Biodefense

NIAID's Role in Biodefense

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports much of the research aimed at developing new and improved medical tools against potential bioterrorism agents. Since 2001, NIAID has greatly accelerated its biodefense research program, launching several new initiatives to catalyze development of vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic tests.

For example, in 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded contracts totaling $55.3 million for advanced development of new interventions against anthrax, plague, and tularemia. NIAID, along with the Biological Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) provided funding; NIAID is managing the contracts.

Through research funded by NIAID, scientists developed and tested a next generation modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) smallpox vaccine. This vaccine, originally manufactured on a small-scale for NIAID’s clinical trials, has now undergone large-scale manufacturing and has been purchased for the Strategic National Stockpile. It will be available for use in the event of a public health emergency.

In 2006, NIAID awarded a contract to SIGA Technologies Inc. to develop and clinically test ST-246, a promising treatment for smallpox. BARDA added to this funding in 2007 and the FDA has granted orphan drug status to ST-246, expediting regulatory review.

NIAID established six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance. These centers will conduct basic and applied research on influenza as well as extensive surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Centers were established in 2007 and are funded at $23 million per year for 7 years,

See our list of fiscal year 2007 biodefense awards for more information.

Identifying Research Priorities

NIAID has set research priorities and goals for each microorganism that might be used as an agent of bioterrorism, with particular emphasis on "Category A" agents—those considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be the worst bioterror threats. NIAID's research agenda and strategic plan cover the following categories:

• Basic biology—understanding how microorganisms and their toxic products function and cause disease
• Immunology and host response—understanding how the human immune system interacts with and defends the body against potential agents of bioterrorism
• Vaccines—working closely with industry to create new and improved vaccines
• Drugs—closely working with industry to develop and test drugs to treat diseases that may result from a biological attack
• Diagnostics—developing devices or methods to quickly and accurately diagnose diseases caused by bioterrorism agents
• Research resources—establishing biosafety laboratories, databases, and other resources to help scientists conduct safe and effective biodefense research