Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

Happy Thanksgiving! ???? Today, and everyday, we are thankful for the incredible work and dedication of BARDA employees and our industry partners to support the American people – thank you for all that you do!

Through the RRPV | Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle, BARDA is partnering with InBios International, Inc. and OraSure Technologies to enable the rapid development and production of tests to diagnose illnesses caused by bacteria or viruses that are potential threats to national security. These efforts aim to make tests available as soon as possible during a health security incident. Learn more: https://ow.ly/t11i50UgSK2

Antibiotic developers: There’s still time to respond to our Sources Sought Notice for antibiotic candidates in late-stage clinical development that treat hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia or bloodstream infections. Submissions close 12 pm EST on November 29, 2024. To learn more about this market research opportunity, visit: https://ow.ly/IGFu50U2n8S

We are partnering with Pattern Bioscience towards development of an FDA-cleared system for rapid identification and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (ID/AST) with diagnostic panels for pneumonia and bacteremia. The diagnostic platform would deliver results from individual bacterial cells in 4-6 hours compared to days for traditional AST platforms. For faster treatment and better outcomes for the patients, BARDA is supporting development of diagnostic devices that can identify and characterize the antimicrobial resistance of a bacteria in a short period of time. Learn more about this award: https://ow.ly/WocS50UaTwS

Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria and fungi are serious health security threats to people in the United States and throughout the world. We provide financial support and technical expertise to develop medical countermeasures that address drug-resistant secondary infections with the goal of regulatory approval and potential procurement. This approach helps bolster national security and protects people from the health consequences that could occur following a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident. This U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (#USAAW), learn more about our efforts to combat AMR and the partnerships that make it happen: https://ow.ly/k1Eq50U8f6c To learn more about our recent AMR work, including ways to partner with us, visit: https://ow.ly/wZia50U8f6b

Our BARDA Industry Day 2025 (BID2025) conference website is now live! BID2025 takes place on June 30 – July 1, 2025. For more details, including information about the venue and what to expect from the agenda, check out our website: https://ow.ly/Y2W650U2i7k #BID2025

We’ve reopened our DRIVe & CBRN ReDIRECT (Repurposing Drugs in Response to Chemical Threats) program area of interest under the EZ-BAA. This program supports the development of repurposed therapeutics to treat injuries caused by chemical threats like cyanide, opioids and other respiratory depressants, nerve agents, chlorine, and sulfur mustard. Ideal candidates for repurposing are: ?? Food and Drug Administration-approved, or ?? Undergoing evaluation in Phase 1 or 2 clinical trials ?? Therapeutics against pulmonary agents, respiratory depressants including opioids, vesicants, nerve agents, organophosphates, or cellular asphyxiants ?? Easily administered and able to treat large numbers of patients ?? Plans to market therapeutic for primary indication Deadline to submit your abstract is March 31, 2025. Full details: https://ow.ly/U5jb50Uae3Z

With our support, Paratek Pharmaceuticals completed onshoring the manufacturing for NUZYRA, a therapeutic being evaluated for pulmonary anthrax. Supply chain interruptions, especially during public health emergencies when health care resources may be otherwise constrained, can limit the availability of critical medical countermeasures. Creating a U.S.-based supply chain for NUZYRA helps ensure the antibiotic will be available to help patients during national emergencies. Learn more: https://ow.ly/qNqt50U6pEX

To advance threat agnostic medical countermeasures, we’re supporting development of a therapeutic from RedHill Biopharma Ltd., opaganib, under our ReBooT program. ReBooT repurposes or repositions existing drugs for the treatment of filoviruses. Opaganib is an investigative drug being pursued for several other indications - cancer, viral infections, and acute radiation syndrome; the ReBoot award will focus on its potential use for filovirus infection. Recent disease outbreaks highlight the urgent need for alternative treatments. Current FDA-approved monoclonal therapeutics target the neutralization of the virus but do not address damage caused by virus infection. Evaluating host-directed therapies like opaganib could enhance patient survival outcomes by targeting the host’s biological responses. Data from preliminary studies suggests efficacy against Ebola, Sudan, and Marburg viruses, meaning opaganib could be applied to several high-priority pathogens. Developing effective, threat-agnostic treatments is essential for public health security and national preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. Learn more about this award and how it fits into our overarching strategy: https://ow.ly/yEJf50U4pVS

HHS is committed to helping Native Americans stay healthy, so their rich cultures and heritage thrive. Learn more during Native American Heritage Month from Indian Health Service at ihs.gov.