Tag: mpox

Pandora Report 3.7.2025

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers updates on the Trump administration’s response to the West Texas measles outbreak, challenges at NIH, possible budget cuts to DOD programs focused on WMDs and pandemic preparedness, and more.

Biodefense MS Information Session

“Prospective students are invited to attend a information session to hear more about the Biodefense M.S. program offered at the Schar School. The online session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes. This session admissions will be led by the Graduate Admissions team.”

This sessions will take place at 12 pm EDT on March 20. Learn more and register here.

Updates on the Trump Administration

Top HHS Officials Retire and Resign

Francis S. Collins, the well-known geneticist who ran the National Institutes of Health for 12 years, announced on Saturday that he has retired from the NIH and the federal government. Collins did not provide a reason for his departure, and he has refused to do any interviews. His parting statement offered a subtle yet pointed message to the Trump administration, with Collins writing in part “As I depart N.I.H., I want to express my gratitude and love for the men and women with whom I have worked side by side for so many years. They are individuals of extraordinary intellect and integrity, selfless and hard-working, generous and compassionate. They personify excellence in every way, and they deserve the utmost respect and support of all Americans.”

Tom Corry, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs at HHS, also abruptly resigned from the department last Friday, just two weeks after starting his new role. Corry did not provide a reason for his departure either. He previously served as a senior advisor and Director of Communications at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the first Trump administration.

Kennedy Embraces Unconventional Remedies as Measles Outbreak Grows

As the West Texas measles outbreak grows, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has touted several unconventional remedies while continuing to not urge all Americans to get vaccinated against the disease. In an interview, Kennedy said the federal government is shipping doses of vitamin A to Gaines County, Texas, the epicenter of the outbreak, and helping to arrange ambulance rides. He also claimed that physicians in Texas have seen “very, very good results” treating measles with budesonide, clarithromycin, and cod liver oil. This has prompted strong backlash from many in the medical community.

As of March 6, 222 cases have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. The US eliminated measles in 2000. Today, an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico has been reported dead, a little over a week after the death of an unvaccinated child in Lubbock, Texas. The Pan American Health Organization issued an epidemiological alert in response to the outbreak earlier this week.

Bhattacharya Promises “Scientific Dissent” at NIH

Jay Bhattacharya, Donald Trump’s nominee for NIH director, said on Wednesday that NIH officials “oversaw a culture of coverup, obfuscation, and a lack of tolerance for ideas that differed from theirs” in recent years. He promised to, in response to this, “establish a culture of respect for free speech in science and and scientific dissent at the agency.”

Bhattacharya infamously co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, which argued for allowing people at lower risk of COVID-19 complications to go about life as normal, assuming that, if infected, they would experience mild disease and contribute to herd immunity. NPR explains that, “During the COVID pandemic, Bhattacharya clashed with the mainstream medical establishment, including the NIH, over lockdowns and other measures designed to control the spread of the virus. He says he was shunned and penalized for his views and he didn’t want anyone else to suffer the same fate.”

NIH Set to Terminate Active Research Grants

The NIH has begun mass terminations of research grants funding active scientific projects that no longer meet “agency priorities”. According to Nature News, “NIH staff members have been instructed to identify and potentially cancel grants for projects studying transgender populations, gender identity, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the scientific workforce, environmental justice and any other research that might be perceived to discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, according to documents and an audio recording that Nature has obtained. Grants that allot funding to universities in China and those related to climate change are also under scrutiny.”

This comes after a federal court temporarily blocked the administration’s proposed cut to NIH funding for universities’ indirect costs like facilities and administration. However, as Politico points out, the administration may pivot to renegotiating the payments with individual universities.

DOD Cuts Threaten Pandemic Preparedness, WMD Proliferation Prevention, and More

DOD agencies responsible for preventing WMD proliferation and building security capacity globally are at risk of intense budget cuts or outright abolition. According to a recent draft working paper, DOD is asking all agencies and services that oversee security cooperation programs to assess potential impacts of funding realignment. The paper was prepared in response to an RFI from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that asked agencies to assess consequences of four levels of staff reduction, including 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The authors of the working paper, according to WIRED, “…warn that the cuts could hobble the fight against organized crime in South America, impair the battle against the Islamic State, increase the likelihood of a rogue state producing and using chemical weapons, and defund pandemic surveillance measures.”

CDC Staff Now Prohibited from Co-Authoring Papers with WHO Personnel

Scientists at the CDC are now prohibited from co-authoring publications with WHO staff, according to reporting from HuffPost. An interim guidance document obtained by the news agency explained that “CDC staff should not be co-authors on manuscripts/abstracts with WHO staff,” while also adding that CDC staff should not author publications related to work that is “funded by WHO.” The guidance further instructs CDC staff who are lead authors on such publications to either pause all action on those publications, or to recuse themselves as authors if the publication process cannot be paused. It also says that manuscripts not in compliance with Trump’s executive orders that were submitted prior to January 20 should be withdrawn, or CDC staff should recuse themselves as authors.

US Funding Cuts Threaten Global Fight Against TB

The WHO issued a warning on Wednesday explaining that severe funding cuts (namely, those in the United States) threaten decades of progress in the global fight against tuberculosis. The agency explained that essential prevention, testing, and treatment services are collapsing, leaving millions at risk. The regions most affected include Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, where national TB programs depend on international support.

The TB Community Coordination Hub said in a statement about the funding cuts, “[We] strongly condemn this callous, abrupt and totally one-sided act that is unprecedented, and calls upon the US Administration to take immediate measures to restore funding and support projects globally that are crucial to contain and prevent a resurgence of this deadly disease.”

Further Reading:

CDC Monitoring Mysterious Disease in DRC

In a statement on Tuesday, the CDC said it is closely monitoring the outbreak of an unknown disease that has already killed dozens in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to WHO, at least 1,318 people have exhibited symptoms of the disease, and 60 had died from it by February 27. A new mpox variant was also recently discovered in the country. The new variant has a mutation known as APOBEC3, which indicates it may be more easily transmissible than previously identified strains.

“WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research: Report of the Meeting, 30 October 2024”

From WHO: “The World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research (TAG-RULS DUR) was established to provide independent advice to WHO on the monitoring and mitigation of biorisks, the advances in the life sciences and related technologies, the governance of dual-use research and the responsible use of the life sciences. This report summarizes the meeting that was virtually held on 30 October 2024. Over the course of the meeting, participants discussed and provided feedback on activities to operationalize the framework and delivered updates on activities of the TAG-RULS DUR’s four working groups.”

“A WHO Global Framework to Guide Investigations Into Origins of Potentially Epidemic and Pandemic Pathogens”

The Scientific Advisory Committee for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) and WHO SAGO Secretariat recently published this comment in Nature, writing in its introduction “In outbreak situations involving a novel pathogen timely and coordinated response is crucial. The WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens recently released a global framework to guide future scientific investigations into the origin of emerging pathogens.”

“Recent Virus Research Should Raise the Alarm”

W. Ian Lipkin and Ralph Baric recently published this opinion piece in The New York Times: “There’s a central question that many scientists face: How can scientific discoveries drive humanity’s progress without posing a dire risk to it? As virus experts, we’re committed to research that uncovers pandemic threats and helps protect people from them. But we are concerned about how some scientists are experimenting with viruses in ways that could put all of us in harm’s way.”

“From Inception to Fielding: Meeting the Challenges of Medical Countermeasure Development”

Sarah M. Wiles recently published this article in CBNW: “The U.S. Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense has a robust development process for new CBRN medical countermeasures. Sarah M. Wiles explains the process and its rationale.”

“Automated Grading for Efficiently Evaluating the Dual-Use Biological Capabilities of Large Language Models”

Bria Persaud, Ying-Chiang Jeffrey Lee, Jordan Despanie, Helin Hernandez, Henry Alexander Bradley, Sarah L. Gebauer, Greg McKelvey, Jr. recently published this RAND Corporation working paper: “The authors of this working paper developed a proof-of-concept automated grader and used it to assess large language models’ abilities to answer knowledge-based questions and generate protocols that explain how to perform common laboratory techniques that could be used in the creation of proxies for biological threats.”

“UNIDIR Empowers Emerging Leaders in Biological Disarmament and Biosecurity”

From UNIDIR: “As the world marks the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), UNIDIR alongside the DiploFoundation and the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique celebrates the successful completion of the inaugural BWC Advanced Education Course (BWCedu). This five-month advanced training programme – funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – brought together 25 emerging leaders from a diverse range of States, with a focus on participants from the Global South.”

Read here.

“Seven Years Since Salisbury Was Centre of Novichok Attack”

Isabella Holliday recently authored this news article about the anniversary of the Novichok attack targeting the Skripals in Salisbury, UK. Read it in the Salisbury Journal here.

“Syria’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Addresses OPCW’s Executive Council”

From OPCW: “In a landmark visit to OPCW’s Headquarters in The Hague, caretaker Foreign Minister al-Shaibani reaffirmed the commitment of the new Syrian authorities to cooperate with the OPCW to eliminate the chemical weapons programme of the former Syrian regime”.

Read here.

ICYMI: The Cost of Defunding PEPFAR and the Impact on the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Brown’s Pandemic Center hosted this webinar in late February. Watch the recording here. Key topics included:

“Call for Action – How policymakers, philanthropists, and institutions can mobilize to address these urgent gaps.”

“PEPFAR Changes & Uncertainty – Concerns about funding gaps, particularly affecting pediatric HIV treatment, maternal health, and job losses in healthcare.”

“Impact on South Africa & Beyond – The success of PEPFAR in South Africa and the potential consequences of its reduction, including rising HIV cases and strain on health systems.”

“Future of Global Health Funding – Exploring alternative funding sources, the role of UNICEF, private sector involvement, and the need for governments to step up.”

NEW: Building Trust in the H5N1 Response: Perspectives from the Field

From NASEM: “Since avian influenza (H5N1) was first detected in dairy cattle in March 2024, H5N1 has resulted in human infections, diminished livestock production, and decimated wildlife populations. Uncoordinated policies at the national, state, and local levels have challenged mitigation efforts, and mistrust has hindered the urgent response needed for the rapidly evolving threat. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a public webinar on March 27 where agricultural producers and workforce health specialists will explore strategies to build greater mutual trust and a coordinated One Health response.”

This webinar will take place on March 27 at 2 pm ET. Register here.

2025 Scowcroft Institute Pandemic Policy Summit

From the Scowcroft Institute: “The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at Texas A&M University invites you to attend the 2025 Scowcroft Institute Pandemic Policy Summit examining the ongoing H5N1 outbreak across the U.S. Dairy industry. This summit will bring together experts from government, academia, and industry to review the response efforts, discuss current challenges and opportunities, and identify options for moving forward. Listen to panels of subject matter experts, explore case studies from the field, and participate in networking opportunities.”

This event will take place on March 18 in Washington, DC. Learn more and RSVP here.

Sustainable Manufacturing: Building and Preserving a Resilient Medical Industrial Base

“Join industry and government partners for our second annual industry summit! During this event, leaders from IBMSC will share our strategic vision and organizational priorities. Speakers will also share potential opportunities for building and preserving the medical industrial base.  This event will be in-person only and space is limited!”

This event will take place March 11-12 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register here.

Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction Course – From Policy to Practice

From MORS: “Gaming Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD – defined as Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological agents) will be a three-day course focused on developing and executing games related to WMD in all its forms. While the basics of WMD capabilities and game design will be discussed, this will be a course focused on the intersection of WMD and gaming. It will not be either a WMD or gaming course; for those topics see other offerings.”

“No prior experience is required for this course, though a basic familiarity with various agents and their effects would be helpful, as would a basic understanding of professional gaming and how it is used.  The instructors will adapt in real time to class requirements (e.g., if the class is interested in animal and plant targets, the instructors have extensive experience in designing games on those subjects as well).”

This course will take place March 18-20 on Zoom. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Apply for the 2025 Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship

“The global norm against biological weapons cannot be maintained without the inclusion of youth voices in the multilateral discussions taking place in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Youth perspectives are key to create innovative solutions and generate long-term engagement. There are benefits to including the perspectives of young people from developing countries, where over 90% of the world’s youth reside.”

“Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva, in partnership with key international actors that empower youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provides a unique learning and networking experience in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention.”

“Launched in 2019 as a Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop, the Youth for Biosecurity Initiative organized its first fellowship in 2023. For the third edition, the fellowship will provide the opportunity for 20 competitively selected young scientists from the Global South to join an online interactive training programme prior to a field visit during the meeting of the BWC Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention in Geneva.”

Learn more and apply by April 7 here.

NASEM Has Questions 

The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) is hosting a workshop on Navigating the Benefits and Risks of Publishing Studies of In Silico Modeling and Computational Approaches of Biological Agents and Organisms on April 3-4 in Washington, DC. In preparation for the workshop, NASEM is soliciting input on how publishing computational models can support biological research while minimizing potential DURC/PEPP risks. The purpose of the questionnaire is to ascertain if organizations that publish or disseminate scientific knowledge have considered or created guidelines or policies to review, host or interact with in silico and computational models and tools, studies, datasets, etc. research that constitutes dual use, dual use research of concern (DURC) or pathogens with enhanced pandemic potential (PEPP). Have answers? Then fill out the In Silico Research Publications Pre-event Questionnaire. 

NOFO, Addressing Agricultural Biorisk Evidence Base Gaps with Applied Research
“There is a global recognition that the current evidence base to inform laboratory biological risk management has gaps, and that biosafety and biosecurity policies are not always based on evidence.1 This notice of funding will support the design and implementation of applied biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens as identified during the RAV3N Biorisk and Biosafety Gap Assessment Workshop2 or similar gap analysis like the WOAH working group agent specific biorisk gap analysis.1  ERGP is seeking proposals that address one or more key focus area components listed below. Each proposal will go through an internal ERGP and external expert review. Successful proposals should address at least one of the three key focus areas and at least one component under that area.”

“This funding opportunity aims at the design and implementation of applied biorisk research to address evidence gaps in working with high-consequence veterinary and agricultural pathogens.”

“This work will contribute to recommended guidance on laboratory biosafety and agricultural biosecurity, using research techniques to evaluate the application and effectiveness in operational contexts. All proposals must make a clear experimental plan for how the applicant will test the application and outcomes of their focus area(s)/component(s) in their facility.”

Learn more and submit application by April 14 here.

Pandora Report 12.20.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers the first severe H5N1 case in the US, growing numbers of mpox cases in the DRC, updates to the BSAT list, the killing of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, and more. The Pandora Report will return from the holiday break on January 10.

Congrats to Our December Biodefense MS Grads!

Mpox Cases Rise Steadily

Mpox cases in Africa rose steadily in the last week with 3,095 more cases reported, 2,632 of which were in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Africa CDC reports that 31 more people have died, 29 of which were in the DRC. Nearly 70,000 cases have been reported in 20 countries is the region this year. Guinea has also moved recently from the controlled stage to active transmission. Read more about mpox’s spread in Africa here.

CDC Confirms First Severe H5N1 Case in the United States

The CDC announced yesterday that a patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in Louisiana, marking the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by CDC on December 13. The CDC’s press release on this matter explains that, “Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.”

An investigation is ongoing, but it has already been determined that the patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. No person to person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected at this time. This is the first case of H5N1 avian influenza in the US that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. The agency explains that, “A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death.”

APHIS Updates Select Agents and Toxins Registration List

The US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently completed it biennial review of the Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) list. As a result of this review, the agency is removing five select agents from the BSAT list, including Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, and Brucella melitensis, African horse sickness virus, and Peronosclerospora philippinensis. The agency explained in a press release that, “Removing regulatory barriers will greatly advance research on vaccines and diagnostics, which will improve our efforts to control these diseases in animal populations.” Furthermore, it explained that the delisting of the Brucella spp. does not change the already recommended biosafety levels for work with this species of bacteria.

Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov Assassinated by Ukrainian Security Forces

LTG Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Defense Troops, was killed this week just one day after Ukraine accused him of criminal activity in the “massive use of banned chemical weapons” in Ukraine. Kirillov and an aide died after an explosive device that was planted in a scooter by an entryway detonated as they passed by. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU, chemical weapons have been used by Russia more than 4,800 times since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Read more: “Protecting Our Precious Bodily Tissues. The Favourite Conspiracy Theories of General Kirillov, Assassinated in Moscow,” Nikita Sologub, Mediazona

Trump Nominees, Surrogates Continue to Disappoint

Washington Post Does Deep Dive on Dave Weldon’s Anti-Vaccine Past

The Washington Post recently published a piece on President-elect Trump’s pick to lead the CDC, Dave Weldon, and his longstanding history with anti-vaccination rhetoric and beliefs. The piece explains how Trump came to select the 71-year-old former Army physician to lead CDC on the advice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s equally troubling pick to lead HHS. The piece explains in part, “A Washington Post review of Weldon’s public comments, media appearances and congressional letters along with accounts of those who worked with him reveal a portrait of a politician and physician who emphasized the experiences of individuals while dismissing dozens of studies based on data from hundreds of thousands of patients that showed no link between vaccines and autism.”

Furthermore, “In Congress, Weldon was “absolutely and completely dismissive” of data showing vaccines were not associated with autism, recalled Josh Sharfstein, a former Democratic staff member on the House Government Reform Committee in the early 2000s when the Republicans who were in charge held regular hearings questioning vaccine safety.”

Despite this, Weldon has previously expressed support for coronavirus and influenza vaccines, offering them to patients who want them. Sharfstein, who is now Vice Dean for Public Health Practices and Johns Hopkins University and a former top FDA official, explained further that Weldon “…appeared to have a closed mind on the issue…He didn’t seem to understand that the core tool of population data analysis is one of the pivotal aspects of the work of CDC.”

Musk Shares False ‘Bioweapons Lab’ Tweet

This Wednesday, the infamous anti-LGBTQIA+ X account, Libs of TikTok, posted a screenshot of a portion of the resolution introduced by Speaker Mike Johnson aimed at averting a government shutdown on December 21. The bill would fund the government through March 14, but both President-elect Donald Trump and X owner Elon Musk have spoken out against the bill. The portion of the bill shared by Libs of TikTok reads:

SEC. 629. REGIONAL BIOCONTAINMENT RESEARCH LAB-ORATORIES.

(a) IN GENERAL—The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”) shall make awards to establish or maintain, as applicable, not fewer than 12 regional biocontainment lab-oratories, for purposes of—

(1) conducting biomedical research to support public health and medical preparedness for, and rapid response to, biological agents, including emerging infectious diseases;

The Libs of TikTok account captioned the photo, “BREAKING: New Congressional Resolution bill includes funding for at least 12 new biolabs.” Must quote-tweeted it, adding “We’re funding bioweapon labs in this bill!” Musk’s post has been re-tweeted at least 60,000 times, yet the bill text says nothing about biological weapons. Furthermore, as noted by Politico, “The provision is part of a long-sought reauthorization of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Response Act.”

Musk, who was recently denied a clearance and has done his best to insert himself into the Trump team, was named co-chair of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) by Donald Trump. DOGE, which is a nod to the meme coin-Doge Coin-promoted by Musk, is a proposed presidential advisory commission that would be tasked with restructuring the federal government and removing regulations. Despite Musk’s only involvement with the government so far being receiving at least $15.4 billion in federal contracts in the last decade, he seems poised to play a prominent role in the incoming administration. That being the case, Musk should brush up on the United States’ role as a State Party to the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits states from developing, producing, acquiring, transferring, stockpiling, or using biological and toxin weapons.

“The United States Needs to Step Up Its Response to Bird Flu”

Biodefense MS alumna Sophia Hirshfield recently co-authored this feature from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The authors write in part, “Since the turn of the century, every presidential administration has highlighted gaps in U.S. public health capabilities, and every Congress has left them underfunded. The H5N1 outbreak has revealed the resulting and dangerous shortcomings in U.S. pandemic preparedness: lagging data, incomplete surveillance, sluggish coordination, considerable mistrust, and insufficient planning and stockpiling of vaccines and therapies. That poor performance cuts across political parties, the federal interagency, and state leadership. Multiple players have sought to downplay the threat: the dairy industry fears further economic setbacks, state leaders are wary of federal intervention, and the Biden administration did not want to aggravate relations during the 2024 election cycle.”

They continue, “It is not too late to change course. Strong interagency, interstate, and global coordination; better protections for farm workers; accelerated planning and investment in surveillance; and the development and promotion of better vaccines and therapies remain the essential elements to prevent the sustained spread of H5N1.”

“Syria Still Has Chemical Weapons: How to Get the Country’s New Rulers to Help Eliminate Assad’s Deadly Arsenal”

Biodefense Graduate Program Director Gregory Koblentz recently co-authored this article in Foreign Affairs. The article describes the threat posed by Syria’s remaining chemical weapons, calls up on the new Syrian government to eliminate these weapons, and provides policy recommendations to the United States and its allies and partners for how they can assist in the process of destroying these weapons and holding accountable members of the former regime who conducting chemical attacks.

Koblentz was also quoted in these articles about Syria’s CW:

“Researcher Daniel Gerstein on Security Threats Posed by Drones”

RAND Corporation Senior Policy Researcher and Biodefense PhD Program alumnus Daniel Gerstein discusses threats posed by unmanned aerial systems in this interview with C-SPAN.

“Chemical and Biological Defense Program Enterprise Strategy”

The Department of Defense released the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Program (2024 CBDP) Enterprise Strategy. “It replaces the 2020 CBDP strategy and positions the Department to ensure the total force to carry out its missions in the face of advanced chemical and biological threats…Taking its lead from the 2022 National Defense Strategy, this strategy prioritizes delivery of operationally relevant chemical and biological defense (CBD) capabilities at speed and scale, to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence against the People’s Republic of China as the pacing challenge and Russia as the acute threat. The new strategy reinforces other strategic guidance including the 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, inaugural National Defense Industrial Strategy, and the Biodefense Posture Review. It also calls for tighter integration of CBD capabilities with international Allies and partners to ensure our combined armed forces can deter or prevail against advanced chemical and biological threats.”

“The 2024 Seoul and Tokyo Biosecurity Dialogues”

Christopher East discusses dialogues held by the Council on Strategic Risks in November in this blog post, writing in part “On 18th and 20th November 2024 in Seoul and Tokyo respectively, the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) convened dialogues with biosecurity experts from the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO, concluding with a series of practicable recommendations for the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan.”

“Securing Benchtop DNA Synthesizers”

Max Langenkamp recently published this report with IFP: “This report examines the present and future of benchtop synthesizers and provides quantitative forecasts. The concrete threat model in the report helps characterize the threat of attack and leads to certain technical mitigations. Modern cryptographic methods can enable secure and centralized screening, even for air-gapped devices…The current benchtop policy would benefit from a security certification system, as well as standardized processes for benchtop and reagent screening. Such safeguards manage to mitigate risk while enabling innovation.”

“DNA Sequencing, Synthesis and Screening in Biosecurity”

From the Cluster for National and Technical Science Arms Control Research: “The second CNTR Fact Sheet by Liska Suckau (CNTR/PRIF) provides an overview of the characteristics of DNA sequencing, synthesis and screening in biosecurity. It compares different sequencing methods and gives a basic overview of DNA synthesis. In addition, it highlights the technologies’ potentials and risks and outlines various application possibilities.”

CNTR Monitor 2024 Perspectives on Dual Use

From CNTR: “The CNTR Monitor is an annual open-access publication and the core product of CNTR’s research. It highlights technological innovations and developments in the natural sciences that are relevant to peace and security. In addition to analyses of individual technologies and reports on research and development (R&D) activities, the Monitor also explores opportunities for arms control and outlines options for political regulation.”

This year’s edition includes articles like “Technological Implications of AI in Biorisk,” “Implications of Technological Advancements for Biosecurity,” and more.

“Toward a Safer and More Secure US Bioeconomy”

Watson et al. recently published this comment in Nature Biotechnology, writing in part “To enhance the safety and security of the US bioeconomy, a new public–private partnership should be established to facilitate information sharing and threat analysis among industry, government and academia, and to develop and deploy safeguards.”

“Scientists Urge Halt to Research on Creating Synthetic “Mirror” Bacteria That Could Evade Human Immunity, Disrupt Ecosystems”

Matt Field breaks down concerns about research using mirror molecules in this piece for The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, writing in part “Although the capability to create organisms or bacteria that utilize mirror molecules remains at least a decade away by many estimations, 38 authors of an article published in Science Thursday said that investigation into creating such “mirror life” should not be pursued. The authors said they “were initially skeptical that mirror bacteria could pose major risks,” but have since grown “deeply concerned.”’

“A Framework for Effective Risk Assessment of AI-Biotechnology Convergence”

Lakshmy Ramakrishnan recently authored this issue brief for the Observer Research Foundation: “Advances in disruptive technologies have enabled scientists to engineer biological systems and create more efficient and sustainable products for a range of purposes. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with biotechnology has contributed to the development of therapeutics and vaccines, helped address food security, aided in generating innovative processes to mitigate the effects of climate change, and expanded the bioeconomy. However, there are concerns that AI-biotechnology tools can be misused to create harm, with catastrophic global consequences. This brief advocates for a nuanced approach to assess the risks associated with the convergence of AI with biotechnology and its potential for misuse and recommends a coordinated strategy.”

“U.S. Government Support for Global Health Security – Protecting Lives and Safeguarding Economies”

The Biden administration recently released its final annual global health security report-“U.S. Government Support for Global Health Security – Protecting Lives and Safeguarding Economies”. The report highlights progress in global health security and identifies remaining challenges in this area. A White House press release on the document’s announcement explains, “The Biden-Harris Administration has advanced a bold agenda to prevent the devastating toll of outbreaks and pandemics, including investing more than $3 billion in strengthening global health security (GHS) since 2020. These investments have helped to: prepare countries around the world to more effectively prevent, detect and respond to biological threats; build stronger and more effective regional and global institutions to support health emergency preparedness and response; and respond rapidly to numerous outbreaks – from Ebola to mpox – to limit the health and economic impacts on the American people, as well as people living around the world. U.S. leadership in global health security is built on decades of investments in global health and research and development, as well as strong partnerships with other countries, regional and multilateral institutions, civil society, and the private sector.”

ICYMI: In Conversation with Jon Finer: Recent Developments in the Biden Administration’s WMD Policies

Watch the recording of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s December 19 event here: “As the United States approaches the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in February 2026, there are critical questions about the future of nuclear arms control, strategic stability, and global nonproliferation efforts.”

“Join the Arms Control Association and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for remarks from U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer on the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce nuclear dangers and adapt U.S. nuclear weapons and nonproliferation policy to an uncertain world, as evidenced by the rapid changes occurring in Syria. Finer will take questions from the Arms Control Association’s Executive Director Daryl Kimball.” 

“Following Finer’s address, a distinguished panel will examine the implications of the looming expiration of New START. Madelyn Creedon, chair of the 2023 Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, Adam Mount, senior fellow and director of the Defense Posture Project at the Federation of American Scientists, and James Acton, co-director of Carnegie’s Nuclear Policy program, will explore key considerations surrounding U.S. nuclear forces and requirements, arms control, and nonproliferation policy.”   

ICYMI: “NTI | bio Proposes New Solutions to Prevent Bioweapons Development and Use”

“The dual-use nature of modern bioscience and biotechnology, combined with the significant resources available to many states, makes it challenging to prevent the development of biological weapons using traditional arms control measures and policy approaches. During the fifth session of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Working Group meetings from December 2-13 in Geneva, Switzerland, NTI | bio presented solutions that could effectively reduce the risk of bioweapons development and use by states and other powerful actors.”

Read more here.

Understanding the Introduction of Pathogens into Humans- Preventing Patient Zero: A Workshop

“The past few decades have seen the emergence of several diseases with drastic public health and economic consequences. Understanding routes of pathogen emergence and transmission is critical to preventing and mitigating disease spillover and amplification. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats will host a hybrid public workshop to address gaps in understanding of disease emergence, with a focus on human-animal interaction and laboratory biosafety. The workshop will explore how applications of existing policy structures, emerging technologies, and actionable research can improve biosecurity measures and prevention of future disease emergence.”

This event will take place on January 15 and 16. Learn more and register here.

How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control

Johns Hopkins APL’s colloquium will feature Mindy Weisberger, author of the upcoming book Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control: “Zombies are all around us—insect zombies, that is. In Rise of the Zombie Bugs, Mindy Weisberger explores the eerie yet fascinating phenomenon of real-life zombification in the insect class and among other invertebrates. Zombifying parasites reproduce by rewriting their victims’ neurochemistry, transforming them into the “walking dead”: armies of cicadas, spiders, and other hosts that helplessly follow a zombifier’s commands, living only to serve the parasite’s needs until death’s sweet release (and often beyond).”

Learn more about this January 31 event here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

NEW: The Independent Panel Solicits Views and Insights on Pandemic Prevention, and Response Efforts

“The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, co-chaired by HE Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and RH Helen Clark, welcomes you to share your insights and expertise on the status of international and regional pandemic-related reform processes and initiatives, and how progress can be continued and accelerated in the months and years ahead.”

Learn more about this survey and submit by December 20 here.

Pandora Report 12.6.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers news from the Biodefense Graduate Program, the winners of the 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award, reports of a mysterious illness in the DRC, and much more.

Biodefense Doctoral Student Selected for Next Generation Leader Program

First-year Biodefense PhD student Katie Dammer was recently selected for the Next Generation Leaders program as part of the Spirit of Asilomar conference that will be held in February 2025. “The Spirit of Asilomar and the Future of Biotechnology” summit will occur on the 50th anniversary of the 1975 international meeting on recombinant DNA, where scientists discussed the hazards and benefits of emerging biotechnology and voluntarily agreed to set new standards for the regulation of biohazards. The 2025 iteration of this summit will focus on artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, pathogen research, and other related topics. Dammer currently is a Biosecurity Fellow at the Horizon Institute for Public Service working as the Special Assistant for Global Health Security & Biodefense at the National Security Council.

2024 OPCW-The Hague Award Recipients Announced

Last month, OPCW Director-General Amb. Fernando Arias and The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen announced the winners of this year’s OPCW-The Hague award: Alegeria’s National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG) and the Indian Chemical Council (ICC). NICC/NG is “a forensic science institute focused on advancing crime-fighting capabilities by integrating scientific methods into judicial and criminal processes.” The ICC “is a chemical industry body recognized for its role in promoting chemical safety, compliance with the Convention, and enhancing industry-wide security practices in India.” Read more about the recipients and this year’s award selection here.

DRC Reports Outbreak of Unknown Flu-Like Illness

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa CDC, and WHO are investigating an outbreak of an unknown, influenza-like disease in Kwango province that has infected at least 376 people and killed at least 67 (though some outlets report 143 deaths) since late October. Africa CDC reports that symptoms include fever, headache, cough, difficulties breathing, and anemia. Children under five are the most affected group, accounting for more than half of all cases and the majority of deaths. The outbreak started in the Panzi Health Zone, a remote part of the province. Officials report that they did not learn of the outbreak until six weeks after it began. In better news, the WHO has confirmed that the DRC’s mpox outbreak appears to be “plateauing”.

Raw Milk Recalled in California Following Bird Flu Detection

In a predictable turn of events, a farm in California has made a voluntary recall of its products and halted production after samples of its products tested positive for avian influenza. The recall has expanded since the initial recall of two lots of product on November 21. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has quarantined the farm and suspended the distribution of raw milk, cream, kefir, butter, and cheese products produced on or after November 27. The farm in question, Raw Farm of Fresno, has gained popularity with fans of social media “health influencers” and HHS Secretary nominee RFK Jr.. It frequently sells its products in natural supermarket chains like Sprouts Farmers Market.

