The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority within the Department of Health and Human Services is soliciting comments on a draft solicitation for the second iteration of a program meant to advance the rapid development, assessment and commercialization of medical countermeasures.
The BARDA Accelerator Network 2.0 program is anticipated to have a ceiling value of up to $500 million and support health security innovators and startups by offering wrap-around accelerator services, according to a request for information published Thursday.
BARDA said it expects BAN 2.0 to help provide product development capabilities to review, fund and conduct evaluation and validation of medical countermeasures based on its strategic priority and establish a rapid emergency response mechanism to accelerate product development and validation of MCMs that can be immediately fielded in the event of a public health emergency.
The agency also intends to come up with a teaming partner list to facilitate connections between interested parties for one or more of the listed capabilities for the program.
Under BAN 2.0, BARDA plans to sign other transaction agreements with five or more Accelerator Hub organizations that will provide support and resources in one of the technology areas: therapeutics and vaccine; diagnostics and medical device; digital health; enabling technologies such as biomanufacturing and clinical support; and focus on special population.
Responses to the RFI are due June 23.
