87S21519 BHH-D
By: Dominguez H.R. No. 160
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Bill Gruber has contributed significantly to
the development of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines, and he is indeed
deserving of special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gruber graduated from Rice University in 1975
and completed his medical education at Baylor College of Medicine,
where he served as chief resident in pediatrics; he later joined the
faculty of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and
directed the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory at Vanderbilt
University Hospital; in 1999, he became vice president of clinical
vaccine research at Wyeth, and he is currently senior vice
president of vaccine clinical research and development at Pfizer,
which acquired Wyeth in 2009; and
WHEREAS, During the race to develop COVID-19 vaccines,
Dr. Gruber frequently collaborated with his longtime friend and
former colleague, Dr. Barney Graham, who is deputy director of the
Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases; Dr. Graham's laboratory partnered with
Moderna to develop a vaccine using a new, gene-based technology,
while Dr. Gruber oversaw a similar project at Pfizer; the two
communicated regularly to exchange information, and both vaccines
were authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration in late
2020; and
WHEREAS, Through his monumental efforts, Bill Gruber has
helped alleviate suffering and save the lives of innumerable
people, and in so doing, he has earned the deep respect and
appreciation of all who are privileged to know him; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby honor Dr. Bill Gruber for
his contributions to the development of COVID-19 vaccines and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in his
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Gruber as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.