The brand fell under FDA and CDC scrutiny earlier this year amid E. coli concerns, though the company insists it was the victim of “severe bias” from the agencies. Mark McAfee, CEO of Raw Farm, is insisting now that the actions taken by the state are politically-driven, despite samples of his company’s products testing positive for the virus. McAfee appears to have been encouraged by RFK Jr. to apply for a position at the FDA as the “FDA advisor on raw milk policy and standards development.”

Further Reading:

House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Releases Final Report

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic recently published its final report, “AFTER ACTION REVIEW OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward”. The more than 500-page document covers a variety of topics, including vaccines, use of pandemic relief funds, and public health guidance. The report begins with the claim that SARS-CoV-2 “likely emerged because of a laboratory or research related accident,” despite the Intelligence Community remaining split on the consensus and many in the scientific community disagreeing. The report is also critical of mitigation efforts like face masking and social distancing, though it praises travel restrictions. The report also focuses its attention heavily on the EcoHealth Alliance.

The Select Subcommittee’s minority released its own final report. A spokesperson for the minority said in a statement, “Select Subcommittee Republicans’ final report reflects two years wasted on political stunts instead of preventing and preparing for the next pandemic…Instead of coming together with Democrats to get ahead of future viruses or fortify America’s public health infrastructure and workforce, Select Subcommittee Republicans prioritized extreme probes that vilified our nation’s scientists and public health officials in an effort to whitewash former President Trump’s disastrous COVID-19 response.”

The minority report blasts the majority’s criticism and targeting of former NIAID Director Anthony Fauci as “baseless and frivolous” and explains that “Today, a zoonotic origin and lab accident are both plausible, as is a ‘hybrid’ scenario reflecting a mixture of the two…It was repeatedly explained to the Select Subcommittee that all prior epidemics and pandemics, as well as almost all prior outbreaks, have zoonotic origins. At the same time, a lab origin for SARS-CoV-2 also remains plausible.”

Further Reading: “Sick Animals Suggest COVID Pandemic Started in Wuhan Market,” Smriti Mallapaty, Nature

Trump Continues to Make Controversial Administration Selections

Trump Picks Jay Bhattacharya to Lead NIH

Late last month, President-Elect Trump announced Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford-trained physician and economist, as his pick to lead the NIH. Bhattacharya gained national attention for co-authoring the October 2020 letter known as the Great Barrington Declaration, which called for the rollback of pandemic-related shutdowns, drawing rebuke from then NIH director Francis S. Collins. Bhattacharya also was among several academics who met with Trump in August of 2020, claiming that the pandemic was not as severe as public health officials had warned. The letter gained broader criticism for its focus on herd immunity, especially as COVID-19 vaccines were not available at that point, so relying on herd immunity would lead to even more unnecessary illnesses and deaths.

Trump Picks Jim O’Neill for HHS Deputy Secretary

Trump also announced in late November that he will select Jim O’Neill, a Silicon Valley investor and former federal health official, as his selection to be Deputy Secretary at HHS. O’Neill joined HHS in 2002, holding several roles throughout his tenure, including serving as a top aide to the then-deputy secretary of the department. He then moved on to Silicon Valley, becoming a close ally of Peter Thiel, a close adviser to Trump during his first term who has also long championed VP-Elect JD Vance.

Trump Announces Dave Weldon as CDC Director Pick

In an unforeseen move, Trump picked former Congressman Dave Weldon as his nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon has been out of politics for the last fifteen years, running a private medical practice in Florida. During his tenure in Congress, he made controversial statements about the safety of MMR and and HPV vaccines. His views have often aligned with those of RFK Jr., whom he has been friends with for more than two decades. Weldon has said of his time in Congress that he worked with Kennedy “to get the mercury out of the childhood vaccines.”

Further Reading:

White Helmets Urge International Community to Take Action to Protect Syrian Civilians from Chemical Warfare

The Director of the White Helmets, Raed Al-Saleh, warned recently that Syria’s authoritarian president, Bashar Al-Assad, could very soon use CW against civilians in an effort to stop rebels advancing in the northwest of the country. In a statement, Al-Saleh said “”For six days now, as the map of military control has changed, brutal attacks launched by the Syrian regime, Russia, and Iranian cross-border militias on Syrians have escalated especially in areas outside their control in northwest Syria…I am gravely concerned about the lives of every Syrian because of the real threat of chemical attacks.”

“Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation”

From NASEM: “At the request of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation provides an overview of the current landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled biotechnology, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges it poses. This report offers a strategic vision for connecting scientists and technologists to build on, leverage, and tailor advances at the intersection of AI/ML, automated experimentation, and biotechnology to drive innovation in defense-related biotechnologies. Strategic Report on Research and Development in Biotechnology for Defense Innovation makes recommendations to address long-standing challenges that have limited research, development, prototyping, testing and evaluation, and eventual use of biotechnologies. Addressing these challenges will help to advance U.S. national security and defense by improving the performance of existing capabilities, enabling the creation of domestic supply chains of valuable products, reducing reliance on processes and chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and/or adding new capabilities not currently possible with established technologies.”

“Anticipating Biological Risk: A Toolkit for Strategic Biosecurity Policy”

Stephen Batalis for CSET: “Artificial intelligence (AI) tools pose exciting possibilities to advance scientific, biomedical, and public health research. At the same time, these tools have raised concerns about their potential to contribute to biological threats, like those from pathogens and toxins. This report describes pathways that result in biological harm, with or without AI, and a range of governance tools and mitigation measures to address them.”

“Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention”

Jez Littlewood and Filippa Lentzos recently published this piece with the Arms Control Association discussing the BWC working group and its efforts to improve the BWC. They write in part, “Substantial progress has been made in some areas, but beneath the surface is a broader conflict about the shape of arms control agreements generally. This raises a question about whether strengthening the BWC needs to follow the traditional model of legally binding multilateral agreements with declarations, inspections, investigations, and an international organization where consensus rules or whether states-parties can agree to a new model that allows states to opt in to the mechanisms with which they agree and opt out of any processes or new commitments they are unable to support.”

“BWC at 50: Taking Bold Steps to Secure the Future”

Gabrielle Essix recently authored this rundown on the BWC’s successes, shortcomings, and future for NTI| bio. She writes in part, “As we look ahead to the future of the BWC, the role of civil society will become increasingly critical. Organizations like NTI provide a bridge between governments, scientists, and the public, ensuring that biosecurity remains a global priority. By advocating for stronger international norms and pushing for innovative solutions to new challenges, NTI can help make the BWC an effective tool in the fight against the development and use of biological weapons.”

“Possible Models of BWC Verification”

James Revill authored this brief for UNIDIR: “This briefing serves as a primer for consideration of possible models of verification. Past discussions of verification in the Biological Weapons Conference (BWC) have largely focused on the development of a more traditional disarmament verification regime, akin to the model established in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and envisaged in the BWC Protocol Negotiations. Such a model is often considered the standard model for verification and could provide greater confidence in compliance with the BWC.”

“However, the traditional model of verification is not the only model available to BWC States Parties. Depending on the function(s) and focus of any verification mechanism, other options could be developed for BWC verification that might more effectively address the concerns of BWC States Parties and potentially reduce costs of verification while still increasing confidence in compliance.”

BioWeapons Prevention Project: “The Closure of the Fourth Sessions Preparations for the Fifth”

From BWPP: “The Working Group (WG) on the strengthening of the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC/BTWC), will convene for its Fifth Session on 2 December having finished the Fourth Session on 23 August. The topics for discussion in the WG were decided at Ninth BWC Review Conference, held in 2022. The two-week Fifth Session will be followed by the annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) which is scheduled for 16-18 December…This report focuses on some overarching issues. Individual topics up for discussion during the Fifth Session have been examined in earlier reports in this series, and in particular in the ‘setting the scene’ reports.”

Read more here.

“Biocrimes: Safeguarding Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Labs Against Insider Threats”

Casey Shroeder authored this piece for Lab Manager, writing in part “Within clinical and public health microbiology laboratories where scientists work to diagnose infections and/or protect public health, the potential for biocrimes and insider threats is a serious risk that is often overlooked. These laboratories, which handle not only routine human pathogens but also antimicrobial resistant strains, emerging pathogens, and potential biothreat pathogens, must remain vigilant against those who might exploit their access for malicious purposes.”

“Bacteriologic and Genomic Investigation of Bacillus anthracis Isolated from World War II Site, China”

Wu et al. recently published this article in Emerging Infectious Diseases: “Records suggest Bacillus anthracis was used in biowarfare during World War II, but evidence remains limited. We isolated B. anthracis from soil at the remains of a World War II–era laboratory in China. Phenotypic and genomic analyses confirmed the finding, highlighting the value of microbial forensics in biothreat investigation.”

“Modern Warfare is Breeding Deadly Superbugs. Why?”

Francesca Mari recently published this piece in The New York Times Magazine, explaining in part “By 2050, The Lancet predicts that antimicrobial resistance will kill 8.22 million people per year, more than the number currently killed by cancer. (For context, Covid claimed an estimated three million lives during all of 2020.) And a growing body of research suggests that the 21st-century way of warfare has become a major driver of that spread. Nations of the Middle East, like Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, now suffer from particularly high rates of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and some of the world’s most fearsome superbugs have incubated in the region — Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, MRSA and perhaps most notably A. baumannii, a strain of Acinetobacter that traveled home with U.S. soldiers, where it became nicknamed “Iraqibacter.”’

“Global Report on Infection Prevention and Control 2024”

From WHO: “Health care-associated infections (HAIs) affect patients and health systems every day, causing immense suffering, driving higher health-care costs and hampering efforts to achieve high-quality care for all. HAIs are often difficult to treat, are the major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cause premature deaths and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg and mpox are the most dramatic demonstrations of how pathogens can spread rapidly and be amplified in health care settings. But HAIs are a daily threat in every hospital and clinic, not only during epidemics and pandemics. Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in health care settings not only affects the application of infection prevention and control (IPC) best practices but also equity and dignity among both those providing and receiving care. However, there is strong evidence that a large proportion of these infections could be prevented with IPC measures and basic WASH services, with a high return on investment. This second global report on IPC provides updated evidence on the harm caused to patients and health workers by HAIs and AMR, and presents an updated global analysis of the implementation of IPC programmes at the national and health care facility levels across all WHO regions. “

Bloomberg FOIA Files: Kremlin Targeting Putin’s Political Adversaries, Has Ability to Assassinate Targets with Chemical and Biological Weapons

In this edition of Bloomberg News’ FOIA Files, Jason Leopold discusses a recently-released memo from ODNI discussing targeting killings of Vladimir Putin’s political adversaries, and the means by which the Russian state is able to accomplish this. In the memo, intelligence officials assessed that “Russia has the capability to assassinate individuals using chemical and biological agents,” and that they have the means to track dissidents and defectors. The memo also explains that “The development of chemical or biological agents with lower risk of attribution might tempt the Kremlin to consider assassinating individuals,” in addition to discussing the death of Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichnyy, who was “reportedly assassinated with a biological toxin in the UK in 2012 shortly before he was scheduled to testify about a Kremlin tax fraud network.”

“Reviving Chemical Weapons Accountability in a Multipolar World”

The Center for Strategic and Strategic & International Studies published this commentary by Natasha Hall and Doreen Horschig ahead of the 29th Session of the Conference of States Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In it, they discuss the strain the CWC has faced in the last decade and how its strength might be restored. They write in part, “Next week’s conference presents an opportunity to revitalize efforts toward accountability and global cooperation. The United States, in particular, is in a position to reverse course on the dangerous erosion of the chemical weapons norm and maintain the integrity of the CWC. But to do so, it will need to engage friend and foe alike.”

“The Islamic Republic’s Work on Pharmaceutical Based Agents”

This report was authored by Mohammadreza Giveh and the Good ISIS Team for the Institute for Science and International Security. “This report discusses multiple Iranian security complexes that have been preparing production of fentanyl and medetomidine based incapacitating and lethal agents. These complexes have been working on pillars of producing those weapons: large-scale cost-efficient synthesis of the compounds with maximum potency, evaluating a stable chemical mixture based on those agents that can be aerosolized using a propellant, and developing the delivery of the agents through grenades, bullets, or drones.”

“Chemical Weapons Disinformation in Ukraine”

From GP WMD Counter Disinfo, this series includes three briefs: “Understanding Russia’s Chemical Weapons Allegations in Ukraine,” “Selected Examples of CW Allegations and Related Disinformation Campaigns from the Russian Federation,” and “Strategy and Impacts of CW Disinformation”.

“Chemical Weapons Use in Ukraine Testa Global Norms to Breaking Point”

Lennie Phillips OBE and Gareth Williams discuss Russia’s use of CW in Ukraine and how it affects the CWC and OPCW in this RUSI piece, writing in part “A riot control agent found in samples collected from the confrontation lines in Ukraine by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons implicates Russia in yet another breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention. But what steps can states parties to the convention take next?”

“Russia Fails to Make OPCW Executive Council for Second Year Running”

Patrick Norén discusses Russia’s failure to be elected to the OPCW’s Executive Council for the second year in a row in this piece for CBNW.

“How Might Large Language Models Aid Actors in Reaching the Competency Threshold Required to Carry Out a Chemical Attack?”

Stendall et al. recently published this article in The Nonproliferation Review: “Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field, increasingly driving innovation in the sciences. This is a double-edged sword, with the benefits of scientific discovery tempered by potential opportunities for weaponization and misuse. Specifically, the implications for chemical security and chemical weapons are becoming increasingly clear. This article analyzes how large language models (LLMs)—particularly chatbots and chemical LLM assistants—might enable actors to better reach the competency threshold for a chemical attack, via enhanced methods for the identification, production, and use of chemical weapons. This would be particularly relevant for those at the lower end of the capability spectrum, such as terrorist groups and rogue individuals. An important historical context is provided throughout the article, with chemical attacks of the past illuminating the dangerous consequences of an easier-to-achieve competency threshold. A counterargument is also provided, analyzing the factors that might still limit malicious actors, as well as a description of how LLMs might be used to combat chemical terrorism. The article then concludes with a short list of key policy and governance suggestions for mitigating the risks.”

Read or listen to CNS’ interview with Stendall on this article here.

“Chemical Terrorism: Assessment of U.S. Strategies in the Era of Great Power Competition”

From NASEM: “Domestic and foreign violent extremist organizations, or terrorist groups, have caused a greater amount of harm with chemical agents than with biological or radiological weapons. The United States capacity and capability to identify, prevent, counter, and respond adequately to chemical threats is established by the strategies, policies, and laws enacted across multiple levels of government. While the number of chemical terrorism incidents has risen and fallen over time, there is no empirical or analytical indication that the threat is disappearing. This report comes at a time when the nation’s highest-level strategies have shifted from focusing primarily on violent extremist organizations to focusing more on Great Power Competition. This shift in relative perceived threat and consequent prioritization will impact efforts against chemical terrorism, and in turn, affect funding priorities. Revised risk assessments are needed to reprioritize risks guided by new strategies, so that strategy-aligned budgets can be created. The report recommends weapons of mass destruction budgets be aligned with evolving priorities and incentivize activities that transition promising research to operations.”

“Nuclear Terrorism: Assessment of U.S. Strategies to Prevent, Counter, and Respond to Weapons of Mass Destruction”

From NASEM: “For nearly eight decades, the world has been navigating the dangers of the nuclear age. Despite Cold War tensions and the rise of global terrorism, nuclear weapons have not been used in conflict since Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Efforts such as strategic deterrence, arms control and non-proliferation agreements, and the U.S.-led global counterterrorism have helped to keep nuclear incidents at bay. However, the nation’s success to date in countering nuclear terrorism does not come with a guarantee, success often carries the risk that other challenges will siphon away attention and resources and can lead to the perception that the threat no longer exists.”

