Biotechnology stands #togetheragainstCOVID-19
EuropaBio is the largest biotech industry group in Europe, covering the three main sectors of healthcare, industrial and agricutlural biotechnology.
Our lives have been completely turned upside down just because of a little virus of approximately 100 nano meters. This little organism that has no metabolism of its own needs the reproductive organism of his host to reproduce – that search currently changes our lives. History has shown that the search for strategies against the attack of viruses is a major undertaking and all research minds have to be brought together. With vaccines and anti-viral treatments, diseases like poliomylistis, rabies, smallpox, the flu or HIV have been fought off successfully. They all have one thing in common - the treatments have all originated in research and biotechnology solutions. The question is not if vaccines and treatments will be discovered against COVID-19, it is when.
In these uncertain times of this pandemic, it is ever more critical to work together to address the current challenges, show solidarity, and responsibility. EuropaBio and the entire biotech industry are ready to contribute with the highest level of priority – and their commitment is shown by swift reaction and collaboration across industries.
A gene sequence of COVID-19 was first published by Chinese researchers on January 9th, 2020. Immediately, biotechnology companies and research facilities took a frontline role in helping with the current coronavirus situation. Great amounts of research and clinical testing work are being done in the biotechnology industry around developing antiviral treatments and ensuring access to essential medicines.
The biotechnology industry is centrally placed in being able to tackle the spread and containment of the current coronavirus. Biotechnology focuses on working with human cells and gene mechanisms. In this sense, applying biotechnology techniques offers an advantage over traditional pharmaceutical approaches, empowering our understanding of the working mechanisms of a virus by exploring its genetics and translating this information into workable material to pursue an antiviral treatment or a vaccine. Moreover, a successful biotechnology treatment may potentially enable an immediate immune response by a COVID-19 infected patient rather than needing to wait for a protective response triggered by a vaccine.
Simultaneously, the biotechnology industry is working in tandem with national and international government agencies, including the European Medicines Agency, to ensure continued and uninterrupted access to essential supplies and life-saving products for patients who rely on them. In doing so, EuropaBio's members are keeping up to date with ongoing developments and needs, while ensuring ample communication to secure supply chains and alleviate concerns. At this time, it is critical that the European Commission and Member States work together for coordinating activities to continue to allow the movement of medicines and vaccines as well as medical equipment from manufacturing sites across Europe to patients that need them the most.
One thing is certain – collaboration is the key in the fight against COVID-19. Academia, research, industry, politics, and the public must come together to beat the pandemic. And they do - follow #TogetherAgainstCOVID19 to see examples of how the biotech ecosystem in Europe stands together.