WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans to invest $211 million in the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) Consortium to bolster mRNA vaccine platform capabilities. The funding, provided through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), aims to strengthen the nation’s preparedness against infectious diseases like avian flu.
The initiative focuses on developing and manufacturing RNA-based vaccine technologies that offer flexibility and rapid adaptability for emerging biothreats. This effort builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing pandemic response tools.
“We are continuing to take lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop new vaccines and other tools to help augment our country’s pandemic response capabilities,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This latest intended investment illustrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s robust response to emerging disease threats such as avian influenza.”
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell emphasized the advantages of mRNA technology, stating, “mRNA technology can be faster to develop and easier to update than other vaccines, making it a helpful tool to have against viruses that move fast and mutate quickly.”
The RRPV Consortium, a 10-year initiative, is designed to foster strategic partnerships between government and industry, promoting innovation in medical countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Proposals are currently being solicited from mRNA vaccine developers, further advancing ASPR’s efforts to combat evolving infectious disease challenges.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.