“This report found that U.S. efforts to counter nuclear or radiological terrorism are not keeping pace with the evolving threat landscape. The U.S. government should maintain a strategic focus and effort on combatting terrorism across the national security community in coordination with international partners, State, Local, Tribal and Territorial authorities, the National Laboratories, universities and colleges, and civil society. Developing and sustaining adequate nuclear incident response and recovery capabilities at the local and state levels will likely require significant new investments in resources and empowerment of local response from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and National Institutes of Health.”

“Ecological Threat Report”

The Institute for Economics & Peace recently released the fifth edition of its Ecological Threat Report, ” which analyses ecological threats in 207 independent states and territories. The report covers 3,518 sub-national areas which account for 99.99 per cent of the world’s population. The ETR assesses threats relating to food insecurity, water risk, natural disasters, and demographic pressure…The research takes a multi-faceted approach by analysing ecological threats at the national, subnational, and city level, while also assessing the threats against societal resilience and levels of peace. Comparing ecological threats against societal resilience enables IEP to identify the global regions, countries, and subnational areas most at risk of an ecological disaster, both now and into the future.”

“Healthcare Cybersecurity: HHS Continues to Have Challenges as Lead Agency”

This snapshot from the Government Accountability Office discusses previous GAO findings about HHS’ performance in healthcare cybersecurity, explaining that HHS has yet to implement all of GAO’s recommendations to address its challenges in this area. It concludes that “Until HHS implements our prior recommendations related to improving cybersecurity, the department risks not being able to effectively carry out its lead agency responsibilities, resulting in potential adverse impact on healthcare providers and patient care.”

“Lebanon: A Conflict Particularly Destructive to Health Care”

The WHO recently released this news post explaining that more health workers and patients have been killed proportionally in Lebanon than in Ukraine and Gaza, with 47% of attacks on health care in the country proving fatal as of November 21-a higher percentage than in any active conflict today globally. Read more here.

What We’re Listening To 🎧

Grow Everything Biotech Podcast, 103. DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges

“Karl and Erum bring on Dr. Alexander Titus, a commissioner on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to explore the exciting and challenging intersections of biotechnology and policy. Alexander shares his experiences from his unique journey across academia, government, and industry, diving into the role of biosecurity, the potential of synthetic biology, and the emerging convergence of tech and bio. They discuss ambitious projects like de-extincting the woolly mammoth, advances in biodefense, and the impacts of AI on biotech innovation. It’s a conversation that sheds light on how cutting-edge biotech could shape the future and the necessary balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.”

Listen here.

NEW: How to Avoid Human-Made Pandemics

From the Asia Centre for Health Security: “Studying viruses that could potentially cause outbreaks is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, this type of research—especially when it involves collecting samples from the field and manipulating pathogens—can unintentionally lead to a pandemic if not managed carefully. Dr Lentzos will discuss her findings from the Pathogen Project, which brought together an international taskforce of scientists, biosecurity and public health experts, ethicists, and civil society leaders to seek consensus on this question: Can we agree on ways to manage research that carries pandemic risk as safely, securely and responsibly as possible?”

This event will take place on January 23 at 8 pm (GMT +8:00) via Zoom. RSVP here.

NEW: Preparedness in Rural Communities: National and State/Local Perspectives and Plans

From Penn State: “The COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have thrust the preparedness of rural communities into the national spotlight. At the federal level, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently released national goals and plans for preparedness of rural communities. The overall objective of this virtual, 2-day mini-symposium is to identify opportunities in public health and agricultural preparedness and response in rural communities. The mini-symposium will focus upon national perspectives on Thursday, January 30 and the state/local perspectives on Friday, January 31. Speakers include representatives of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Agriculture, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, and state/local leaders.”

This event will take place on January 30 and 31, from 11 am to 2 pm ET each day. Learn more and register here.

Enhancing the Resilience of Healthcare and Public Health Critical Infrastructure: A Workshop

From NASEM: “Healthcare and public health infrastructure, technology, and operations are rapidly changing and are increasingly interdependent and interconnected. Threats to the nation’s critical social and physical infrastructure systems are also rapidly evolving and highly complex—posing potentially new or growing risks of disruption and challenging the assumptions used to design and protect these systems.”

“The National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies will host a hybrid public workshop to explore strategies, policies, and innovative actions to improve the resilience of healthcare and public health (HPH) critical infrastructure to impacts from disasters and other emergencies.”

This event will take place in DC on December 9 and 10. Register here.

A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT)

From PNNL: “Please join us in welcoming Swati Sureka, Strategy and Policy Analyst at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Federal, where she supports the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight. Her talk, titled “A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT),” will take place on Tuesday, December 10th, at noon PT.”

Learn more and RSVP here.

Resilience in the Face of Global Risks

From CSR: “The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) cordially invites you to our first annual CSR symposium, Resilience in the Face of Global Risks, scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is the first event bringing together all three of CSR’s institutions—the Center for Climate & Security, the Converging Risks Lab, and the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons—to engage with leaders across our mission sets.”

“The United States and its allies face a complex global security landscape where systemic risks like climate and ecological crisis, nuclear proliferation, and biological threats are blending with war, geopolitical competition, and human insecurity in new and profound ways. While there has been tremendous leadership—and meaningful progress—across these overlapping risk areas, they require persistent innovation in community building to meet the modern risk landscape.”

“The symposium will dive into the progress our communities have made—and how our passionate communities can better work together to help shape the future.”

“In addition to a keynote address, guests will hear from panels, take part in breakout sessions showcasing important issues and new ideas, plus engage with thought leaders between sessions. It will be a widely attended gathering, free to attendees.”

“As we enter a new year with an exceptionally dynamic security environment, we hope CSR’s December event will inspire and build a stronger community across professionals dedicated to anticipating and addressing the world’s greatest risks. We appreciate your consideration and hope you will be able to join us on the 10th of December.”

RSVP here.

Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here (closes 12/12).

NEW: Call for Experts, Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats

“The National Academies is seeking suggestions for experts to be considered for the membership rotation or other engagement with the Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats. The group will help inform the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on critical science and policy issues related to emerging infectious diseases and other health threats.”

“Since March 2020, the standing committee has consistently generated real-time policy recommendations and produced an unprecedented amount of timely, evidence-based guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging public health threats. Looking ahead, the standing committee will continue to ensure that ASPR and decision-makers have access to the latest high-quality, evidence-based insights to inform medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies.”

“Approximately 12-15 volunteer experts are needed to serve on the standing committee of approximately 25 members.”

Learn more and submit nominations by December 13 here.

Pandora Report 11.22.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s edition of the Pandora Report includes updates from the Biodefense Graduate Program, information on the upcoming BWC Working Group meeting, updates on mpox and avian influenza in California, and much more.

Mazanec Moving Up at ASPR

Brian Mazanec, Biodefense PhD ’14 and adjunct professor at the Schar School, has started a new role as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Coordination Operations and Response Element (H-CORE) within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). H-CORE was born out of Operation Warp Speed– the COVID-19 medical countermeasures response led by HHS and the Department of Defense which transitioned to ASPR in 2021. H-CORE’s mission today is to lead and enable agile, data-driven operational coordination, logistics readiness, and scalable response for public health emergencies and disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks and cyber attacks. H-CORE also now includes the Office of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Secretary’s Operation Center, and Office of Data, Analytics, and Information Advantage.

Pandora Report Hosting the Gryphon Scientific Biosecurity Collection

The Pandora Report is now hosting a collection of papers published by Gryphon Scientific. This page serves as a repository for a selection of reports and publications from Gryphon Scientific, a research and policy consultancy that performed cutting-edge work in biosafety, biosecurity, and all-hazards preparedness and response. Over the past two decades, Gryphon supported senior decision makers within government and the commercial sector in evaluating emerging technologies and understanding how to enable their rapid development while safeguarding against their associated risks. Notably, Gryphon was commissioned by the NIH in 2016 to conduct an extensive risk-benefit analysis of gain-of-function research with potential pandemic pathogens. Gryphon was also at the forefront of AI safety, with a particular focus on the intersection of AI and biological and chemical threats. Gryphon is now continuing and expanding its work as part of Deloitte Consulting LLP. 

Transforming Defense with Biotechnology: Insights From DARPA’s Dr. Michael Koeris

Biotechnology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in strengthening national defense, with the potential to enhance military capabilities and address emerging security challenges. On November 13, the Biodefense Graduate Program at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University hosted a lecture by Dr. Michael Koeris, the recently appointed director of DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO). Dr. Koeris’ talk offered attendees a look into the cutting-edge research being done at BTO to revolutionize U.S. military capabilities through biotechnology. With a focus on warfighter readiness and operational biotechnology, Dr. Koeris shared how DARPA is developing next-generation solutions to enhance military personnel’s health and performance in increasingly complex environments. The discussion provided a unique opportunity to delve into the innovative technologies that DARPA is developing, from optimizing warfighter stamina in their AWARE (Alert Warfighter Enablement) program to their GOLDEVAC (Golden Hour Extended Evacuation) program, which is designed to provide wounded warfighters with expert-level care in austere environments when medical evacuation is delayed.

Dr. Michael Koeris

DARPA, created after the Sputnik crisis in 1957, was designed to prevent technological surprise by pushing the United States to the forefront of military innovation. DARPA focuses on strategic, high-yield programs that align with the latest technological realities, especially in fields like AI and biotechnology. DARPA intentionally pursues extremely risky programs, seeking transformational change over incremental progress, and often learns just as much from their failures. When projects do succeed—such as the development of self-driving vehicles, drones, and mRNA vaccines—they have had worldwide impacts. The agency aims to develop breakthrough technologies by maintaining agility and leveraging short program timelines to stay ahead of global technological developments. These technologies strengthen military readiness, enhance medical responses to biosecurity threats, and ensure peak performance under combat conditions. One of the main challenges discussed by Dr. Koeris was the global “data race,” especially in the field of biological data. While the United States is making progress, China’s aggressive collection of genetic and biological data has put it ahead in developing foundational biological models. This data gap poses risks to U.S. national security, as high-quality biological data is essential for AI and biotechnology advancements. To remain competitive, the United States must focus on generating diverse, original biological data to feed AI models and drive further innovation in biotechnology. As Dr. Koeris emphasized in his lecture, DARPA is committed to ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in biotechnology and national security. By strengthening its position in both data collection and its application in biotechnology, the United States can ensure it stays ahead in the race to shape the future of national defense. The lecture by Dr. Koeris shed light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, leaving us better informed about the potential contributions that advances in biotechnology can make to national security.

This event summary was authored by Biodefense MS Student Katie Groves.

BWC Update
The fifth session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention will take place from 2 to 13 December 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The agenda of the Working Group, as adopted at its first session, is available online as document BWC/WG/1/1. Details about the meeting, official documents, and side events can be found here.

Further reading:

Bonus: Check out NTI | bio’s two December 2024 BWC Meetings here (one of these is a hybrid event).

California Announces Suspected Avian Flu Case in Child

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced this week that testing has identified a suspected avian influenza infection in a child in Alameda County. The child had mild upper respiratory symptoms and no known contact with any infected animals. The child is recovering at home, and CDPH says that the positive test “showed a low-level detection of the virus, indicating the child was not likely infectious to others.” Repeat testing four days later was negative. Furthermore, the child was found to also be positive for other respiratory viruses that may have caused the mild symptoms. No person-to-person spread has been detected nor is it suspected.

Further reading: “The World Is Watching the U.S. Deal With Bird Flu, and It’s Scary,” The New York Times, Tulio de Oliveira

California Confirms First Known US Clade I Mpox Case

CDPH also reported this week that it detected the first known US case of Clade I mpox. The case was identified in a person who recently traveled from Africa and it is related to the ongoing outbreak in Central and East Africa. The case has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The person received care in San Mateo County and is now isolating and recovering at home. Those who had close contact with this person are being contacted by public health workers, but there is currently no concern nor evidence that clade I mpox is spreading between people in California or the US in general.

Jay Bhattacharya Reportedly Top Candidate to Lead NIH

Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University physician and economist who drew sharp criticism from the likes of Francis S. Collins for his “fringe” ideas about COVID-19 in the letter known as the Great Barrington Declaration, appears poised to be nominated to a top government health role. Bhattacharya is reportedly on the shortlist of contenders to lead the NIH compiled by RFK Jr., President-Elect Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary. According to the The Washington Post, “Bhattacharya, who has said he was a victim of what felt like a “propaganda attack” led by public health experts after the Great Barrington Declaration, has testified in Congress, met with lawmakers in both parties, and offered advice to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and other leaders navigating the pandemic. Republicans have hailed him as a truth-teller, contrasting the Stanford physician with government officials whom they blame for an overly stringent response to the health crisis.”

Bhattacharya has no experience in a senior government role nor in a role overseeing a large bureaucratic organization. This position requires Senate confirmation. Read more about Bhattacharya’s previous experience and comments about the organization he may soon lead here.

Further reading: “Global Health Experts Sound Alarm Over RFK Jr., Citing Samoa Outbreak,” The Washington Post, Sammy Westfall and Lena H. Sun

Survey of Biosafety and Biosecurity Laws in G20 Nations
The Library of Congress has published a comprehensive overview of biosafety and biosecurity laws for the member of the Group of 20 (G20) as well as a comparative analysis of these laws. According to the report, “Among the G20 nations’ laws discussed in this report, the methods for defining the terms “biosafety” and “biosecurity” generally fall into one of four categories. In the first category, “biosafety” and “biosecurity” are clearly defined in legislation or regulations, with specific distinctions. In the second set of jurisdictions, the term “biosecurity” is applied generally to topics such as laboratory safety, protecting the environment, and guarding against criminal activity involving biological agents that may harm people, plants, animals, and the environment. In other nations, laws may include one identified term, but government strategy statements or publications by government-related scientific organizations supplement the available legal definitions with more detailed descriptions of “biosafety” and “biosecurity.” The remaining nations addressed in this report have enacted laws addressing biosecurity matters, but these laws contain no legal definitions for “biosafety,” “biosecurity,” or similar terminology.”

ISAB Report on PRC, MCF, and Biotechnology
The Secretary of State’s International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) has released a new report on the biotechnology components of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) Strategy, with a focus on biotechnology development objectives, implementation, and implications for international biosecurity. ISAB provides the Department with a continuing source of independent insight, advice, and innovation on all aspects of arms control, disarmament, nonproliferation, outer space, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, the national security aspects of emerging technologies, international security, and related aspects of public diplomacy.  The ISAB’s goal is to advise the State Department and other federal agencies on how the United States can adapt to the changing global biotech landscape, particularly in the context of strategic competition with PRC. The report proposes that the Department of State and other U.S. government agencies take steps to develop a global biotech system in which a broad range of partners cooperates on scientific research and trade. This requires a long-term strategic approach, and the leadership of the Department of State, to build this global environment that aligns with U.S. interests.

“WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research: Report of the Meeting, 25 June 2024”

From WHO: “The World Health Organization (WHO) Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research (TAG-RULS DUR) (1) was established to provide independent advice to WHO on the monitoring and mitigation of biorisks, the advances in the life sciences and related technologies, the governance of dual-use research and the responsible use of the life sciences.””

“This meeting was the second virtual meeting and third overall meeting of 2024. Over the course of the meeting, participants discussed and provided feedback on the first draft of the BioRisk Implementation and Evaluation Framework (BRIEF) Tool, were briefed on the draft WHO course on Dual-Use Research and the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and delivered updates on activities of the TAG’s four working groups.”

“The TAG-RULS DUR and its working groups will continue to undertake activities on the key topics identified. The group agreed that its next meeting will be held in October 2024.”

Read the meeting report here.

