Updated 3/11/2020
This week, PhRMA and senior executives and researchers from four member companies met with key policy makers on Capitol Hill to discuss the industry’s response to COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus. Daniel O’Day of Gilead Sciences, Julie Louise Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H. of Merck & Co., Inc, Paul Stoffels, M.D. of Johnson & Johnson, John Shiver, Ph.D. of Sanofi Pasteur and Steve Ubl of PhRMA were crucial contributors to the dialogue and offered updates and insights on their companies’ and the industry's progress in the fight against the coronavirus.
The biopharmaceutical industry is working around the clock to develop a safe, effective and affordable vaccine to prevent infection and providing existing treatments to help those infected with the virus.
Additionally, more than 50% of PhRMA members are:
- Researching and developing potential new treatments and vaccines and testing possible medicine candidates for those patients currently infected.
- Donating millions of dollars and crucial supplies, like surgical equipment and protective clothing, to on-the-ground organizations.
- Collaborating with key stakeholders, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, international health organizations and more.
PhRMA is confident in our ability to develop effective COVID-19 vaccines and medicines. Our industry has the unparalleled advantage of decades of scientific research cultivated from experience with similar viruses, such as MERS, SARS and influenza. Additionally, the United States’ unique biopharmaceutical ecosystem encourages collaboration between the government, academia, industry and investors. These and other reasons increase our ability to deliver new treatments and vaccines to patients quickly and affordably.
Click to watch leading biopharmaceutical representatives discuss the industry’s response to COVID-19
Learn more at PhRMA.org/Coronavirus
