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From avian flu to a potential new “smart” antibiotic, here’s what you need to know before the BIO International Convention—plus, Vermont’s Governor vetoed a bill that would have banned an important seed treatment. (600 words, 3 minutes) |
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Today's health headlines: avian flu, antibiotics, and a new CAR T cell therapy
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We’re getting ready for the BIO International Convention next week, and our team will be bringing you news and highlights as they happen in San Diego. In the meantime, here are a few news items you don’t want to miss—cocktail party conversation starters, anyone?
What’s happening with avian flu: With a third farmworker infected, BIO members are preparing human bird flu vaccines. CSL Seqirus announced an agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to complete the fill and finish process for 4.8 million pre-pandemic vaccine doses for the stockpile, while Moderna is discussing an agreement to fund a late-stage trial of an mRNA vaccine, per reports.
What they’re saying: “The CDC maintains the risk to public health as low,” said Marc Lacey, CSL Seqirus, Global Executive Director for Pandemic. “This agreement, building upon prior agreements with BARDA, will help support the U.S. government’s ability to respond swiftly in the event that the current avian flu situation changes.”
Our readers know it’s critically important to develop new antimicrobials—which is why a potential new “smart” antibiotic caught our eye. Scientists say a compound called lolamicin can kill gram-negative bacteria—often resistant to many antibiotics—without disturbing good gut bacteria.
But one caveat,according to biologist Sebastian Hiller: usefulness “depends on whether bacteria will develop resistance to it in the long run.” (If this topic intrigues you, don’t miss a session on Tuesday in San Diego about strategies for ensuring access to new antimicrobials in low- and middle-income countries.)
Another oncology win: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Bristol Myers Squibb’s Breyanzi as a new CAR T cell therapy for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma, “offering a definitive treatment option for some of the most difficult-to-treat lymphomas,” said Bryan Campbell, SVP, Head of Commercial, Cell Therapy, Bristol Myers Squibb.
More reading: The future of cancer innovation – and the role of policy
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Vermont Gov. Scott vetoes bill that would have banned seed treatment |
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ICYMI: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill that would have banned neonicotinoid (“neonic”) pesticides, even in seeds—a widely used practice that can reduce overall pesticide use.
What is a neonic? A kind of pesticide used to treat all kinds of seeds, including corn and soybean, which are the most commonly grown crops in the U.S. and are mostly grown with biotech seeds.
Why it matters: When seeds are treated with neonics, the plant grows up protected, and requires far less pesticide over the course of its lifetime.
“We have seen a number of states pass laws restricting the use of neonic insecticides, but they’ve always exempted seed treatments,” Gene Harrington, Senior Director of State Government Affairs, Agriculture & Environment, has said.
Other state restrictions: New York recently passed a law regulating neonic-treated seeds, but it includes a provision allowing farmers to gain exemption and continue using neonic seeds if they show their fields are threatened by pests.
What they’re saying: In his veto message, Gov. Scott said nearly all corn seed sold in the U.S. is treated with neonics, which are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Vermont grows 90,000 acres of corn while the U.S. grows 90 million acres, he said, according to AP.
“This would put Vermont farmers at a significant disadvantage,” wrote Scott, noting that the state’s dairy farms were already facing rising costs and crop losses from floods and last year’s spring frost. |
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President Biden’s Friday: Meeting with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium for discussions that will include defense of Ukraine, according to the White House. Later, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs to celebrate their Super Bowl victory.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Recess. |
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