“Age of Biology Requires American Leadership”

Sen. Todd Young, Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, recently authored this opinion piece for Roll Call in which he discusses a forthcoming report from the Commission discussing actions needed to “maintain and strengthen America’s global leadership position” in biotechnology. He explains in this piece that “Congress must enact policies that accelerate innovations at home, onshore our supply chains, create data-sharing agreements with our allies, and support our military’s use of novel biotechnologies. Broadly, this will be the focus of the NSCEB’s forthcoming Final Report in 2025. Policymakers must protect and promote American biotechnology to ensure the United States leads the Age of Biology, and I am confident the NSCEB will contribute to these efforts.”

“Guidance for Human Genome Data Collection, Access, Use and Sharing”

From WHO: “The ethical, legal, and equitable sharing of human genomic data is critical to advancing global health research and ensuring fair access to the benefits of genomics. The WHO’s new document outlines a comprehensive set of globally applicable principles designed to guide stakeholders in the responsible collection, use, and sharing of human genome data. This document serves as a key resource to navigate complex issues surrounding data governance, with the aim of fostering transparency, promoting equity, and safeguarding individual and collective rights. These principles are intended to support the implementation of best practices across diverse settings, thereby enhancing the global capacity for genomic research and its translation into health benefits for all.”

“The Superbug Fight Needs a Better Business Model”

Annalies Winny published this piece in Global Health Now discussing the dearth of antibiotic research, writing in part “Researchers say that the current business model for developing antibiotics—and getting them to where they’re needed most—isn’t fit for purpose. Countries are starting to get behind incentives that absorb some of the risk, and offer a significant return on investment. But funding for these programs still lags far behind what’s needed to save millions of lives, and billions of dollars in health care costs, and there are doubts about whether incentives led by wealthy nations will satisfy needs in low- and middle-income countries.”

“Gaza Bombardment Worsens Superbug Outbreaks”

Misbah Khan published this piece for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism describing the growing public health crisis in Gaza. She writes in part, “There is a growing and dire public health crisis taking place in Gaza. Israeli blockades and hospital bombings are fuelling a superbug emergency, with civilians who survive starvation and injury later facing untreatable, life-threatening infections…Doctors on the ground told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) they were treating wounds infested with maggots and using vinegar to fight infections.”

“Potential Research Priorities to Inform U.S. Readiness and Response to Avian Influenza A (H5N1)”

From NASEM: “Avian Influenza A (H5) viruses have circulated globally for decades among migratory bird populations. The recent emergence of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in U.S. dairy cattle has led to challenges in managing and controlling the spread of H5 viruses between livestock, wildlife, and companion animals, as well as to humans from infected animals. The National Academies hosted a public workshop in October 2024 to explore potential research priorities that could inform readiness and response to the outbreak. Discussions followed an interdisciplinary One Health approach, bringing together experts from across human, veterinary, plant, and environmental health disciplines, and builds on published federal research priorities for H5N1 to include perspectives beyond basic translational clinical sciences, to social sciences, veterinary health, agricultural economics, and occupational health, among others.”

Read the proceeding of this workshop here.

“Diagnosis in the Era of Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence: Proceedings of a Workshop-in Brief”

From NASEM: “To explore the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies to improve diagnostic processes and outcomes, the National Academies Forum on Advancing Diagnostic Excellence hosted a public workshop in July 2024. Speakers highlighted the role of these technologies throughout the diagnostic process and their impact on the patient experience, including to gain understanding of a patient’s onset of symptoms, to improve information gathering and patient-clinician communication, and to support clinical decision making. Discussions also emphasized the importance of ensuring these technologies do not perpetuate existing health disparities.”

Read the proceedings here.

“OPCW Investigation Confirms Russia’s Likely Use of Chemical Weapons Against Ukraine”

Andrea Stricker authored this analysis of recent OPCW findings regarding Russia’s likely use of CW in Ukraine. She explains that “Russia’s consistent denials that its military forces have deployed illegal chemical weapons in Ukraine were dealt a serious blow on November 18, when the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced that it had recently conducted a Technical Assistance Visit to Ukraine and established evidence of chemical weapons use. While the OPCW stopped short of attributing responsibility to Russia, a growing body of evidence points to numerous Russian chemical weapon attacks against Ukrainian front-line troops in violation of the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, to which Moscow is a party.”

“Research and Development Areas to the North of Hamhung”

Read the latest installment of RUSI’s Project Anthracite analysis of the DPRK’s chemical industry and CW program: “The area to the north of the city of Hamhung is home to academic institutions and research and development (R&D) facilities. Furthermore, there are access tunnels to likely underground areas in the vicinity, and the wider region is home to significant chemical industry. Although literature on these facilities is limited, satellite imagery has been analysed to determine whether it is possible to discern any linkages with or provide insight on North Korea’s chemical industry or chemical weapons (CW) programme. Although evidence was circumstantial and no direct linkages could be identified on imagery, the analysis was able to confirm the location of several academic and R&D facilities and contribute to baselining potential academic and R&D facilities in the area.”

“While the location of at least part of a CW programme in or around these facilities cannot be ruled out, there were no features that would indicate the likely presence of a CW programme in these facilities.”

“NNSA celebrating 50 years of the Nuclear Emergency Support Team – NEST”

“This month, NNSA is observing the 50th anniversary of what is now called the Nuclear Emergency Support Team – or NEST. During a recent ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, leaders from around the government gathered to celebrate the birthday of one its most diverse and capable assets…NEST, created by President Ford in 1974, has a mission to provide federal emergency response in case of a radiological or nuclear threat, incident or accident.”

Read more about NEST, its formation, and its future here.

NEW: DC Biosecurity Happy Hour

From DC Biosecurity Professionals Across Academia, Industry, and Think Tanks: “Please join us for the Biosecurity Happy Hour, an informal event for biosecurity professionals in DC to get to know each other outside of Zoom calls and talk about new ideas in this space. Please note that drinks will be at attendee’s own expense!”

This event will take place on December 5 from 6:30-8 pm EST at Dacha Beer Garden in Washington, DC. Learn more and reserve a spot here.

NEW: A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT)

From PNNL: “Please join us in welcoming Swati Sureka, Strategy and Policy Analyst at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Federal, where she supports the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Readiness Policy and Oversight. Her talk, titled “A New Paradigm for Threat Agnostic Biodetection: Biological Intelligence (BIOINT),” will take place on Tuesday, December 10th, at noon PT.”

Learn more and RSVP here.

NEW: Cyberbiosecurity Summit

From Johns Hopkins APL and Bio-ISAC: “Advancements in biomanufacturing and biotechnology drive the science we need to thrive, everything from apples to vaccines. The Cyberbiosecurity Summit 2025 convenes leading experts in biotechnology, biosecurity, and cybersecurity to explore the intersection of these fields and discuss the strategies to create a safe, secure future for us all.”
This event will take place February 25-26 in Laurel, MD. Register here and review the call for sessions here.

One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 Book Launch

The Writer’s Center is hosting a book launch for Dr. Laura Kahn’s new book, One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 (blurb below) on November 23 at 2 pm EST in Bethesda, MD. Learn more and RSVP here.

“One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 unpacks the mysteries of COVID-19’s origins to impart important lessons for future outbreaks. The One Health concept recognizes the interconnected links among the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. By comparing the history, science, and clinical presentations of three different coronaviruses—SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—Kahn uncovers insights with important repercussions for how to prepare and avoid future pandemics. The One Health approach provides a useful framework for examining the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the origins of this zoonotic disease requires investigating the environmental and molecular biological factors that allowed the virus to spread to humans. The book explores the many ways in which the wild animal trade, wet markets, and the camel industry contributed to the spread of the earlier SARS-CoV-1 and MERS coronaviruses. For SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Kahn examines the biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics implications of gain-of-function research on pandemic potential pathogens. This book is a must read to understand the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

2024 CBD S&T Conference

From DTRA: “The CBD S&T Conference brings together the most innovative and influential chemical and biological defense community members from around the globe to share insights and collaborate on the emerging chem-bio threats of tomorrow.”

“Join the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Chemical and Biological Technologies Department in its role as the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for Chemical and Biological Defense, an integral component of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program, as we Focus Forward to uncover novel concepts and examine groundbreaking discoveries within the chem-bio defense landscape.”

“The 2024 CBD S&T Conference will be held at the Broward County Convention Center, December 2–5, 2024.”

Learn more and register here.

Health Security Intelligence: Managing Threats Risks and Hazards Post-Covid 19
“As  the acute impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, many unaddressed questions remain for Australia about how to better prepare for the next likely health threat, risk or hazard.”

“In addition to how we enhance national public health capacity, what are the important lessons we can learn from the pandemic from national security and biosecurity perspectives?”

“Given the likelihood of another pandemic at some point, an increasingly uncertain geo-political order and the potential exploitation of biotechnology by bad actors how does Australia and its allies better prepare for a future of increasingly complex health security and biological security threats, risks and hazards?”

“This event is for all health security intelligence stakeholders (policy-makers, national security staff, scientists, researchers and clinicians) who work across the one health continuum and national security agencies.”

“It will introduce participants to Charles Sturt’s extensive research agenda across the one health biosecurity, health and biological security and discuss both their national security and scientific implications.  You will hear briefings from key researchers across both STEM and social sciences disciplines working on assessing key health security threats, risks and hazards relevant to your work.”

This event will take place in-person and over livestream on December 4 from 2-4 pm AEDT. Learn more and register here.

Enhancing the Resilience of Healthcare and Public Health Critical Infrastructure: A Workshop

From NASEM: “Healthcare and public health infrastructure, technology, and operations are rapidly changing and are increasingly interdependent and interconnected. Threats to the nation’s critical social and physical infrastructure systems are also rapidly evolving and highly complex—posing potentially new or growing risks of disruption and challenging the assumptions used to design and protect these systems.”

“The National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies will host a hybrid public workshop to explore strategies, policies, and innovative actions to improve the resilience of healthcare and public health (HPH) critical infrastructure to impacts from disasters and other emergencies.”

This event will take place in DC on December 9 and 10. Register here.

Resilience in the Face of Global Risks

From CSR: “The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) cordially invites you to our first annual CSR symposium, Resilience in the Face of Global Risks, scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is the first event bringing together all three of CSR’s institutions—the Center for Climate & Security, the Converging Risks Lab, and the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons—to engage with leaders across our mission sets.”

“The United States and its allies face a complex global security landscape where systemic risks like climate and ecological crisis, nuclear proliferation, and biological threats are blending with war, geopolitical competition, and human insecurity in new and profound ways. While there has been tremendous leadership—and meaningful progress—across these overlapping risk areas, they require persistent innovation in community building to meet the modern risk landscape.”

“The symposium will dive into the progress our communities have made—and how our passionate communities can better work together to help shape the future.”

“In addition to a keynote address, guests will hear from panels, take part in breakout sessions showcasing important issues and new ideas, plus engage with thought leaders between sessions. It will be a widely attended gathering, free to attendees.”

“As we enter a new year with an exceptionally dynamic security environment, we hope CSR’s December event will inspire and build a stronger community across professionals dedicated to anticipating and addressing the world’s greatest risks. We appreciate your consideration and hope you will be able to join us on the 10th of December.”

RSVP here.

NEW: Call for Nominees: National Biodefense Science Board
From Global Biodefense: “The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is currently seeking applications from qualified individuals to fill 7 vacancies on the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB).”

“The NBSB advises the HHS Secretary or the ASPR on current and future trends, challenges, and opportunities presented by advances in biological and life sciences, biotechnology, and genetic engineering with respect to threats posed by naturally occurring infectious diseases and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.”

Read more and access ASPR’s call for nominees here.

“New Public Health Cybersecurity Readiness Survey Set to Boost Preparedness Against Cyber Threats”

“The co-chairs of the Joint Public Health Cybersecurity Task Group of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) published a special announcement letter announcing the launch of the Public Health Cybersecurity Readiness Survey. The move aims to enhance the cybersecurity preparedness of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) public health agencies. Participants can expect the anonymous survey to take about 15 minutes to complete, and it will be open until Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.”

Read more and access the survey here.

The Schar School is Hiring!

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor. Expertise in international security, national security, homeland security, emergency management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the defense industrial base, or transnational crime and corruption will be regarded positively. Candidates whose work focuses on climate security, technological change, and the future of warfare, or domestic extremism are also encouraged to apply, as are candidates with regional expertise. Details can be found here: https://listings.jobs.gmu.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-fairfax-va-virginia-united-states-other.

US AI Safety Institute Issues RFI on Responsible Development of Chem-Bio Models

From AISI: “The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (U.S. AISI), housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), released a Request for Information seeking insight from stakeholders regarding the responsible development and use of chemical and biological (chem-bio) AI models.”

“Input from a broad range of experts in this field will help the U.S. AISI to develop well-informed approaches to assess and mitigate the potential risks of chem-bio AI models, while enabling safe and responsible innovation.”

“Respondents are encouraged to provide concrete examples, best practices, case studies, and actionable recommendations where possible. The full RFI can be found here.”

“The comment period is now open and will close on December 3, 2024, at 11:59PM Eastern Time. Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov, under docket no. 240920-0247.”

Pandora Report 11.15.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report includes program news, updates on H5N1 and the pandemic agreement negotiations, and coverage of Africa CDC’s new mpox clinical trial and Ukrainian reporting on alleged Russian chemical weapons use.

All-BIOD Panel at the Tucker Symposium on Chemical and Biological Weapons

On November 13-14, the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies hosted the 13th Annual Jonathan B. Tucker Symposium. The symposium is held in honor of Jonathan Tucker who dedicated his career to fighting the scourge of chemical and biological weapons. The first panel of the symposium was composed of two alumni of the Biodefense Graduate Program at the Schar School of Policy and Government: Yong-Bee Lim, Biodefense PhD ’21, and Minh Ly, MS Biodefense ’21. Dr. Lim, who is the Deputy Director of the Converging Risks Lab at the Council for Strategic Risks, gave a presentation on “Technology Democratization and its Implications for CBW Safety and Security: Lessons Learned from Engagement with Non-Traditional Communities.” Ly, who is a Research Fellow at CNS, served as the moderator. In his talk, Dr. Lim discussed his research on the Do-It-Yourself Biology community: a grassroots, decentralized community drawn together by a shared passion for biological experimentation, fostering innovation, and a desire to democratize access and use of life sciences materials, equipment, knowledge, and tools. While often discussed as a potential biosecurity threat in policy circles, Dr. Lim’s research found that much of the conventional wisdom on this community is oversimplified or incorrect. Dr. Lim’s talk concluded with three key lessons learned from his engagement with the community: 1) there is often a gap between perception and reality about biorisks that can lead to improper metrics and incorrect assessments that complicate policy formulation and implementation; 2) as the life sciences are practiced by more people, it is imperative to positively engage and receive buy-in from these communities on addressing biorisk issues; and 3) preventing and countering CBW will be increasingly difficult in a world where definitions for key terms such as biosecurity, democratization, and terrorism are either changing or have no global consensus.

Minh Ly (left) and Yong-Bee Lim (right)

Biodefense Program Bowling Party at the White House

On November 7, a group of students, faculty, and alumni from the Biodefense Graduate Program at the Schar School of Policy and Government went bowling at the Harry S. Truman Bowling Alley in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Competition was fierce, but friendly, between Team Smallpox, Team Anthrax, Team Plague, and Team Ebola. In between strikes, spares, and gutter balls, the group enjoyed coffee, pastries, and lively conversations. Biodefense master’s student Tyler Smith won a fall-themed White House challenge coin for achieving the highest score. Team Smallpox, composed of MS Biodefense students Will MacDonald and Tyler Smith, Biodefense PhD student Annette Prieto, and Biodefense PhD alum Jen Osetek, emerged victorious and walked away with more White House merch. “This was an amazing experience,” said Annette, who works as a Technical Analyst at RAND, “The fun and friendly competition we shared in such an iconic setting made for an unforgettable day and helped build bonds that will extend beyond the lanes.” Program director Gregory Koblentz was rusty but managed to throw one strike and two spares after a healthy infusion of caffeine. The bowling party was graciously hosted by Biodefense PhD student Katherine Dammer who is Special Assistant for Global Health Security and Biodefense at the National Security Council.

