We want to take a moment to recognize Congressman Brad Schneider for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the biopharmaceutical industry. His recent letter to the U.S. Trade Representative opposing the proposed expansion of the waiver of IP rights for COVID vaccines was a vital step towards protecting American innovation and jobs.
As Congressman Schneider rightly pointed out, the U.S. is a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation thanks in no small part to our robust IP protections. These protections incentivize research and development, enabling us to develop life-saving treatments and vaccines quickly and efficiently. Any efforts to weaken these protections undermine the very foundation of the industry and put millions of American jobs at risk, from STEM research to manufacturing and distribution.
It’s worth noting that the COVID vaccine IP waiver was never used, as IP was never a barrier to global distribution. The fact that Congressman Schneider recognized this and spoke out against the proposed waiver expansion shows his commitment to supporting policies that prioritize innovation and job creation.
We also want to thank Congressman Bill Foster for joining Congressman Schneider on the letter. Their joint effort highlights the support for protecting American innovation and jobs.
We applaud Congressman Brad Schneider for his leadership and advocacy for the biopharmaceutical industry. His recent letter opposing the proposed expansion of the waiver of IP rights for COVID vaccines is a crucial step towards protecting American innovation and jobs, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support policies that prioritize these goals.