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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

THBI is actively communicating and working with elected officials, state agencies, industry partners and Texas entities to ensure the state of Texas is on the forefront of combating coronavirus, and taking proper action to keep the state safe during the global outbreak. We will be providing our partners regular updates on how our industry is responding to the epidemic. 

   

Updates from the Texas Legislature

Governor Abbott Announces Incoming Shipments Of PPE, Provides Update On Distribution In Texas
Texas received 2.5 million masks in the past 24 hours, and will receive an additional 3 million masks by April 11th. He also provided a region-by-region breakdown of supplies that have been distributed over the past week — including masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, and coveralls.

The Strike Force continues to need your help to secure necessary large quantities of critically-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as masks (N95 and/or surgical), respirators, ventilators, gowns, and gloves. 
If you have readily-available supply or can quickly produce large quantities of critically-needed items, please complete the State’s procurement form: https://texas.gov/form1.html.  

If you would like to have other impact by providing other readily-available items that can assist our medical and public health professionals, please complete the State’s volunteer  and donation assistance form: https://texas.gov/form4.html.  

For more information on the State’s efforts related to COVID-19, please visit https://texas.gov/#covid19. 

Resource Center

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 

Many companies in Texas have the capabilities to provide significant resources to fight COVID-19. If your company is seeking funding, here are some helpful resources. 

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
At TWC, the health and well-being of our employers, employees and communities is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our customers.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

DSHS is responding COVID-19 outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China. For prevention tips, symptoms, traveler information, and healthcare provider resources, see our COVID-19 website.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. They are closely monitoring an outbreak caused COVID-19 and are the go to resource for the U.S.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Coronavirus Business Resource Center

As many BIO members work to develop diagnostics, vaccines and treatments to address the global COVID-19 outbreak, BIO has provided resources to help companies continue their operations with minimum disruption and keep their employees safe and healthy. 

BIO Busuiness Solutions

As the world has been dealing with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, BIO has been working with partners and member companies on business continuity, mitigation and contingency planning. As part of BIO Business Solutions Cost Savings Program, we have several benefits to help you run your business, access resources and reduce spending.

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BIO-Office Depot Program is committed to helping you get all the supplies and support you need to keep your businesses running. 

To become a THBI member and gain access to the BIO Business Solutions purchasing program, email julia@thbi.com.

Our Members Response

Medical Professionals Across Merck, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly Activate to Support Health Systems, First Responders and Patients Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
The companies have announced programs enabling employees with medical and laboratory expertise to volunteer their services to local healthcare systems and those hardest hit by COVID-19 while maintaining their base pay. 
Bristol Myers Squibb announced support programs to help eligible unemployed patients in the U.S. who have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19
The expanded program offers access to any branded Bristol Myers Squibb medicine for free, including some of its most widely prescribed products, as well as those prescribed via telehealth services.

Prisma Health collaborating with Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson to manufacture and distribute VESper™ Ventilator Expansion Splitter device
The VESper Ventilator Expansion Splitter is authorized for emergency use only to allow a single ventilator to be used for two rescuable patients for ventilatory support during the COVID-19 pandemic until individual ventilators are available.

A conversation with Merck’s Dr. Julie Gerberding on the threat of antimicrobial resistance and COVID-19
As America’s biopharmaceutical companies work around the clock to combat COVID-19 now is an important time to consider how we can prepare for the next public health emergency: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

VGXI, Inc. completes manufacturing and release of a vaccine against COVID-19 in record-setting time

With the Phase 1 trial beginning in the US, the vaccine developer and VGXI client for the last 13 years, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, is also coordinating simultaneous clinical trials in China and South Korea. Additional large scale manufacturing of the vaccine at the VGXI facility has already been scheduled in 2Q 2020. 

An alliance formed by CSL Behring and Takeda Collaborate to Accelerate Development of Potential COVID-19 Hyperimmune Therapy

Partnership brings together world-leading plasma companies to focus on developing and delivering a plasma-derived therapy for treating COVID-19. 

Become a THBI Member

THBI is the Texas policy voice for the healthcare and bioscience industry. With a focus on advocacy, public policy and industry vitalization, THBI works with government and industry leaders to enhance and further establish the life sciences in Texas, and to promote effective legislation at the state and federal level. 

There is no better time to join the conversation and become a member of THBI. Our members are on the forefront of collaboration and the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to combat COVID-19. No matter the size of your company or level of involvement, your participation at the table is important. To learn more about membership opportunities, email julia@thbi.com. 

Stay Connected

THBI has published a COVID-19 page on www.thbi.com for helpful resources and an archive of the THBI COVID-19 email updates. 
   
Copyright © 2020 THBI. All rights reserved.

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807 Brazos Street, Suite 607Austin, TX 78701

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