Biotechnology Innovation Organization
![]() | This article reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (January 2018) |
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the largest advocacy association in the world representing the biotechnology industry.[1][2][3] It was founded in 1993 as the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and changed its name to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization on January 4, 2016.[4][5] Biotechnology Innovation Organization serves more than 1,100 biotechnology firms, research schools, state biotechnology centers and related associations in the United States and in more than 30 other countries.[6]
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Nickname | BIO |
---|---|
Key people | Michelle McMurry-Heath (President & CEO, June 2020) |
Website | https://www.bio.org/ |
Formerly called | Biotechnology Industry Organization |
Activities
Annual Conference
BIO holds it's annual international conference each year in the United States. This conference provides networking, business development and partnering activities that are essential to the biotechnology industry, in which developing products take considerable time and resources and regulatory risks are high.[7] In 2021, BIO shifted it's in-person meetings to virtual, due to restrictions and difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. [8]
Lobbying
In 2018, BIO spent $9.87 million on lobbying the government of the United States.[9] Past issues that BIO has lobbied on included the amending the Internal Revenue Code to provide an exception from the passive loss rules for investments in high-technology research small business pass-through entities, to include vaccines against seasonal influenza within the definition of taxable vaccines, and to extend, expand, and improve the qualifying therapeutic discovery project program that first became law in 2010.[10][11]
Examples of its public lobbying efforts, include support for development of biofuels such as those produced from algae,[12] genetically modified crops,[13] strong intellectual property rights,[14] and for a more efficient and predictable regulatory process for new food and drug products.[15]
Alliances
In June 2013 BIO partnered with the Coalition of Small Business Innovators to lobby the U.S. government to modernize the U.S. tax code "to recognize and promote small business innovation as fundamental to the long-term growth of the U.S. economy".[16][17]
It is a member of The Alliance to Feed the Future, an umbrella network, the mission of which is to "raise awareness and improve understanding of the benefits & necessity of modern food production and technology in order to meet global demand".[18][19]
Industry initiatives
The "Right Mix Matters" campaign launched in 2019 targets diversity within biopharmaceutical company leadership, including ongoing assessment of diversity measures (gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation) and the provision of online tools aimed at assisting companies to achieve target diversity goals.[5]
Organization
Members
BIOs members include companies that make Pharmaceutical drugs, biofuels, industrial enzymes, and genetically modified crops.[20] As of 2016, it represents 1,100 biotech companies in all 50 U.S. states, which employ 1.61 million Americans and support an additional 3.4 million jobs.[16]
Leadership
BIO was founded 1993 in Washington, D.C. and Carl B. Feldbaum was the president from BIO's founding until he retired in 2004.[21] He was succeeded by James C. Greenwood who held the offices of president and CEO from 2005 to 2020.
After Congressman Greenwood's 15 years of service, they tapped Michelle McMurry-Heath to become president and CEO as of 1 June 2020[update].[22]
Biotechnology Heritage Award
The Biotechnology Heritage Award, presented annually at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Annual International Convention by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the Science History Institute (formerly the Chemical Heritage Foundation), recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of biotechnology through discovery, innovation, and public understanding.[23]
References
- ^ Anna Edney, "Biosciences Defy U.S. Jobs Slump as Research Labs Hire", Bloomberg News, June 19, 2012.
- ^ European Biotechnology Network. "List of European and International Biotech Industry Associations" Archived 2019-01-29 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "GEN's 30th Anniversary: Biotech Trade Associations", Genetic Engineering News, June 15, 2011.
- ^ "Biotechnology Innovation Organization changes name to Biotechnology Innovation Organization" (Press release). BusinessWire. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ a b Wright, Rob (1 July 2019). "Increasing Diversity Among Leadership And Boards". Life Science Leader. VertMarkets.
- ^ "About BIO". diapharma. June 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- ^ Robert Weisman, "Biopharmaceutical industry faces a shift in dynamics", Boston Globe, April 23, 2013.
- ^ "BIO lays off staff to adapt to another year of virtual events". FierceBiotech. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- ^ OpenSecrets "Lobbying: Biotechnology Innovation Organization", Page Accessed January 2, 2020
- ^ OpenSecrets "Bills lobbied", Page Accessed June 7, 2013
- ^ Drew Armstrong, "Promising' Biotechnology Medicines May Earn $5 Million U.S. Tax Credit", Bloomberg News, May 21, 2010.
- ^ Kambiz Foroohar for Bloomberg News. June 3, 2010. Exxon $600 Million Algae Investment Makes Khosla See Pipe Dream
- ^ Elaine Watson, "It's not too late to change the conversation on GMOs: Interview with Cathy Enright, Executive VP for Food and Biotechnology, BIO", Food Navigator, May 20, 2013.
- ^ Victoria Slind-Flor, "LG, DuPont, Bank of America, GM: Intellectual Property", Bloomberg News, December 3, 2012.
- ^ Robert Weisman, "Federal drug review nettles biotech industry", Boston Globe, June 19, 2012.
- ^ a b "Biotechnology Innovation Organization Joins Coalition of Small Business Innovators" Archived 2014-11-04 at the Wayback Machine, BIO Press Release, June 4, 2013.
- ^ "Coalition of Small Business Innovators Official Website". Archived from the original on 2017-09-30. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- ^ Alliance to Feed the Future Official Website Archived May 11, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ PR Web. Monday, March 18, 2013 "Alliance to Feed the Future Congratulates Our Farmers, Supports Education for Future Generations on National Agriculture Day"
- ^ "BIO profile at Biospace". Archived from the original on 2017-10-13. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
- ^ "BIO President Carl Feldbaum to Retire at Year End" (Press release). Biotechnology Innovation Organization. 2 February 2004. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
- ^ "BIO Appoints a Physician-Scientist as New President and CEO". BusinessWire. May 14, 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "Biotechnology Heritage Award". Science History Institute. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2018.