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The 2024 BIO International Convention kicks off today in San Diego—and the Good Day BIO and Bio.News team is live on the ground, bringing you all the news and highlights. Here’s what we’re watching and how to follow—plus, details on Moderna’s RSV win and bills that would enhance national security through ag biotech. (718 words, 3 minutes, 35 seconds) |
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How to follow Good Day BIO Live from BIO 2024 |
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With more than 18,500 people registered and 60,000 partnering meetings scheduled, the 2024 BIO International Convention is "an opportunity to showcase biotechnology in a way that nobody else does anywhere else in the world," says BIO President and CEO John F. Crowley. Watch him discuss this year's theme and the role of BIO.
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FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA RSV vaccine |
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It’s the third option to protect adults from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—making the BIO member company “the first and only company in the world with two approved mRNA vaccine products,” says Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel.
The vaccine:mRESVIA was approved Friday to protect adults 60+ from severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV infection.
Why it matters: “RSV is highly contagious and affects approximately 64 million people around the world each year, with older adults more likely to develop severe complications that could require hospitalization. Further, it is estimated that 470,000 adults aged 60 or older are hospitalized, and 33,000 die from RSV infections in high-income countries annually,” says Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel in a blog post.
Before 2023, there was no approved RSV immunization. But last year, the FDA approved Beyfortus and Abrysvo for infants, and Abrysvo and Arexvy for older adults.
What’s next: “We are developing a portfolio of respiratory mRNA vaccines to target the most significant viruses causing respiratory disease, including COVID-19, RSV and flu. We are committed to helping address the substantial public health burden associated with respiratory disease,” explains Bancel. “With 10 late-stage programs, and additional new programs advancing toward pivotal studies, we continue to expect numerous product milestones this year across our vaccines and therapeutics portfolio.” |
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Bills seek to enhance national security through ag biotech |
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A package of bills introduced May 23 by Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) recognizes biotech’s contribution to agriculture.
Why it matters: Sens. Padilla and Young belong to the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), a body of experts and lawmakers established by Congress to investigate the nexus of biotech and national security and recommend federal action.
The bills would:
BIO’s view: “American leadership in biotechnology for agriculture helps us improve our economy, our climate management, and our ability to defend ourselves and global stability. The work of BIO and The Commission is a clear example of supporting that leadership,” says Beth Ellikidis, BIO’s VP for Agriculture and Environment.
What’s next: The Senators want these bills included in the five-year Farm Bill, approved by the House Agriculture Committee the week before and must be approved by the full House and Senate before it can be signed and enacted.
Read more on Bio.News.
Learn more: The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) will be speaking at the BIO International Convention in San Diego on Wednesday, June 5—get the details (and watch this space for coverage).
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