Good Day BIO: COVID vaccines at two years

Hard to believe the first COVID vaccines were administered in the U.S. two years ago today—here’s more on the impact on lives and money saved, and future R&D. Plus, President Biden’s hosting the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and today will highlight the role for biotech. (501 words, 2 minutes, 30 seconds)

COVID vaccines at two years: millions of lives and a trillion dollars saved

Since the first dose was administered in the U.S. two years ago on this day, COVID-19 vaccines have prevented more than 18.5 million hospitalizations and 3.2 million deaths, research shows.

The numbers: Nearly 634 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the U.S., with more than 80% of the population receiving at least one dose, The New York Times says.

That’s 120 million infections prevented—and $1.15 trillion in medical costs saved, says a new study by the Commonwealth Fund.

Without vaccines, “the U.S. would have experienced 1.5 times more infections, 3.8 times more hospitalizations, and 4.1 times more deaths,” the research finds. And that doesn’t include effects like fewer viral mutations.

A silver lining: the pandemic accelerated mRNA technology. It’s now being explored against influenza, HIV, and, as Moderna announced yesterday, a potential melanoma vaccine that, when used in combo with Merck’s Keytruda, reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 44%.

Looking ahead: “mRNA has been transformative for COVID-19, and now, for the first time ever, we have demonstrated the potential for mRNA to have an impact on outcomes in a randomized clinical trial in melanoma,” said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel. “We will begin additional studies in melanoma and other forms of cancer with the goal of bringing truly individualized cancer treatments to patients.”

U.S.-Africa summit highlights important role for biotech

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit—continuing today in Washington, D.C.—discusses how to improve U.S.-Africa trade, promote peaceful development, and address climate change.

What's happening today: The U.S.-Africa Business Forum discussion on agribusiness will look at new solutions for economic and food security—and that should include biotech.

Agriculture employs two-thirds of Africa's workforce but faces challenges—like climate change, which spreads pathogens that hurt crops. And food loss cuts revenue of developing countries by 15% or more.

Biotech is ready to help, with solutions to protect essential crops like cassava and bananas. "There are currently several gene-edited plants under development…that are both food and cash crops for smallholder farmers," says Nature.

But regulation is a barrier. Since South Africa became the first country on the continent to allow biotech crops in 1998—insect-resistant cotton followed by maize and soybeans—only six other African countries have approved biotech crops.

Policies hampering uptake are based on an outdated understanding of biotech crops among the public, says a study published last month, which calls for science-based policy and improved monitoring and education.

"Africa faces a significant food security dilemma," with the UN saying 20% of Africa's 1.2 billion people deal with chronic hunger, says the AllAfrica analysis. "Farmers in Africa are anticipated to embrace biotech crops as biotechnology knowledge grows," and the continent can benefit.

President Biden’s Wednesday: Addressing the U.S.-Africa Business Forum at the above-mentioned U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis will hold a hearing on “Preparing For And Preventing The Next Public Health Emergency: Lessons Learned From The Coronavirus Crisis.” A House Science Space & Technology Committee subcommittee will hold a hearing on “Building Regional Innovation Economies.”