Overview
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority is the component of the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise that focuses on the advanced development, manufacturing and acquisition of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. BARDA's staff includes experts in the fields of physical, chemical and biological sciences, engineering, clinical medicine, public health, product development, regulatory affairs, and program management. The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) established BARDA in December 2006. BARDA oversees the Project BioShield program and Special Reserve Fund and is charged by statute with (1) promoting collaboration and communication between the U.S. Government and interested parties in the advanced development and licensure of needed medical countermeasures; (2) directing and coordinating the countermeasure and product advanced research and development activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (3) facilitating medical countermeasure development by providing advice or directing interested parties to the relevant Centers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and (4) supporting innovation through strategic initiatives and investment in technologies and research tools that facilitate countermeasure development.
