Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
Agency overview
FormedDecember 2006
JurisdictionFederal Government of the United States
HeadquartersHubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington, D.C.
Employees150
Annual budget$1.6 billion USD (2020)
Agency executive
  • Gary Disbrow, Acting Director
Parent agencyOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
Websitewww.medicalcountermeasures.gov/barda

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)' is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office responsible for the procurement and development of medical countermeasures, principally against bioterrorism, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as pandemic influenza and emerging diseases.[1]: 140  BARDA was established in 2006 through the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and reports to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The office manages Project BioShield, which funds the research, development and stockpiling of vaccines and treatments that the government could use during public health emergencies such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attacks.[1]: 140 

In addition to preparing and maintaining bioterrorism responses and countermeasures, HHS, through the ASPR and BARDA, prepares and maintains an integrated system of medical countermeasures for both known or unknown, and re-emerging or novel types of public health emergencies. These include diagnostic tools, therapeutics, such as antibiotics and antivirals, and preventative measures, such as vaccines. BARDA is an established, official interface between the U.S. federal government and the biomedical industry.[1]: 267  BARDA also participates in the governmental inter-agency Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE), providing coordination across the US federal government in developing and deploying such countermeasures.[1]: 267 

BARDA works with the biomedical industry, using grants and other assistance, to promote advanced research, innovation and the development of medical devices, tests, vaccines and therapeutics. BARDA also procures and maintains stockpiles of materials, such as drugs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines, for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).[2]

  1. ^ a b c d Kraft, Michael; Marks, Edward (2016). U.S. Government Counterterrorism: A Guide to Who Does What. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 9781439851470. OCLC 635488871 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ ""Strategic National Stockpile"". www.phe.gov. Retrieved May 21, 2020.

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