Calls for Quick Action on House Floor
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Biotechnology Industry
Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following
statement regarding passage earlier this week of the "Biodefense and
Pandemic Vaccine and Drug Development Act of 2006" (H.R. 5533) out of the
House Energy and Commerce Committee:
"This week's action by the House Energy and Commerce Committee passing
the 'BARDA' bill is an important and necessary step forward toward
improving our nation's defenses against bioterrorism and pandemic diseases.
I particularly appreciate the leadership of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Mike
Rogers and Rep. Anna Eshoo for their stewardship on this very important
matter.
"Importantly, this legislation recognizes that the 'Valley of Death'
remains a barrier to effective countermeasure product development, so it
authorizes the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
(BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services. Through BARDA,
contracts and grants for advanced research and development will be made to
companies working on products to protect the American people. This
legislation is needed to foster countermeasure product development.
"We urge the Congress to pass this important legislation quickly to
help protect the American public."
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across
the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the
research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and
environmental biotechnology products. http://www.bio.org
SOURCE Biotechnology Industry Organization
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Related links:
http://www.bio.org
CONTACT:
Jeff Joseph of Biotechnology Industry
Organization, +1-202-962-9230
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