Reports from abroad in the middle of May stated that US President Barack Obama has made US$ 1 billion available to small biotech companies in the USA. A similar decision would also be welcomed in Germany – however, the discussions in this country focus more on helping large companies.

The biotech world met once again in the USA from 3 – 6 May at the BIO International Convention, which was held in Chicago this year. At the request of the Federal Economics Ministry, Bio Deutschland also provided support to the central information stand at the German Pavilion, which had been redesigned for this year’s event.

The Federal Ministry of Health is currently drafting a bill on distributing medical drugs, which have not been authorised or licensed, in compassionate use cases (Act on Medication for Compassionate Use).