BIO Applauds FDA Approval of genetically engineered salmon.
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Press Release Summary:
After regulatory review, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved genetically engineered (GE) AquAdvantage® Salmon for commercial marketing. In response, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood commended the FDA "for taking this very important step in the right direction for the advancement of animal biotechnology innovation." AquAdvantage Salmon, developed by BIO member AquaBounty Technologies, is genetically engineered to reach market weight earlier while using 25% less food.
Original Press Release:
BIO Applauds FDA Approval of GE Salmon
Technology Provides Sustainable, Nutritious Food
WASHINGTON--After conducting a thorough and rigorous regulatory review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the genetically engineered (GE) AquAdvantage® Salmon for commercial marketing.
“Animal biotechnology can improve livestock to require less feed, produce more protein, and reduce environmental impact, while also providing for enhanced animal health and welfare. Other animal biotechnology applications can improve human health through faster discovery of cures, improved medicines and life-saving tissues and organs.”
In response to FDA’s approval of AquAdvantage® Salmon, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement:
“BIO commends the FDA for taking this very important step in the right direction for the advancement of animal biotechnology innovation. The development of AquAdvantage® Salmon is based on more than two decades of scientific research, making it the most studied line of Atlantic salmon. The agency found that AquAdvantage® Salmon is not materially different from other Atlantic salmon and is just as safe and nutritious as non-GE salmon. AquAdvantage® Salmon can be grown in contained facilities close to population centers, thus bringing fresh seafood to consumers with a reduced environmental impact.
“Animal biotechnology can improve livestock to require less feed, produce more protein, and reduce environmental impact, while also providing for enhanced animal health and welfare. Other animal biotechnology applications can improve human health through faster discovery of cures, improved medicines and life-saving tissues and organs.
“The rigorous FDA approval process assures the safety and efficacy of genetically engineered animal products. BIO looks forward to the FDA continuing to encourage innovation while assuring safety through a science-based, risk-appropriate regulatory path that recognizes the safety and benefits that the field of animal biotechnology can bring to the global population.”
The AquAdvantage® Salmon was developed by Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies, a Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) member. According to AquaBounty, it is genetically engineered to reach its market weight in half the time of conventionally raised salmon while using 25% less food, thus contributing to more sustainable aquaculture systems.
For More Information:
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/GeneticEngineering/GeneticallyEngineeredAnimals/ucm280853.htm
https://www.aquabounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2015-11.19-FDA-Approves-AAS.pdf
About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIOtechNOW is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.
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February 8-9, 2016
New York, New York
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March 15-16, 2016
Tokyo, Japan
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April 17-20, 2016
San Diego, Calif.
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June 6-9, 2016
San Francisco, Calif.
Contacts
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
Caitlin Kennedy, 202-312-9288
Web: www.bio.org
Blog: www.biotech-now.org
Twitter: @IAmBiotech
