A shot in the arm

We have details on yesterday’s huge COVID-19 vaccine announcement by two BIO members—yet another example of the unprecedented collaboration we’ve seen in the industry over the past year.

The news: Merck announced it will manufacture Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.

The funding: Merck will receive $268.8 million in funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) “to adapt and make available a number of existing manufacturing facilities,” says the announcement. “This funding is in addition to Merck’s continued investment in its global vaccines manufacturing network as part of its planned capital investments of more than $20 billion from 2020 through the end of 2024.” 

The impact: “We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” said President Biden when announcing the agreement yesterday.

What they’re saying: “We are steadfast in our commitment to contribute to the global response to the pandemic as part of the remarkable efforts of the entire medical and scientific community,” said Mike Nally, EVP of Human Health at Merck.

Why it matters: “This is the type of collaboration between companies we saw in WWII,” said President Biden—and it’s another shining example of the unprecedented collaboration between companies large and small and the public sector to come together to beat this pandemic. 

Do you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines? BIO’s Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath answered a few FAQs for The Bakersfield Californian—and you can learn more at www.COVIDVaccineFacts.org.

BIO member AquaBounty’s genetically engineered salmon could be coming to your plate soon—and we explain why it’s a sustainable solution that can help us reduce carbon emissions and build a resilient food supply.   

AquaBounty Technologiesdeveloped genetically engineered salmon that can grow more efficiently and sustainably—and it’s the first genetically engineered animal approved for human consumption in the United States.

After COVID-related delays, the company’s inaugural U.S. harvest is underway, with the salmon expected to be available for consumers by April, reports NPR.

The salmon is sustainable—able to grow “free of disease and antibiotics, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint and no risk of pollution to marine ecosystems as compared to traditional sea-cage farming,” as we’ve explained. 

The company’s land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems allow the fish to swim and school naturally—and bring fresh salmon closer to the consumer, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.  

And this salmon could help us build a more resilient food supply. “As the global population increases, we are seeking better ways to efficiently feed a hungry world with a sustainable source of nutritious food,” said AquaBounty’s CEO Sylvia Wulf. 

Learn more about the benefits of agricultural biotechnology.

More Agriculture and Environment News:

Bloomberg Green: After historic fall, carbon emissions are now coming back fast
“In December, global emissions were higher than during the same month in 2019, according to new data from the International Energy Agency.”

President Biden’s Wednesday: Holding a bipartisan meeting on cancer, then a virtual event with House Democrats. Meanwhile, Biden withdrew the nomination of Neera Tanden for director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), reports CNBC, and Biden’s Interior Department is “reversing Trump” to move “swiftly on climate change,” explains The New York Times.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: The Senate could begin debating the COVID-19 relief package today, reports USA Today. Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee will vote on the nominations of Xavier Becerra (HHS) and Katherine Tai (USTR).