Avian Influenza Updates

Canada Reports First Domestically Acquired Human H5N1 Case

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed the country’s first domestically acquired human case of avian influenza (caused by H5N1) earlier this week. On November 9, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia reported that a BC teenager was hospitalized and tested presumptive positive for H5N1. On November 13, PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg confirmed the test result and that genomic sequencing indicated that the virus is related to the H5N1 viruses circulating in poultry in British Columbia. Provincial officials are conducting an investigation and are taking actions like contact tracing, testing, and offering antiviral medication to contacts. No further cases have been identified at this time, and it is not clear how the teenager was infected.

PHAC says that the risk to the general public remains low at this time, but the risk is higher for those with unprotected exposure to infected animals. Importantly, the genotype of H5N1 avian influenza in US dairy cattle is not the same as the one confirmed in the domestically acquired human case in BC. No cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canadian dairy cattle, and there is no evidence of its presence in Canadian milk samples.

CDC Calls for Expanding Testing

Federal health officials called for more testing of farmworkers after a CDC study showed that 7% of those tested in Michigan and Colorado had antibodies indicative of a previous H5N1 infection. Only one of the eight workers reported working with infected cows, despite all eight of them doing so. CDC explained in a statement that “…there are two primary ways that workers in the United States have been infected with H5N1 virus: via exposure to infected poultry during culling activities, and through exposure to infected dairy cows, including while caring for sick cows, or when working in a milking parlor, the area on the farm where cows are milked.”

Based on this, the agency has updated its existing recommendation on actions to prevent exposures to H5N1 infected animals, including:

  • “Decreasing human exposure through One Health control strategies and biosecurity to limit H5N1 virus infections in animals.”
  • “Enhancing personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance to more clearly detail what PPE is appropriate for exposure risk levels (high, medium, and low) in farming and poultry culling operations, alongside more robust worker training on proper use of PPE.”
  • “Identifying exposed workers and providing appropriate testing as well as post-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., efforts to limit spread of disease), and treatment (e.g., antivirals).”
  • “Offering testing to asymptomatic workers with a high-risk exposure who reported not wearing relevant PPE or who experienced a PPE breach or failure.”
  • “Increasing outreach and education with farm workers, employers, and advocacy groups to stress and ensure understanding of these messages and strategies.”

The CDC has also updated recommendations for testing and offering oral antiviral medications. This includes the recommendation that asymptomatic workers with a PPE-unprotected, high-risk exposure to sick animals be offered oseltamivir. The statement explains that a high-risk exposure “could include an unprotected splash in the face with raw cow milk from an infected or potentially infected cow, or not using recommended PPE during activities to depopulate poultry at a poultry farm with known H5N1.” The recommendations also include offering influenza A(H5) testing to asymptomatic workers who have had a high-risk exposure to animals infected with H5N1, whether or not that worker chooses to begin PEP.

The Pandemic Agreement Will Not Be Ready by December

Co-chairs of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou and Precious Matsoso, explained at a media briefing earlier this week that the pandemic agreement will not be adopted at a special World Health Assembly next month as initially thought. They indicated that this was because countries need “more time,” though the INB is already in its 12th meeting following 32 months of negotiations. Ambassador Amprou said at the briefing, “Today, member states agreed we need to conclude the agreement as soon as possible and continue negotiations into 2025 with the goal of concluding the agreement by the next WHA scheduled in May 2025, so we are moving in the right direction with a strong political commitment by member states.”’

Africa CDC Launches Mpox Drug Trial

The Africa CDC recently announced the launch of a trial of the antiviral drug brincidofovir as a treatment for mpox. Brincidofovir, sold under the brand name Tembexa, is a prodrug of cidofovir and is currently approved in the United States to treat smallpox. The trial, “The MpOx Study in Africa (MOSA),” will evaluate the safety and efficacy of brincidofovir with the drug’s developer, Emergent BioSolutions, announcing that it will be conducted and sponsored by PANTHER-the pandemic preparedness platform for health and emerging infectious response.

The trial was announced shortly after the total number of cases of mpox in this outbreak surpassed 50,000. Jean Kaseya, MD, Director General of Africa CDC, said in a statement “Africa is not just responding to the Mpox outbreak; we are leading the charge by spearheading research and development for Mpox therapeutics…The MpOx Study in Africa is a groundbreaking step toward developing an effective treatment that will save lives. This goes beyond research—it’s about African ownership and leadership in tackling our continent’s health challenges through essential research.”

Ukrainian General Staff Reports 323 Uses of Russian CW Use in October

Ukraine’s General Staff reported on November 8 that it had detected 323 Russian uses of CW on the battlefield in October. This brings the total to 4,613 uses reported by Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. An August investigation from the Kyiv Independent showed that Russia’s use of CW is growing, with some Ukrainian soldiers reporting dealing with up to six attacks daily. The United Kingdom announced sanctions against relevant Russian units last month, and the US Department of State cited Russian use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops in its announcement of more than 280 sanctions against individuals and entities tied to Russia earlier this year.

Emerging Infectious Diseases-“Vol 30, No. 14 Supplement – Reports from the US Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program”

David M. Brett-Major writes in this issue of CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases‘ introduction, “This supplement contains new technical outputs and perspectives from the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) program within the Department of Defense (DoD). GEIS develops, invests in, disseminates, and integrates information from health surveillance activities conducted by military, academic, public health, and other partners. GEIS-funded researchers from around the world provide novel surveillance data that are used to update the military and civilian outputs from this long-standing initiative.”

“Trump Administration’s Chance to Lead on Pandemic Preparedness”

Syra Madad discusses the incoming administration’s opportunity to leverage lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in this piece from the Belfer Center, writing in part “As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it faces a pivotal moment to leverage hard-earned lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more resilient, pandemic-prepared nation. The challenges of managing the first year of COVID-19 exposed critical vulnerabilities in our fragmented public health infrastructure and decentralized healthcare system. The administration is now uniquely positioned to prioritize pandemic preparedness as a matter of national security. This proactive approach is more important than ever, particularly given the current threat posed by H5N1 avian influenza, which is spreading rapidly among wild birds – among other species and causing outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy herds. Recent human cases among farmworkers exposed to infected livestock further underscore the urgency of this threat.”

“Cyberattacks on Healthcare: A Global Threat That Can’t Be Ignored”

Vibhu Mishra wrote this piece discussing UNSC’s interest in protecting healthcare infrastructure against cyberattacks for UN News: “An alarming surge in ransomware attacks is putting the world’s healthcare infrastructure at critical risk, endangering patient safety and destabilising health systems, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday, as the Security Council convened to discuss strategies to counter the growing threat.”

Read more here and read the WHO Director-General’s remarks from the meeting here.

“Robust Biosecurity Measures Should Be Standardized at Scientific Cloud Labs”

Jeffrey Lee and Barbara Del Castello recently authored this commentary piece for the RAND Corporation. In it, they discuss clous labs and argue that “By adopting comprehensive security measures, including routine evaluations and monitoring via artificial intelligence (AI), the scientific community, ideally through a consortium, can harness the full potential of cloud labs while ensuring safe and secure research environments.”

“The U.S. Could Soon Face a Threat ‘More Powerful’ Than Nuclear Weapons”

Ashish K. Jha, Matt Pottinger and Matthew McKnight discuss the implications of rapid advancement in synthetic biology and how to achieve bioweapons deterrence in this Washington Post opinion piece. They point to the importance of superior intelligence gathering and analysis, writing that “For deterrence to work, Washington and its allies must have a robust, pervasive system for tracking and, where possible, eliminating highly dangerous research around the world.” However, they explain that the primary challenge to expanding and improving US BIOINT efforts is not technology, but resolve, with Congress having recently watered down the Biden administration’s budget request for pandemic prevention and biosurveillance efforts outlined in the 2023 Biodefense Posture Review remaining underfunded. They conclude that BIOINT alone won’t deter adversaries, but that all necessary elements of bioweapons deterrence depend on world-class BIOINT.

“Developing Guardrails for AI Biodesign Tools”

From NTI: “The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the life sciences offers tremendous potential benefits to society, but advances in AI biodesign tools also pose significant risks of misuse, with the potential for global consequences.”

“AI biodesign tools (BDTs) are technologies that enable the engineering of biological systems. These tools are trained on biological data and are developed to provide insights, predictions, and designs related to biological systems. BDTs have the potential to drive progress in the development of new therapeutics and are likely to have a significant impact across the broader bioeconomy, including in agriculture, health, and materials science. However, there are risks BDTs could be misused to design dangerous pathogens, and few safeguards exist to ensure that the benefits of these technologies can be realized safely and securely.”

“Innovative strategies are needed to reduce the risks associated with potential misuse of biological design tools without significantly hindering beneficial uses. This report identifies a number of strategies, referred to as guardrails, that could be developed to safeguard BDTs against misuse.”

Read the report here.

What We’re Listening To🎧

Build the Base Podcast-Tracy Frost and Dr. Kate Sixt, DoD Research and Engineering OUSD
“In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with Tracy Frost, Director of Technology Industrial Innovation Base, and Dr. Kate Sixt, Principal Director for Biotechnology at the Department of Defense. The conversation explores the revolutionary intersection of biotechnology and national security, diving into how the DoD is leveraging bio-manufacturing to strengthen domestic supply chains and innovate defense capabilities. From converting waste products into valuable materials to creating new pathways for manufacturing critical components, the discussion reveals how public-private partnerships are reshaping America’s industrial base.”

One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 Book Launch

The Writer’s Center is hosting a book launch for Dr. Laura Kahn’s new book, One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 (blurb below) on November 23 at 2 pm EST in Bethesda, MD. Learn more and RSVP here.

“One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 unpacks the mysteries of COVID-19’s origins to impart important lessons for future outbreaks. The One Health concept recognizes the interconnected links among the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. By comparing the history, science, and clinical presentations of three different coronaviruses—SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—Kahn uncovers insights with important repercussions for how to prepare and avoid future pandemics. The One Health approach provides a useful framework for examining the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the origins of this zoonotic disease requires investigating the environmental and molecular biological factors that allowed the virus to spread to humans. The book explores the many ways in which the wild animal trade, wet markets, and the camel industry contributed to the spread of the earlier SARS-CoV-1 and MERS coronaviruses. For SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Kahn examines the biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics implications of gain-of-function research on pandemic potential pathogens. This book is a must read to understand the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Enhancing the Resilience of Healthcare and Public Health Critical Infrastructure

From NASEM: “Healthcare and public health infrastructure, technology, and operations are rapidly changing and are increasingly interdependent and interconnected. Threats to the nation’s critical social and physical infrastructure systems are also rapidly evolving and highly complex—posing potentially new or growing risks of disruption and challenging the assumptions used to design and protect these systems.”

“The National Academies Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies will host a hybrid public workshop to explore strategies, policies, and innovative actions to improve the resilience of healthcare and public health (HPH) critical infrastructure to impacts from disasters and other emergencies.”

This event will take place in DC on December 9 and 10. Register here.

Resilience in the Face of Global Risks

From CSR: “The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) cordially invites you to our first annual CSR symposium, Resilience in the Face of Global Risks, scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is the first event bringing together all three of CSR’s institutions—the Center for Climate & Security, the Converging Risks Lab, and the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons—to engage with leaders across our mission sets.”

“The United States and its allies face a complex global security landscape where systemic risks like climate and ecological crisis, nuclear proliferation, and biological threats are blending with war, geopolitical competition, and human insecurity in new and profound ways. While there has been tremendous leadership—and meaningful progress—across these overlapping risk areas, they require persistent innovation in community building to meet the modern risk landscape.”

“The symposium will dive into the progress our communities have made—and how our passionate communities can better work together to help shape the future.”

“In addition to a keynote address, guests will hear from panels, take part in breakout sessions showcasing important issues and new ideas, plus engage with thought leaders between sessions. It will be a widely attended gathering, free to attendees.”

“As we enter a new year with an exceptionally dynamic security environment, we hope CSR’s December event will inspire and build a stronger community across professionals dedicated to anticipating and addressing the world’s greatest risks. We appreciate your consideration and hope you will be able to join us on the 10th of December.”

RSVP here.

2024 CBD S&T Conference

From DTRA: “The CBD S&T Conference brings together the most innovative and influential chemical and biological defense community members from around the globe to share insights and collaborate on the emerging chem-bio threats of tomorrow.”

“Join the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Chemical and Biological Technologies Department in its role as the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for Chemical and Biological Defense, an integral component of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program, as we Focus Forward to uncover novel concepts and examine groundbreaking discoveries within the chem-bio defense landscape.”

“The 2024 CBD S&T Conference will be held at the Broward County Convention Center, December 2–5, 2024.”

Learn more and register here.

Health Security Intelligence: Managing Threats Risks and Hazards Post-Covid 19
“As  the acute impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, many unaddressed questions remain for Australia about how to better prepare for the next likely health threat, risk or hazard.”

“In addition to how we enhance national public health capacity, what are the important lessons we can learn from the pandemic from national security and biosecurity perspectives?”

“Given the likelihood of another pandemic at some point, an increasingly uncertain geo-political order and the potential exploitation of biotechnology by bad actors how does Australia and its allies better prepare for a future of increasingly complex health security and biological security threats, risks and hazards?”

“This event is for all health security intelligence stakeholders (policy-makers, national security staff, scientists, researchers and clinicians) who work across the one health continuum and national security agencies.”

“It will introduce participants to Charles Sturt’s extensive research agenda across the one health biosecurity, health and biological security and discuss both their national security and scientific implications.  You will hear briefings from key researchers across both STEM and social sciences disciplines working on assessing key health security threats, risks and hazards relevant to your work.”

This event will take place in-person and over livestream on December 4 from 2-4 pm AEDT. Learn more and register here.

NEW: “New Public Health Cybersecurity Readiness Survey Set to Boost Preparedness Against Cyber Threats”

“The co-chairs of the Joint Public Health Cybersecurity Task Group of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) published a special announcement letter announcing the launch of the Public Health Cybersecurity Readiness Survey. The move aims to enhance the cybersecurity preparedness of state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) public health agencies. Participants can expect the anonymous survey to take about 15 minutes to complete, and it will be open until Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.”

Read more and access the survey here.

The Schar School is Hiring!

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor. Expertise in international security, national security, homeland security, emergency management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the defense industrial base, or transnational crime and corruption will be regarded positively. Candidates whose work focuses on climate security, technological change, and the future of warfare, or domestic extremism are also encouraged to apply, as are candidates with regional expertise. Details can be found here: https://listings.jobs.gmu.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-fairfax-va-virginia-united-states-other.

US AI Safety Institute Issues RFI on Responsible Development of Chem-Bio Models

From AISI: “The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (U.S. AISI), housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), released a Request for Information seeking insight from stakeholders regarding the responsible development and use of chemical and biological (chem-bio) AI models.”

“Input from a broad range of experts in this field will help the U.S. AISI to develop well-informed approaches to assess and mitigate the potential risks of chem-bio AI models, while enabling safe and responsible innovation.”

“Respondents are encouraged to provide concrete examples, best practices, case studies, and actionable recommendations where possible. The full RFI can be found here.”

“The comment period is now open and will close on December 3, 2024, at 11:59PM Eastern Time. Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov, under docket no. 240920-0247.”

Pandora Report 10.25.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

Happy almost Halloween! This week’s Pandora Report includes news from the Biodefense Graduate Program and discussion of the Biden administration’s latest National Security Memorandum, a new multilateral effort from the US, Canada, and Mexico to improve regional health security, the WHO’s praise for Rwanda’s swift and effective Marburg response, and more.

