New Strategy Leads to New Funding Opportunities for the Development of Medical Countermeasures
In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and a rapidly expanding landscape of biological and chemical threats, the Department of Defense (DoD) is initiating a new approach to developing Medical Countermeasures (MCM) for Joint Force protection. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense recently announced the initiative in a new document, “Approach for Research, Development and Acquisition of Medical Countermeasures and Test Products,” that details the Chemical and Biological Defense Program’s (CBDP) shift from targeting a defined list of biological agents to a two-pronged, spectrum-based approach. The accelerated evolution of biological and chemical threats has expanded the CBDP’s defined list to such a degree that CBDP is not capable of responding to each individual threat. The new initiative redirects CBDP efforts away from expending too many resources on individual threats, and instead will focus on “removing or reducing the impact of agents’ effects.”
The Two-Pronged Spectrum Approach
The new approach’s response spectrum, ranging from broad response to narrow response, will be used to dictate the use of MCM treatments on an infected soldier. Initial broad treatments, such as immune system supplements/enhancements and physiological tests, will reduce the effects of the threat agent. The non-specific MCM approach is designed to target a broad spectrum of diseases and/or symptoms, enabling soldiers to remain on the battlefield while the agent is further identified and more specific (narrow) MCM are developed. These narrow-spectrum treatments will identify, prevent, or neutralize the specific threat agent.
Federal Funding Opportunities
According to Politico, DOD plans to dedicate $1.2 billion over the next five years to foster the development of adaptable and scalable capabilities. The initiative will focus on projects that address the following goals:
- Characterize Threat Agents to Support Broad and Narrow Spectrum Products and Capabilities
- Deliver Broad-Spectrum Prophylactic, Therapeutic, and Testing Medical Products
- Deliver Narrow-Spectrum Prophylactic, Therapeutic, and Testing Medical Products
- Establish Sustainable, Scalable, and Resilient Public-Private Partnerships for the Access and Acquisition of Medical Countermeasure and Test Products
The COVID-19 pandemic and monkeypox outbreak demonstrated the continued need for integrated industrial capabilities during a public health emergency. The CBDP two-pronged approach responds to the increased need for flexible MCM and industrial response by leveraging manufacturing partnerships and cutting-edge technology. The initiative creates opportunities to elevate US manufacturing capabilities and quicken rapid-response times when new threats are introduced.
If you are developing a product that you think might fall into one of these categories, EverGlade can help you make that determination with these new funding opportunities for medical countermeasures. EverGlade Consulting is a national consulting firm helping clients navigate the federal landscape. We work with technology-driven companies whose focus is to secure non-dilutive funding through the federal government. We offer services ranging from opportunity identification and proposal support through the implementation of systems to comply with federal regulations at agencies including BARDA, ASPR, NIH, DTRA, JPEO, and DARPA.
For additional information about EverGlade’s recent success (including medical countermeasures funding), visit:
- EverGlade Consulting Helps Land up to $1 Billion in BARDA Funding for Biotechnology Company
- EverGlade Consulting Plays Key Role on Industrial Base Expansion Project with $150 Million in Federal Funding Secured
- EverGlade Consulting Plays Key Role on Industrial Base Expansion (IBx) Project with $39 Million in Federal Funding Secured
- EverGlade Consulting Assists Detect, Inc. with Securing $22m in Federal Funding for the Development of a Next Generation Molecular Test for COVID-19 and Flu
- EverGlade Consulting Assists United Safety Technology, Inc. in Securing $97 Million DOD Award