Texas A&M System launches new US biodefence R&D network centre

Texas A&M System has launched a new research and development (R&D) network centre aimed at enhancing preparedness in biosecurity.

Led by the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the new centre focuses on developing products to counter bio-terrorism, chemical and radiological and nuclear threats for the US.

The new centre, with facilities in Texas, Maryland, and North Carolina, US, will also develop new strategies to deal with pandemics as well as "rapid, nimble and flexible approaches" to vaccine against pandemic influenza and therapy development.

Texas A&M University System principal investigator Dr. Brett Giroir said, "Our selection also reflects positively on the specific, and often bold, investments that the A&M System and the State of Texas have made in the people, infrastructure and technologies necessary to meet 21st-century national security and public health challenges."

The next generation of professionals will also be trained by the new centre to help sustain US capabilities in the specified areas.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has also placed orders with Texas A&M System, worth $285.6m to launch a Centre for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing,

The three new centres will be funded to build or renovate facilities as well as to develop and manufacture medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and medicines used in an emergency.

The initial investment of $176.6m will be funded by the US government while the remaining will be cost-shared by commercial and academic proposal partners.