Building a Fast Response Capability for Emerging Infectious Diseases Within the Biomedical Advanced Research and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Public health security
• Infectious disease preparedness

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases pose significant threats to national security and public health.
• The Center for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) supports medical countermeasures (MCMs) for public health threats.
• Developing MCMs for all potential emerging diseases is not feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe BARDA's strategic approach to addressing emerging infectious diseases.
• To outline a plan for developing and improving medical countermeasures.
• To enhance national preparedness for public health security threats.

Main Methods:

• Prioritizing MCM development for specific pathogens using platform technologies.
• Establishing response capabilities with licensed MCMs and rapid development infrastructure.
• Continuously improving response capabilities for optimal readiness.

Main Results:

• A 3-step strategy for addressing emerging infectious diseases has been defined.
• Focus on platform technologies enables rapid development of MCMs.
• Development of both MCMs and flexible infrastructure is crucial for response.

Conclusions:

• BARDA's strategy aims to create a robust system for combating emerging infectious diseases.
• Prioritization and platform technologies are key to efficient MCM development.
• Continuous improvement of response capabilities ensures readiness against future threats.