The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it intends to provide $211 million to the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) Consortium to enhance mRNA platform capabilities so that the U.S. is better prepared to respond to emerging infectious diseases like avian flu. This funding, from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), will support development and long-term manufacturing capability of an RNA-based vaccine platform technology to combat evolving 21st century biothreats.
“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.”
“The funding will allow us to bring the benefits of mRNA vaccine technology to bear against a wider array of emerging threats,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell. “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 is a 10-year, multi-purpose acquisition vehicle and consortium partnership designed to support advanced research and development of medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The consortium leverages ASPR’s authority to create flexible, strategic partnerships between government and industry that foster innovation and promote collaboration.
The RRPV is currently soliciting proposal responses from mRNA vaccine developers. This program is the latest component of ASPR’s BARDA Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division’s medical countermeasure portfolio.
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