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions on the Biodefense Graduate Program

If you are interested in a career in biodefense or global health security or want to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work at the nexus of health, science, and security, find out what the Schar School of Policy and Government has to offer. 

The Schar School PhD programs will be holding a virtual open house on Wednesday, October 30 from 6-7:30 PM. Please join Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, to learn more about the Biodefense PhD program and ask any questions you may have. Register here.

GMU Biodefense Students Tour Mason’s Biomedical Research Laboratory

Last week twelve Biodefense students had the opportunity to visit George Mason’s 52,000 square-foot Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL) located on the SciTech campus in Manassas, Virginia. The BRL was inactive after being decontaminated for annual maintenance . The tour, led by the BRL’s Director of Research Operations, Rachel Pepin, provided students with a firsthand look at Mason’s Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and supporting Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) labs. Among the many highlights was the BRL’s autoclaves and gloveboxes, which left students impressed.

The BRL is one of 12 Regional Biocontainment Labs in the United States funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases NIAID. Constructed in 2010, it became an active “hot” lab in 2012. Fifteen Mason faculty members and thirty students at any time work within the facility on research pertaining to a variety of infectious diseases, new vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The stated mission of Mason’s BRL is to 1) advance pathogen biology, 2) train the future workforce to safely handle infectious agents and conduct innovative research in BSL-3 environments, 3) evaluate diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, and 4) serve as a resource in the event of a bioterrorism or infectious disease emergency. Overall, students gained an appreciation for the critical work and numerous safety controls in George Mason’s BSL-3 laboratory.

This write up was written by Biodefense MS Student Will MacDonald.

OPCW Workshop on Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks for Chemical Security
On October 21-22, 2024, Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, attended a meeting of chemical security experts sponsored by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to discuss best practices for establishing legislative frameworks for chemical security. According to INTERPOL, from the records of 4,100 captured ISIS members, 109 of them have a background related to chemistry, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Meanwhile, across the word, the chemical industry and trade are rapidly growing, increasing the risk of toxic chemicals being misused, especially by non-state actors. Many countries are therefore seeking to strengthen their legal and regulatory regimes to address risks such as attacks on chemical facilities, the theft of toxic chemicals, or their release with malicious intent. Initial take-aways from the meeting included a recognition that there is an urgent need for robust national legislative frameworks for chemical security in many countries, that national threat assessments and risk analyses should be the basis for identifying legislative needs, and best practices are most useful if they can be adapted to country-specific contexts and resource setting. This meeting of an international group of chemical security experts kicks off a longer-term discussion on best practices for establishing legislative frameworks for chemical security sponsored by the Implementation Support Branch of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division at OPCW.
A Risky Review of Research
On September 25, 2024, Senator Rand Paul introduced a revised version of the Risky Research Review Act (S. 4667) which was voted out of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee by a vote of 8-1. In a recent OpEd in StatNews, Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, and David Gillum and Rebecca Moritz, past presidents of the American Biosafety Association (ABSA) wrote of the original bill: “this legislation threatens to cast a shadow over the future of life sciences research and slow it down.” While this revised bill contains some positive changes, it remains deeply flawed and does not represent a viable solution to the challenges posed by dual-use research. You can read their analysis of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the revised Risky Research Review Act here.
Russia Expanding Secret BSL-4 Lab at Sergiev Posad
The Washington Post has identified new construction activity at Sergiev Posad-6, part of the former Soviet and current Russian biological weapons program, consistent with the building of additional high containment laboratories, including BSL-4 lab suites. The construction started in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which was accompanied by unfounded allegations that Ukraine was developing biological weapons with the help of the United States and other NATO countries. Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, is quoted in the article as saying, “I would not be surprised if some influential segment of the Russian national security community has drunk the Kool-Aid and really believes that the United States really is developing biological weapons.” Satellite imagery obtained and analyzed by the Washington Post has identified the construction of “10 new buildings, totaling more than 250,000 square feet, with several of them bearing hallmarks of biological labs designed to handle extremely dangerous pathogens.” The Global BioLabs Initiative identified Sergiev Posad-6 as having a BSL-4 lab in 2021. The existence of a BSL-4 lab at this site was confirmed by a 2017 scientific article co-authored by a researcher at the 48th Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense at Sergiev Posad. Russia has not declared the existence of a BSL-4 lab at this site on Form A of the confidence building measures that it submits to the Biological Weapons Convention. 

White House Releases New National Security Memorandum on Advancing AI Leadership

The Biden administration issued this week the first-ever National Security Memorandum (MSM) on AI. The NSM direct the federal government to take steps to 1) “ensure that the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI,” 2) “harness cutting-edge AI technologies to advance the U.S. Government’s national security mission,” and 3) “advance international consensus and governance around AI.”

The NSM directives are focused on actions to improve chip supply chain security and diversity, making collection on competitors’ operations against the US AI sector a top-tier intelligence priority, formally designating the AI Safety Institute, doubling down on the National AI Research Resource, directing “the National Economic Council to coordinate an economic assessment of the relative competitive advantage of the United States private sector AI ecosystem,” and more.

Among its other measures, the NSM also directs the creation of a Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security, which was published alongside the NSM. This framework and any successor document will specify that each covered agency has a chief AI officer and guidance boards, offer guidance on AI activities that pose “unacceptable levels of risk and that shall be prohibited,” and more.

A fact sheet for the new NSM is available here.

US, Canada, and Mexico Announce Efforts to Improve Regional Health Security

This week, the US Departments of Health and Human Services, State, Agriculture, and Homeland Security, along with their counterparts in Canada and Mexico made good on commitments made at the 2021 and 2023 North American Leaders’ Summits in releasing the North American Preparedness for Animal and Human Pandemics Initiative (NAPAHPI). NAPAHPI is “…a flexible, scalable, and cross-sectoral platform to strengthen regional capacities for prevention, preparedness, and response to a broad range of health security threats that builds on lessons learned from COVID-19 and other health security events in the last decade. It is based on a long-standing trilateral collaboration under the 2007 North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza and the 2012 North American Plan for Animal and Pandemic Influenza. This initiative recognizes that the high degree of interconnectedness among our three countries of our critical infrastructure, supply chains, and societies means that disruptions affecting one country often impact the others. Only by working together can we protect the health security of our region.”

Learn more here.
Egypt Declared Malaria Free

Egypt was officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization this week. Following Morocco and the UAE, Egypt is just the third country in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region to receive this certification. Globally, 44 countries and one territory currently have this designation.

“This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. “I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.”

WHO Praises Rwanda’s Marburg Response

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Rwanda’s response to its Marburg virus outbreak, noting their success in treating patients infected with this especially deadly disease. As of earlier this week, Rwanda has made it a full week with no new cases, and its total number of patients still in treatment is down to just one. “Leadership from the highest levels of government is essential in any outbreak response, and that’s what we see here in Rwanda,” Tedros said during the press briefing. The Director-General also noted that multiple patients experiencing multiple organ failure were put on life support, intubated, and eventually extubated. “We believe this is the first time patients with Marburg virus have been extubated in Africa. These patients would have died in previous outbreaks,” Tedros explained. 

Burgers, Deli Meat, and Waffles-Oh My! US Responding to E. Coli and Listeria Outbreaks

It has been a rough couple of weeks for many major food suppliers in the United States amid headlines about recalls and reports of multiple cases of E. coli and listeria across the country. McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and other restaurant chains have pulled onions from their menus following an outbreak of E. coli traced back to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. The CDC announced this week it is investigating 49 cases linked to “slivered onions used in the Quarter Pounder and sourced by a single supplier than serves three distribution centers.” One person is dead and ten more have been hospitalized. The supplier, Taylor Farms, has issued a recall on all of its peeled, diced, and whole peeled yellow onion packs due to potential contamination.

This comes amid multiple listeria outbreaks affecting several kinds of products, including deli meat, frozen waffles and pancakes, and even salmon. While these recalls are certainly nothing to ignore, they might not necessarily be happening more frequently than before as some have suggested. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, told CBS this week that “Every step of food processing, there’s the opportunity for contamination. That’s number one. Consumers want ready-to-eat food, so of course, they’re more processed as a result.” She continued, saying “We have better tests. So it used to be we might not have been aware or known what made you sick. Now we can actually test, detect and tell you what made you sick.”

“Assessing the Burden of and Potential Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance”

From NASEM: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is linked to millions of deaths globally each year. As an evolving public health threat, there is a need to further develop methods to quantify AMR’s burden within medical practice and other sectors like food production. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop in March 2024 to explore the burden of AMR and discuss clinical, scientific, and policy strategies for addressing the growing AMR health threat across sectors.”

“This proceedings highlights the presentations and discussions that occurred at the workshop.”

“The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk: 2024 Report”

From GPMB: “The 21st century has seen a significant rise in global health threats. Epidemics and pandemics are now a constant danger rather than rare events. The 2024 GPMB report, The changing face of pandemic risk, is a call to action for global leaders, policy-makers, health professionals, and communities to build a safer, more resilient future. It outlines the key drivers of pandemic risk and provides a roadmap for strengthening our defences.”

“Mpox: Neglect Has Led to a More Dangerous Virus Now Spreading Across Borders, Harming and Killing People. Leaders Must Take Action to Stop Mpox Now”

McNab et al. recently published this opinion article in PLOS Global Public Health, writing in part “In other words, mpox is an ever-growing regional health crisis in Africa, and without urgent action to stop the epidemics when and where they occur, it will continue to spread across borders and continents. The few tools we have that could help to stop the outbreaks have yet to become adequately available in the most affected low-income countries where they are urgently required, as is financing to support the public health response. Mpox cannot be allowed to continue spreading widely across the African continent or anywhere. The world cannot continue to simply ‘learn’, but not apply the costly lessons of neglecting disease outbreaks.”

“Are We Ready For A Bird Flu Vaccination Campaign?”

Ram Koppaka and Richard Hughes IV discuss the possibility of H5N1 human transmission and a hypothetical mass vaccination program against this virus in this piece for Health Affairs. They write in their conclusion, “The most recent pandemic clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of our existing level of vaccine preparedness. So far, we have failed to seize this moment and put in place the infrastructure to support immunization of both children and adults. Worse still, it indicates a failure to learn some of the pandemic’s hardest lessons. As a result, we are destined to once again endure the consequences, knowing that they had been largely avoidable…Or we can do it differently this time. We can act now to be truly ready and prepared to mount a mass vaccination campaign against the next pandemic threat—whenever it comes. We have risen to the occasion before, and we can do it again.”

“COVID, Mpox, Cholera: Is the World Prepared for Another Pandemic?”

Faras Ghani discusses recent outbreaks and infectious disease developments, alongside analysis of global lack of adequate access to essential healthcare services and an interview with Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, Vice President of Global Health Strategy at the UN Foundation, in this piece for Al Jazeera.

“Inside the Bungled Bird Flu Response, Where Profits Collide With Public Health”

Katherine Eban discusses the USDA’s action or lack thereof in responding to H5N1 cases in Texas dairy cattle in this Vanity Fair article, writing in her summary “When dairy cows in Texas began falling ill with H5N1, alarmed veterinarians expected a fierce response to contain an outbreak with pandemic-sparking potential. Then politics—and, critics say, a key agency’s mandate to protect dairy-industry revenues—intervened.”

“Combining AI Breakthroughs and Better Policy to Defeat Superbugs”

Akhila Kosaraju discusses the transformative opportunity AI poses in addressing AMR in this piece for the Stanford Social Innovation Review: “Superbugs may have met their match in generative AI, but to fully tackle the crisis of antimicrobial resistance, policy makers need to find new ways to help scientists and researchers overcome long-standing obstacles and revitalize a broken antibiotic market.”

“NTI | Bio Champions Effort to Enhance Transparency to Strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention”

From NTI: “From September 30 to October 2, 2024, NTI | bio convened more than 30 experts for a workshop on enhancing transparency for bioscience research and development and bolstering confidence in compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the workshop gathered an international group of participants from 15 countries spread across five continents with expertise in biosecurity and biotechnology governance and international security, as well as previous experience working to establish a verification mechanism for the BWC and involvement in ongoing discussions to strengthen the Convention.”

“The meeting updated existing concepts and generated new ideas about options to enhance transparency in regard to BWC compliance. NTI helped frame these discussions by tabling a concept paper on this topic, and the group discussed approaches to advance these goals, including through scientific and technical measures for data collection and analysis, procedural approaches, and institutional structures to house such efforts. Dozens of approaches were discussed during the meeting which will inform NTI’s continued efforts to highlight and explore promising opportunities to further advance this work.”

Read more here.

“Preparing for Ecological Disruption: A Strategic Foresight Approach to Ecological Security”

Lily Boland recently authored this report for the Council on Strategic Risks: “This report leverages insights gained from the use of strategic foresight as an approach for better anticipating how risks to global security are heightened by ecological disruption. It offers a range of use-cases for applying the foresight toolkit to the field of ecological security and to establish a knowledge base to assist practitioners, governments, and institutions in enhancing their anticipatory decision-making and planning processes for addressing the security ramifications of large-scale destabilization and decline of the biosphere and ecosystems.”

“How Zombies and Vampires Help Me Grapple with Disaster”

Neil Vora, a physician who has served in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and now treats TB patients and works with Conservation International, discusses what many in this field know all too well-an obsession with works of horror, especially those about contagions and disasters. Vora explains in part, “To help manage my anxieties about the fate of the world, I often turn to scary stories about contagions and other doomsday scenarios. This may seem counterintuitive, but I find the horror genre to be a perfect sandbox to explore pressing societal problems without real-world repercussions. Horror allows me to navigate my fears to their extremes from the comforts of my living room.”

However, the author also cautions, “But while fictionalized catastrophes help me grapple with my worst fears, I’ve also come to realize that consuming them without a critical eye can lead to a paralyzing level of despair—a luxury we can’t afford at this pivotal moment in history.”

While you’re at it, check out this episode of the Poisons and Pestilence podcast guest starring Biodefense PhD Program alumna and faculty member Saskia Popescu reviewing the films, Contagion and Outbreak, and read about her intro to the field at just 9-years-old via Richard Preston’s book, The Hot Zone.

NEW: Vision for Health Forum

From Johns Hopkins: We hope you can join us in November for the Vision for Health Forum with collaboration between Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. 

Panel Discussion 
Moderator:  
M. Shafeeq Ahmed, M.D., MBA, F.A.C.O.G
President, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

Topic: Partnership between JHHCMC and APL
Jeanette Nazarian, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer- Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center 

Topic: Revolutionizing Health through Science and Engineering
Sheri Lewis, MPH, Deputy Mission Area Executive, Global Health -Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab 

Topic: APL-HCMC Partnership for Project Firstline: Safeguarding Our Nation’s Frontline Healthcare Workers
Lucy Carruth, Ph.D, Assistant Program Manager- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab 
Brian Damit, Ph.D, Project Manager- Johns Hopkins Applied Physic Lab 

This event will take place at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory on November 4 at 4:30 pm EST. Learn more here.

The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series

From PNNL: “Please join us in welcoming Drs. Matthew Kasper and Lindsay Morton from the Department of Defense (DoD) Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) program for their talk titled “Challenges and Opportunities in Pathogen Agnostic Sequencing for Public Health Surveillance: Lessons Learned From the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program.” This webinar will take place Tuesday, October 29th, at noon PT.”

Learn more and register here.

13th Annual Jonathan Tucker Symposium

“The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies cordially invites you to the 13th annual Jonathan Tucker Symposium on chemical and biological weapons issues on November 13th and 14th, 2024.”

Among this year’s speakers are Dr. Yong-Bee Lim, an alumnus of the Biodefense PhD Program and Deputy Director of the Converging Risks Lab and Biosecurity Projects Manager at the Council on Strategic Risks, who will give a talk titled “Technology Democratization and its Implications for CBW Safety and Security: Lessons Learned from Engagement with Non-Traditional Communities.”

Learn more and register here.

