During his first week in office President Biden followed through on his promise for swift executive action to address COVID. One Executive Order (EO) focused on COVID care and treatments (Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments for COVID-19). One section of this EO aims to accelerate the development of novel therapies. It call for HHS and NIH to develop plans for clinical studies, clinical management optimization, and support for the most promising treatments. For the first time, evaluation of the long-term impact of COVID-19 on patient health is called out.
A second EO is focused on supply chain security (Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain). It includes critical materials, treatments, supplies including personal protective equipment, and resources for production and distribution of tests and vaccines. The scope of this EO is huge, covering assessment of public and private inventories and capabilities. After completing the assessment recommendations will be made to President Biden to address gaps identified in these areas. Expanded use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) by the President is specifically mentioned.
A third action taken by the White House concerns international cooperation . A National Security Directive (US Global Leadership to Strengthen the International COVID-19 Response and Advance Global Health Security and Biological Preparedness) calls for funding plans to support global health security, pandemic preparedness, and biodefense needs. The results of this assessment could well drive increases in federal budgets in these areas, providing increased opportunities for the private sector to contribute to the response to the ongoing pandemic. EverGlade can help you identify these opportunities and assemble the team you need for a quick and effective response to any solicitations that are published.
