Earlier this week we tuned into the BIO Coronavirus Collaboration Initiative Summit. Here, we translated our notes into a quick read. 

For starters, Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, made it clear that her expectations were high for our industry… “because you have delivered for us in the past.” 

Key take-a-ways and resources for #ALBioTech:

• Dr. Richard Whitley, Co-Division Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAB, represented Alabama among a national roster of presenters. He spoke about the biology of the virus, symptoms, and the incubation period. Dr. Whitley stressed that the shortness of breath experienced is a key differentiator of COVID19 between the flu, common cold, and allergies. 

• Domestic manufacturing capacity: Dr. Rick Bright, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), stressed the importance of mobilizing the industry to be able to scale up, scale out, fill-finish, and create redundancies with raw material supply chains by “leveraging existing partnerships and forging new partnerships.” Please help share the word among #ALBioTech manufacturers that we need them. They can register online at hub.bio.org to communicate what resources they have available and how they can contribute to the fight.

• Request a meeting with a federal agency: The U.S. Government has provided a portal for the submission of market research packages and meeting requests strictly related to COVID-19. They are particularly interested in products and technologies that have progressed into or beyond non-clinical trials, have established large-scale cGMP manufacturing capability, or utilize an approved platform. Information regarding diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and other products or technologies relevant to addressing this outbreak are sought. Please visit: https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/ to learn more. Due to the volume of requests, they ask that all submissions go through the portal. Please do not email individual agencies. 

BIO Coronavirus Hub: BIO has created a Coronavirus Hub to coordinate the connection of companies with resources needed. hub.bio.org is a new platform for companies to post what information and supplies they need and what they can share, from RNA kits to pipette tips to general information and guidance. The goal is to maximize the efficiency of all of our companies to make sure we have the tools, the resources, and the capacities we need to win this war against the coronavirus. We encourage you to register on the site to have access to real-time updates.

SBA Disaster Loans: In addition to “all hands on deck” regarding research, supplies, and resources. Further resources are available from the Alabama SBDC Network including assistance with SBA Disaster Loan application process. The SBDC Capital Access team, and all of our SBDC locations statewide are prepared to help businesses with the application process and any other Covid-19 related issues. Due to extremely high call volume, they are asking companies to register online at ASBDC.org/register, to help ensure that you are directed to the next available SBDC Business Advisor.

Let's share joy and encouragement: There are positive and meaningful stories to share amidst this public health crisis. We encourage you to send us your stories to share and offer encouragement to our peers and colleagues around the state and beyond. Send your story to sonia@bioalabama.com.