March 2019
No modification of the human germ line – BIO Deutschland releases updated guidelines for ethics and legislation
Biotechnology is undergoing rapid and far-reaching advances, not least because revolutionary techniques have opened up a whole new realm of possibilities. In order to take account of such significant changes and dynamic developments, the biotechnology industry association BIO Deutschland has released updated guidelines for ethics and legislation. The tools of biotechnology are not only scientifically spectacular; they also play a fundamental role economically.
Industry associations issue joint statement on the ECJ’s ruling on new breeding techniques
BIO Deutschland, together with 16 other industry associations, have expressed concern in a letter to government about the ECJ’s ruling regarding the classification of new mutagenesis techniques.
International Council of Biotech Associations (ICBA) holds telephone conference
ICBA members held a telephone conference in the run-up to the BIO International Convention in Philadelphia in June. In addition to admitting a new member, SwedenBIO, participants discussed the agenda for the next meeting, which will take place in Philadelphia on the day before the opening of the world’s largest biotech conference.
Health – Made in Germany export initiative holds annual meeting
The Health – Made in Germany export initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) helps companies in the German healthcare industry to enter into new markets overseas. On 13 March, the initiative held its annual meeting at the BMWi in Berlin.