WBBA Statement to Legislative Decision Makers

The Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) has been following the ‘Uninformed Consent’ series by The Seattle Times. WBBA reiterates its principles on the health and safety of patients:

• WBBA supports and encourages full compliance with regulations that ensure the safety and health of patients are always at the forefront of medical research.

• WBBA supports strong federal standards regarding human research that cover all such research conducted or supported with federal funds.

• WBBA also supports the efforts of a federal interagency working group headed by the Office for Human Research Protections, Department of Health and Human Services, working with the FDA to examine current regulations and to propose improvements that will continue to govern patient protection procedures.

"The biotechnology industry is finding new cures and therapies to treat what were once thought to be the most deadly and untreatable diseases – to the benefit of patients everywhere," said Ruth Scott, WBBA President. "Washington State is fortunate to be a leader in the discovery process because of the groundbreaking research and development of our medical research and biotechnology community.

"The biotechnology industry is just 25 years old and more than one-quarter billion people worldwide have been aided by new therapies and treatments," added Scott. "Another 350 biotechnology medicines targeting more than 200 diseases are now in late-stage development. These breakthrough treatments are a result of the dedicated efforts of medical researchers in institutions everywhere. The implications for the improvement of the quality and longevity of life for patients are truly amazing. In short, biotechnology is hope for not only the patients of today and in America, but for the patients of tomorrow and across the world."