to past public health emergencies.
Together, we must finish the job. “The truth is, had we finished projects on our SARS and MERS response, we might have products available today that could be rapidly tested and deployed during this outbreak,” explains Jim.
Jim’s Judgment: The coronavirus is no match for science or the brilliant scientists and researchers working at America’s biopharmaceutical companies, both large and small. Let’s work with Congress to ensure our scientific ecosystem has the tools and resources available to finish this fight and ensure we are better prepared for the next one. – BIO CEO Jim Greenwood
Read more about the biotech industry’s coronavirus response:
More Health Care News:
BioPharma Dive: New estimate puts cost to develop a new drug at $1B, adding to long-running debate
“U.S. biopharmaceutical companies spent about $1 billion to bring each of their new drugs to market between 2009 and 2018, according to a new analysis published in JAMA on Tuesday.”
Reuters: Pfizer identified some antiviral compounds with potential as coronavirus treatments
“The company said it hopes to have the results from that screening by the end of March and if any of the compounds are successful, it would hope start testing them by the end of the year.”
Reuters: Last Congo Ebola patient discharged with end of outbreak in sight
“Congo has now gone 14 days without any new confirmed cases.”