Measles is on the rise – but why?

More measles cases are being reported across the United States—but why? ICYMI: BIO joined industry commitments for equitable access to medical countermeasures in future pandemics and the EPA approved a BIO member’s novel bioinsecticide. (597 words, 2 minutes, 59 seconds)

Measles is on the rise – but it doesn’t need to be

Reports of isolated measles infections around the United States are stirring concern, but the highly contagious disease can be stopped in its tracks with vaccination.

How serious is it? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials rushed to Chicago yesterday after eight cases were reported. A boy with measles in Sacramento may have exposed 300 people. As of last week, 45 cases have been reported in 17 states this year.

Why it matters: Measles spreads easily and is dangerous for children, but a 95% vaccination rate provides herd immunity—and helped eliminate the disease in the United States. Now, some U.S. communities are behind in measles vaccination, and only about 92% of 2-year-olds are vaccinated.

How we got here: COVID-19 interrupted regular vaccination schedules worldwide. But while some vaccine rates improved post-pandemic, measles shots have lagged. The proliferation of vaccine misinformation during the pandemic made more parents opt out of vaccinating their kids.

A global threat: Most recent measles cases in the United States come from other places with lower vaccine rates. In Europe, where vaccination rates fell during the pandemic, there were 30,000 measles cases between January-October 2023—more than 30 times the 941 cases in 2022.

The bottom line: The measles vaccine works. With sufficient vaccination rates, measles could be eliminated.

More Health News: Industry works together to issue a joint statement on equitable access through the WHO Pandemic Accord
“[T]he biopharmaceutical industry developed a set of commitments for equitable access to essential medical countermeasures in future pandemics. Demonstrating the commitment of the private sector to prioritize the needs of all individuals and communities affected in a pandemic, companies are prepared to leverage their individual expertise and resources to address the challenges posed by pandemics and ensure that no one is left behind. This represents a significant step forward in promoting equity and inclusivity in the distribution of vital resources,” says a joint statement coordinated by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and signed by BIO as well as the Developing Country Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), EFPIA, JPMA,and PhRMA.

EPA approves new biopesticide that enables sustainable farming

BIO member Vestaron last week announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved its novel-acting peptide-based insecticide BASIN®, a sustainable bioinsecticide.

Why it matters: Biopesticides can help enable more sustainable farming that protects biodiversity, including precious honeybees. This can help us meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The product: BASIN® protects crops from pests like aphids, mites, drosophila, and whiteflies but does not harm bees and other pollinators, local biodiversity, or farm workers, Vestaron reports. Using BASIN® can reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals.

How it works: Vestaron develops highly targeted insecticides based on naturally occurring peptides, small proteins comprised of amino acids. Made from ingredients like spider venom and optimized through natural fermentation, the peptides break down into amino acids (simple nutrients).

What’s next: Vestaron’s peptide-based SPEAR® bioinsecticide was commercialized in 2020. BASIN®, which was approved for indoor use with outdoor approval anticipated soon, is expected to be on the market by early 2025.

What they’re saying: EPA approval for BASIN® is a “testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation as we bring yet another novel insecticide solution to growers at a pace never before seen in the industry,” said Vestaron CEO Juan Estupinan.

Policy reform can encourage more innovations like this. We need legislation to streamline regulation and facilitate approval of biopesticides and other sustainable agricultural biotech products, like biostimulants. These reforms could be included in a new five-year Farm Bill, something BIO would like to see passed.

President Biden’s Wednesday: Campaigning in Milwaukee as he starts a trip designed to shore up votes in “the blue wall,” according to the Associated Press.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: A quiet day.