GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX) today responded to testimony delivered at a Senate HELP Committee hearing by John Crowley, CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), who cautioned that U.S. biotech leadership could be overtaken by China within two years. GeoVax emphasized that Crowley's warning should serve as a clear call to action for Congress and the Administration to secure America's competitiveness and biosecurity through immediate investment and policy changes.
GeoVax outlined six priority actions for policymakers: diversify vaccine platforms beyond reliance on mRNA, funding MVA and other multi-antigen, next-generation technologies; onshore advanced manufacturing with continuous cell-line vaccine production and U.S.-based fill/finish capacity; protect NIH funding that fuels the biotech innovation pipeline; modernize FDA pathways with expanded use of immuno-bridging and expedited programs for high-risk populations; expand incentives such as priority review vouchers for biodefense products; and pair China guardrails with U.S. investment, ensuring scale-up and resilience at home.
David A. Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax, stated: “John Crowley sounded the alarm: America could lose its biotech leadership within two years. Competitiveness is national security. Congress and the Administration must move quickly to diversify vaccine platforms, bring manufacturing home, and prioritize high-risk populations. GeoVax stands ready to deliver on these priorities today.”
GeoVax spotlighted two near-term solutions: GEO-MVA, an Mpox/smallpox vaccine targeted to be manufactured on a continuous cell line, positioning the U.S. with a critical supply source to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile and to address the critical global demand shortfall existing today; and GEO-CM04S1, a multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine designed for immunocompromised individuals who remain vulnerable despite current vaccines.
Dodd added in closing: “These are not distant concepts - we have programs ready now. Our GEO-MVA Mpox/smallpox vaccine can immediately strengthen national security by adding a U.S. supplier for the stockpile, and our CM04S1 vaccine is uniquely designed to protect the 40+ million immunocompromised Americans who remain at risk. By acting today, policymakers can turn warnings into wins for public health and U.S. leadership.”
For more information about GeoVax and its programs, visit www.geovax.com. The original press release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
