Good Day BIO: FDA proposes annual updated COVID boosters

The FDA proposes to update COVID-19 vaccines annually, like flu shots, and U.S. officials say they’re ready to take formal action on Mexico’s corn ban. (622 words, 3 minutes, 6 seconds)

FDA proposes annual updated COVID boosters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday proposed updating the COVID-19 boosters every fall, like the flu shot.

The proposal: FDA says the move will simplify vaccine administration and “potentially increase vaccine compliance” by allowing a consistent, easy-to-follow message about getting vaccinated.

How it would work: As they do with flu shots, the FDA would assess SARS-CoV-2 strains annually, and each summer would recommend the strain to be targeted by the fall booster. If a dangerous “vaccine-escape variant” emerges, FDA could address it at any time.

What about the original formulas? The annually updated formulas would replace the original COVID vaccines. Young children who have not received a vaccine yet, and older or high-risk individuals, would be recommended two shots of the newest, targeted formula.

Why they’re proposing it: The FDA notes that “real-world evidence” from a variety of sources shows the updated bivalent boosters are effective. Even the highly contagious and immunity-evasive XBB.1.5 variant has been kept in check by the vaccines, which appear to protect against hospitalization and death.

The next steps: The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meets Thursday to vote on the recommendation.

The big picture: Fears of a “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are abating, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines and a drop-off in RSV cases, says The Washington Post: “The immune systems of those who have been vaccinated or previously infected are still effective at keeping the cases mild, especially if they have recently received booster shots.”

U.S. officials ready to take formal action on Mexico’s corn ban

U.S. officials are not satisfied with recent amendments to Mexico’s proposed ban on biotech corn and are considering official action to oppose the ban, according to a statement released yesterday.

The news: U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Trade Under Secretary Alexis Taylor visited Mexico to discuss their plan to ban imports of biotech corn as early as January 2024. Mexico proposed amendments to the plan, including delaying the ban until 2025.

The ban would cost both countries billions and is not based on science, as we have reported. It would also jeopardize Mexico’s food security.

The U.S. delegation agreed: “Mexico’s proposed approach, which is not grounded in science, still threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in bilateral agricultural trade, cause serious economic harm to U.S. farmers and Mexican livestock producers, and stifle important innovations needed to help producers respond to pressing climate and food security challenges,” says yesterday’s statement from McKalip and Taylor.

U.S. ready to escalate: “We made it clear today that if this issue is not resolved, we will consider all options, including taking formal steps to enforce our rights under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement” (USMCA), says the statement. (U.S. lawmakers and BIO have already urged action.)

BIO’s response: “Agricultural innovation is critical to global food security and developing climate-resilient crops. BIO appreciates USDA and USTR’s ongoing effort to get Mexico to adhere to its commitments under USMCA and maintain a science-based risk regulatory system for agricultural biotechnology in order to facilitate agricultural trade throughout North America.”

President Biden’s Tuesday: Hosting new members of Congress at a White House reception.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on how ticket sales are handled was reportedly inspired by angry Taylor Swift fans. The House is not in session.