The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced its endorsement of the “Joint Declaration on Cooperation in the Fight against Doping in Sport” between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufactures and Associations (IFPMA).
“This endorsement adds credence to the declaration between WADA and the IFPMA and is further evidence that the fight against doping in sport is becoming more unified”
A resolution to endorse the declaration, which was signed last year, was approved during the 2011 BIO International Convention being held in Washington D.C., from June 27-30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
“It is of high importance to BIO’s members that their medicines are used for what they were intended – to save lives and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from serious disease,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “Our members have continually demonstrated their commitment to the anti-doping cause. Our endorsement of this joint declaration is a natural step in this long-standing tradition and enables us to further reach the goal of eradicating doping in sports.”
“It is not only sport that is cheated by the misuse of medicines, the manufacturers are also being cheated, and WADA is delighted with the growing spirit of cooperation in the fight against doping sport.”
As part of their endorsement, BIO will encourage its member organizations to collaborate with WADA and the IFPMA as outlined in the declaration.
This year’s BIO International Convention includes a breakout educational session addressing the issue of anti-doping in sport entitled, “How Dare they Dope with our Medicines,” being held Thursday, June 30.
Ironically, the discussion will be led by Steve Elliott, Scientific Executive Director for Amgen.
See the 60 Minutes interview with Tyler Hamilton on doping in cycling.
