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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's Small Business Webinar Series Today, April 15 at 1:00 pm
The free webinar will provide Texas small business owners and entrepreneurs with timely, relevant, actionable information on the COVID-19 recovery resources such as Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL Loan Advance, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief. Businesses will also get the chance to connect with local experts and support systems. 

Governor Abbott, Goldman Sachs, LiftFund Announce $50 Million in Loans For Texas Small Businesses
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are partnering to provide $50 million in loans to small businesses in Texas that have been affected by COVID-19 as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

CPRIT and COVID-19

CPRIT 2020 Innovations Conference VI Canceled
Like the cancellation of many other regional, national and international gatherings, the cancellation of our July conference is due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently we are unable to predict when the conference will be rescheduled; however, we remain hopeful that CPRIT will reschedule the conference in the future.

CPRIT Launches New COVID-19 Webpage
CPRIT will continue to post new information to the COVID-19 webpage for information, guidance, and frequently asked questions related to COVID-19’s impact on CPRIT grants.
   

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.

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

Our Industry's Response

BIO Signs on to Letter Urging Federal Government to Protect Essential Workers
"We support prioritizing the healthcare sector for COVID-19 testing supplies and urge the federal government to provide testing resources to employers that are engaged in essential business . Increased access to testing for our workforce will help flatten the curve by removing people with coronavirus from the workplace and better ensure the safety and health of employees who are maintaining operations during this pandemic."

Lilly, Merck and Pfizer empower team members to volunteer on COVID-19 frontlines
The companies have created programs empowering employees with medical or laboratory expertise to completely or partially pause their current roles and volunteer their medical skills to help their local health care organizations.

Pfizer Advances Battle Against COVID-19 on Multiple Fronts
The company has been collaborating across the healthcare innovation ecosystem ranging from large pharmaceutical companies to the smallest of biotech companies, from government agencies to academic institutions to address the COVID-19 global health care crisis. 

Bayer is getting into the personal protection equipment market in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, as the division that produces agricultural products is now making face shields for healthcare workers
“You know, in this unique time of chaos, it’s great to be part of the solution and although it’s a small part, it’s still helping out and that's what we strive for at Bayer daily.”

Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline collaborate to speed up coronavirus vaccine development
The vaccine would be ready to begin testing in humans in the second half of 2020 and that they aim to complete all of the work required to file for regulatory approval by the second half of 2021.

Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Lilly Introduces $35 Co-Pay for Insulin
With stress on our economy due to COVID-19, we know many people may struggle now more than ever to pay for their medicines. Lilly announced anyone who has commercial insurance, or no insurance, can purchase insulin for $35 through the Lilly Insulin Value Program.

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. 
   
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Our mailing address is:
807 Brazos Street, Suite 607Austin, TX 78701

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