BIO CEO Warns U.S. Could Lose Biotech Leadership Within Two Years; GeoVax Calls for Urgent Action

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization CEO John Crowley delivered a stark warning during Senate HELP Committee testimony that the United States could lose its biotech leadership position to China within two years. GeoVax Labs, Inc. responded to this testimony by emphasizing the urgent need for Congress and the Administration to implement immediate policy changes and investments to protect America's competitiveness and biosecurity. The clinical-stage biotechnology company outlined six priority actions that policymakers must take to address this critical threat.

GeoVax's recommended actions include diversifying vaccine platforms beyond current reliance on mRNA technology by funding MVA and other multi-antigen, next-generation technologies. The company also stressed the importance of onshoring advanced manufacturing capabilities with continuous cell-line vaccine production and U.S.-based fill/finish capacity. Protecting National Institutes of Health funding that fuels the biotech innovation pipeline represents another critical priority, along with modernizing Food and Drug Administration pathways through expanded use of immuno-bridging and expedited programs for high-risk populations.

Additional recommendations include expanding incentives such as priority review vouchers for biodefense products and pairing China guardrails with U.S. investment to ensure scale-up and resilience at home. David A. Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax, stated that competitiveness directly relates to national security and called for rapid action to diversify vaccine platforms, bring manufacturing home, and prioritize high-risk populations. The company highlighted two near-term solutions already in development that could address these concerns immediately.

GeoVax's GEO-MVA Mpox/smallpox vaccine, targeted to be manufactured on a continuous cell line, would position the U.S. with a critical supply source to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile and address global demand shortfalls. The company's GEO-CM04S1 represents a multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed for immunocompromised individuals who remain vulnerable despite current vaccine options. Dodd emphasized that these programs are ready for implementation now and could immediately strengthen national security while protecting the estimated 40+ million immunocompromised Americans who continue to face elevated risks. For more information about the company's clinical programs, visit https://www.geovax.com.

The urgency of these recommendations stems from the rapidly closing gap between U.S. and Chinese biotechnological capabilities. Without immediate policy intervention and strategic investment in diverse vaccine platforms and domestic manufacturing infrastructure, the United States risks losing its position as the global leader in biotechnology innovation. This potential leadership shift carries significant implications for national security, public health preparedness, and economic competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape where biological threats continue to evolve.