How the public sector is working with private firms to fight COVID-19

Shortly after the World Health Organization learned of “a pneumonia of unknown cause … in Wuhan, China,” leading U.S. research firms started working around the clock to learn more about the novel coronavirus. In just three months, dozens of promising treatments and vaccines have entered the pipeline. Some are already in human trials.

This record-breaking pace is thanks, in part, to the dedicated efforts of America’s biopharmaceutical industry. Every day, our nation’s scientists research treatments for various diseases. That’s why the government can count on them in times of crisis.  

On March 24-25, I tuned in for a virtual summit hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, where industry leaders and senior government officials discussed the many ways they’re already working together to fast-track a cure. Participants also brainstormed other ways they might be able to cooperate.