Ever wonder who or what whirlwind it was that hit your local, state or federal legislators like a tornado when debates on bills covering critical issues such as medical care, In Vitro Fertilization, biomedical research (e.g., human cloning, human embryonic stem cell research, human genetic engineering, etc.), farm subsidies and agricultural regulations, FDA drug approvals, energy resources, small business grants, patents, etc. are being battled? It takes your breath away! Perhaps it is time to take a long hard look at the most recent GLOBAL biotech lobbyists on the block who constitute that tornado, who testify en masse at every major and minor legislative hearing, and who have mastered the art of Public Relations. Meet Big BIO, under the current leadership of U.S. Senator Jim Greenwood of (Rep., PA) -- yes, the Congressional sponsor of current unethical Senate bills on human cloning and stem cell research.
It is a given that there are many good scientists and people dedicated to ethical pharmaceutical research and development that has and will continue to save and improve the lives of millions. Medicine and science are not per se "evil". But it is also true that especially today their dedicated work and lofty goals are being undermined and their credibility destroyed by the very unethical means and perverted goals that so many in their midst are pursuing. But then I guess that depends on how one defines "ethical".
With utter disregard for even the most basic established objective scientific facts, safe and sound medical practice, agricultural stability, or democratic integrity these Big BIO warriors are ORGANIZED and have learned how to usurp and co-opt the various systems to their pragmatic advantage -- regardless of the consequences -- even for "the greatest number". "If it works, do it." This is not business or ethics "as usual". Wake up, America, and smell the coffee.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050715/clf508.html?.v=1
Yahoo! Finance
July 15, 2005
Press Release
Source: Biotechnology Industry Organization
WASHINGTON, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- James C. Mullen, president and CEO of Biogen Idec Inc., has been elected chairman of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Board of Directors. Mullen replaces Richard F. Pops, CEO of Alkermes Inc.
"Richard Pops guided BIO through two important years marked by the successful negotiation and passage of historic Medicare reform that includes prescription drug benefits for senior citizens," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. "As Richard's term successfully ends, I look forward to the next two years working with Jim Mullen.
"Jim heads one of the most successful biotechnology companies in the world and will provide vision as BIO moves to the next level as a world-class advocacy organization," said Greenwood. "In his role as chairman, Jim will provide leadership as we work through issues on Capitol Hill and within the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Departments of Agriculture and Energy.
"While drug safety concerns are a top priority, we are mindful of other issues that may impede innovation, such as changes to the patent system and the misinterpretation of eligibility requirements related to Small Business Research Innovation grants. In addition, our members support strong policies to foster innovation, such as appropriate reimbursement for our products, increased federal funding for stem cell research and open trade regimes."
Jim Mullen joined Biogen, Inc. in 1989 and was named CEO in 2000 and Chairman in 2002. He also served as Vice President, Operations (1992-1996), Vice President, International (1996-1999), and President and Chief Operating Officer (1999-2000). Mullen holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. from Villanova University.
In addition to Mullen, the following BIO board members have been named officers for 2005-2006:
BIO membership also has elected 11 new members to the organization's Board of Directors:
The other BIO board members are as follows:
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Source: Biotechnology Industry Organization
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