One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 Book Launch

The Writer’s Center is hosting a book launch for Dr. Laura Kahn’s new book, One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 (blurb below) on November 23 at 2 pm EST in Bethesda, MD. Learn more and RSVP here.

“One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 unpacks the mysteries of COVID-19’s origins to impart important lessons for future outbreaks. The One Health concept recognizes the interconnected links among the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. By comparing the history, science, and clinical presentations of three different coronaviruses—SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—Kahn uncovers insights with important repercussions for how to prepare and avoid future pandemics. The One Health approach provides a useful framework for examining the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the origins of this zoonotic disease requires investigating the environmental and molecular biological factors that allowed the virus to spread to humans. The book explores the many ways in which the wild animal trade, wet markets, and the camel industry contributed to the spread of the earlier SARS-CoV-1 and MERS coronaviruses. For SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Kahn examines the biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics implications of gain-of-function research on pandemic potential pathogens. This book is a must read to understand the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

2024 CBD S&T Conference

From DTRA: “The CBD S&T Conference brings together the most innovative and influential chemical and biological defense community members from around the globe to share insights and collaborate on the emerging chem-bio threats of tomorrow.”

“Join the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Chemical and Biological Technologies Department in its role as the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for Chemical and Biological Defense, an integral component of the Chemical and Biological Defense Program, as we Focus Forward to uncover novel concepts and examine groundbreaking discoveries within the chem-bio defense landscape.”

“The 2024 CBD S&T Conference will be held at the Broward County Convention Center, December 2–5, 2024.”

Learn more and register here.

BID2025 Stakeholder Input Request
“From BARDA: We are excited to host our next BARDA Industry Day (BID) conference on June 30 – July 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C.! BID2025 will delve into the critical intersection of health security and sustainability with experts from various sectors to discuss cutting-edge medical countermeasure (MCM) innovations and strategies.”

“We want to make sure that the event reflects the interests of our attendees. Your feedback will help us curate sessions, speakers, and topics that are relevant and engaging for you. This short questionnaire should take no more than three minutes to complete. Please share your thoughts on what you would like to see at the conference by October 30, 2024.“

Share thoughts here.

US AI Safety Institute Issues RFI on Responsible Development of Chem-Bio Models

From AISI: “The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (U.S. AISI), housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), released a Request for Information seeking insight from stakeholders regarding the responsible development and use of chemical and biological (chem-bio) AI models.”

“Input from a broad range of experts in this field will help the U.S. AISI to develop well-informed approaches to assess and mitigate the potential risks of chem-bio AI models, while enabling safe and responsible innovation.”

“Respondents are encouraged to provide concrete examples, best practices, case studies, and actionable recommendations where possible. The full RFI can be found here.”

“The comment period is now open and will close on December 3, 2024, at 11:59PM Eastern Time. Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov, under docket no. 240920-0247.”

Pandora Report 10.4.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers the recently-reported outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Rwanda, the recent discovery of four more Missouri healthcare workers who experienced respiratory symptoms after caring for a patient infected with H5 avian influenza, new human cases of bird flu in California, and more.

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions on the Biodefense Graduate Program

If you are interested in a career in biodefense or global health security or want to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work at the nexus of health, science, and security, find out what the Schar School of Policy and Government has to offer. 

A virtual open house for the MS in Biodefense will be held online on Thursday, October 17, 7 to 8 p.m. ET . The Biodefense Program offers flexible part-time or full-time options that teach applicable, real-world skills for bridging the gap between science and policy.  The online session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes.  Register here.

The Schar School PhD programs will be holding a virtual open house on Wednesday, October 30 from 6-7:30 PM. Please join Dr. Gregory Koblentz, director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, to learn more about the Biodefense PhD program and ask any questions you may have. Register here.

Marburg Outbreak Confirmed in Rwanda

Last week, the Rwanda Ministry of Health announced that it had confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the country. Blood samples taken from symptomatic people were tested using RT-PCR, and were found to be positive for Marburg virus. So far, there have been 36 confirmed cases and eleven deaths across at least seven of the country’s 30 districts. As of last week, over 70% of cases were in healthcare workers from two locations in Kigali, the nation’s capital. More than 300 contacts have been traced so far.

This is the first time MVD has been reported in the country, and the WHO has emphasized that it is likely the disease will spread to neighboring countries, many of which are currently struggling amid the mpox outbreak. There is currently no available treatment or vaccine for MVD. WHO has assessed the risk of this outbreak to be very high nationally, high regionally, and low globally.

MVD, formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is severe, often fatal in humans, and is caused by a virus in the Filoviridae family, which also includes Ebola virus. Egyptian fruit bats are natural hosts of the virus; it is spread from them to people, and it then spreads further via human-to-human transmission. While the average MVD case fatality rate is about 50%, this has varied from 24% to 88% during past outbreaks. Early supportive care improves survival odds.

Experts are concerned as there were already more than two dozen confirmed cases by the time the Rwandan government announced the outbreak. It can take as long as 21 days between exposure and symptom onset with MVD. Furthermore, because Rwanda has never had an outbreak before, healthcare professionals may have not been suspicious of MVD and did not think to test for it. All of these are worrying signs that the disease may have been circulating in the country for a few weeks before the announcement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory on Thursday to inform clinicians and health departments in the US about the outbreak and advise them to be aware of the potential for imported cases.

Read more:

World Leaders Announce Target of 10% Fewer Superbug Deaths by 2030

World leaders gathered during a meeting at the UN General Assembly announced a new political declaration on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that was signed by 193 member states. Each year, AMR is linked to 4.7 million deaths, and that number is projected to reach 8.2 million by 2050. The declaration calls for increased action across sectors like farming, pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental protection, and healthcare to combat AMR. Furthermore, it calls for financial support for poorer countries, who are most affected by this issue, and to commit to scaling up efforts in order to reduce AMR-related deaths by 10% by the end of the decade. The declaration also invites the Quadripartite organizations (WHO, UN Environment Programme, World Organisation for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) to create an independent panel to provide scientific evidence to support strategies to combat AMR. They will also update a global AMR action plan by 2026.

Avian Influenza Updates

Four More Missouri Healthcare Workers Develop Respiratory Symptoms After Contact with Bird Flu Patient

Four more healthcare workers who came into contact with a hospitalized bird flu patient in August are now confirmed to have later developed mild respiratory symptoms, bring the total to six. The Missouri patient had no contact with infected animals. One worker tested negative on a flu test, while the others’ symptoms were discovered too late to do testing. Missouri is continuing to investigate this situation with CDC’s assistance.

New Human Cases in California

CDC has confirmed two additional human cases of H5 bird flu from specimens submitted by California. Both cases are in people with occupational exposure to infected cattle. While California’s investigation is ongoing, there is no known link or contact between the two cases, which suggests these are two separate instances of animal-to-human spread of the virus. As the identification of H5 in people with exposure to infected animals is expected, CDC has not changed its risk assessment for the general public.

Read more:

ISC Announces Expert Group for the Biological Weapons Convention

The International Science Council (ISC) recently announced the formation of its Expert Group dedicated to enhancing the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). In May, ISC and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs were jointly awarded a grant by the Geneva Science Policy Interface to strengthen the BWC. In a statement, ISC said this “…initiative is a significant step toward integrating scientific advancements into the operations of the BWC, addressing the critical need for a structured mechanism to review relevant science and technology developments.”

It further explained that “The ISC project “Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention” fosters collaboration between BWC delegates and scientific experts, developing methodologies that build mutual understanding and trust. By facilitating targeted discussions and creating tailored knowledge products, the initiative aims to equip delegates with tools to tackle current and future biological threats, enhancing the BWC’s effectiveness in global biosecurity.”

Learn more here.

“Inside HHS’ ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Health sector Cybersecurity”

Federal News Network’s Justin Doubleday interviews Biodefense PhD Program alumnus and Schar School adjunct professor Brian Mazanec in this article and accompanying Federal Drive episode. Mazanec is currently the deputy director of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s Center for Preparedness. He discusses how his organization is responding to recent attacks like the Change Healthcare ransomware attacks and what HHS can offer health organizations recovering from major cyber incidents.

“Anonymous Answers: How Can We Manage Infohazards in Biosecurity?”

Anemone Franz and Tessa Alexanian discuss input from eleven experts on how to best manage infohazards in biosecurity in the third part of this series from 80,000 Hours. Answers focus on helping researchers use information responsibly, limiting secrecy to improve problem solving, considering the effects of withholding information, and more.

“Vanishing Workforce: An Antimicrobial Resistance Threat”

James Anderson, Chair of the AMR Industry Alliance, discusses the decline of the antimicrobial research and development field, its importance to the fight against AMR, and how this decline can be reversed, writing in his conclusion, “Ultimately, to meet the need for new antimicrobials that can stay ahead of the resistant bacteria, both the public and private sectors should invest in the people who are responsible for the discovery of antimicrobials to attract and retain the best scientists into the future.”

“Proceedings of Workshop: Mitigating Arboviral Threat and Strengthening Public Health Preparedness”

From NASEM: “Arboviruses, or viruses carried by arthropods like mosquitoes or ticks, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. As the climate changes globally, the geographic distribution of these diseases, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, and yellow fever, are steadily expanding. The National Academies Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop in December 2023 to explore avenues of threat reduction from known and emerging arboviral diseases in the context of public health preparedness and capacity building. The workshop featured talks from experts in entomology, public health, ecology, virology, immunology, disease modeling, and urban planning.”

“This proceedings highlights the presentations and discussions that occurred at the workshop.”

“WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research: Report of the Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, 16-18 April 2024”

“The WHO Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research (TAG-RULS DUR) was established to provide independent advice to WHO on the monitoring and mitigation of biorisks, the advances in the life sciences and related technologies, the governance of dual-use research and the responsible use of the life sciences. The first hybrid meeting of the group took place at WHO headquarters in Geneva, from 16 to 18 April 2024, in order to provide the opportunity for TAG-RULS DUR members to exchange on WHO and related advisory groups activities relevant to their areas of work; to discuss current and upcoming activities related to the implementation of the WHO Global Guidance Framework for the responsible Use of the Life Sciences and to provide technical guidance to WHO.”

Read the meeting report here.

“Exclusive: Sen. Todd Young on biosecurity, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)”

“Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) was recently named Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), established by Congress to recommend policy on biotech and national security. Bio.News spoke to him in an exclusive interview about the work of the commission, the BIOSECURE Act and PASTEUR Act, and more.”

1540 Compass Second Issue

“The second issue of the 1540 Compass explores the critical components of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), with a focus on border and export control systems crucial for its full and effective implementation. This edition particularly underscores the significance of clauses in operative paragraph 3, highlighting the global commitment to securing a world where proliferation risks are minimized through robust domestic controls.”

“This issue offers a comprehensive look at the implementation, especially across Africa, examining the varied approaches to managing exports of biological weapons-related materials. It presents a range of contributions and in-depth interviews that delve into national efforts to develop voluntary action plans and regional collaborations.”

“Discussions also extend to the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, on the resolution, especially concerning the need for end-user controls in exports. The edition further explores strategic trade controls with best practices from selected countries that have effectively implemented such measures.”

“A significant portion of this issue is dedicated to addressing the challenges of proliferation finance, providing insights into the complexities of this area without an official definition and offering practical recommendations for future approaches.”

“In recognizing the role of civil society in preventing weapons of mass destruction proliferation, the journal includes discussions on how various stakeholders can collaborate with governments and international organizations to ensure compliance with the resolution.”

“This issue also introduces a new Letters-to-the-Editor section, encouraging a thoughtful and nuanced discussion within the dedicated community towards enhancing global security through stringent border and export controls.”

“Reforming the Australia Group to Better Combat Biological Threats”

Kyle Wilgus discusses recent moves by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security to remove export controls on biological materials and technologies for companies and individuals residing in nations participating in the Australia Group. He argues that this is an important step in strengthening biotechnology and broader technological innovation because it “…incentivized free, unburdened trade in biological materials and technologies among its members and showcased the potential impact of the Australia Group.” He argues that, in the future, the group should build on this progress by “reformulating and expanding to better mitigate the ever-evolving spectrum of biological threats.”

“Healthy Ecosystems, Healthy Humans”

Tomas Weber discusses how biodiversity acts as a barrier against disease as “Flourishing ecosystems safeguard humans from a panoply of zoonotic illnesses,” in this piece from Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health. He covers multiple drivers of biodiversity loss and research work that is being done to help combat these effects.

“‘He Began to Complain of Sharp Pain in the Stomach”: Official Documents Obtained by The Insider Confirm Navalny Was Poisoned in Prison”

Roman Dobrokhotov re-visits Navalny’s death in this piece, writing in part “The Insider has obtained access to hundreds of official documents related to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death in the Polar Wolf penal colony in the Russian Far North on Feb. 16, 2024. Officially, Navalny’s death was attributed to natural causes, and Russia’s Investigative Committee stated in July that the case “does not have a criminal nature.” However, the contents of the documents in The Insider’s possession demonstrate that Russian authorities consistently removed references to symptoms Navalny was noted by prison doctors to have been suffering — symptoms that did not fit with the Russian state’s official cause of death. As medical experts confirm, these symptoms clearly indicate that Navalny was poisoned.”

“Chemical Terrorism Threat Perceptions”

 In his latest working paper, Alexander Kelle of the Arms Control and Emerging Technologies program at IFSH Hamburg examines the evolving salience of chemical terrorism within the CWC framework and the contribution of the OPCW. He finds that responses have been linked most often to the international cooperation and assistance norms, and regularly noted the work of the Open-Ended Working Group on Terrorism. Read the working paper here.

ICYMI: NTI|Bio Briefs Capitol Hill on Innovative Solutions to Biotechnology Risks

From NTI: “Against a backdrop of growing risks associated with advances in bioscience and biotechnology, NTI | bio and the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation (CACNP) hosted a September 17 Congressional staff briefing on “Preventing Biological Catastrophe and Protecting the U.S. Bioeconomy.”’

“The event, which explored opportunities for Congress and the White House to mitigate the risks, featured a panel discussion on safeguarding evolving capabilities that arise from the combination of artificial intelligence with biotechnology and providing oversight of dual-use life science research of concern. Participants included:

Dr. Ryan Ritterson, specialist lead, Deloitte.

Mr. Daniel Gastfriend, director for Biodefense and Pandemic Preparedness, National Security Council

Dr. Gregory Koblentz, associate professor and director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, George Mason University”

Read more here.

NEW: Synthesis Screening Workshop 2-Securing Bioproduction Against an Evolving Threat Landscape

From AI for SynBio: “Advances in AI are changing the threat landscape in many fields, including in the field of biology. With AI assisted design tools, the complexity and obfuscation potential of the synthetic biological materials is expected to increase. Conversely, the same AI advances can be deployed to help screen DNA/RNA synthesis requests before they can be used for malicious purposes. This workshop seeks insight on current and future advances that will shape both the threat and countermeasure landscapes and prepare the community for the changing threat landscape. The workshop seeks perspectives from academia, industry, and government….The Fall Workshop will focus on the evolving landscape in the years beyond 2026 with an eye towards 2030.”

This hybrid event will take place on October 9. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Airfinity Avian Influenza Webinar

“Join Airfinity and its expert panelists in a discussion of the current avian influenza outbreak. Key topics will include the evolution of the virus, the potential of a recombination event and the current state of pandemic preparedness.”

This event will take place on October 10 at 10 am ET. Learn more and join here.

NEW: Potential Research Priorities to Inform Readiness and Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1)

“The National Academies will host a 2-day virtual public workshop, October 22-23, to explore research priorities for the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in the U.S. Recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, and their shared environment, this workshop will take a One Health approach to bring together federal government agencies, the academic community, and the private sector, as well as other relevant stakeholders across the health, agriculture, and food safety sectors.”

“Workshop discussions will focus on basic science and research areas of concern and may help inform future research that could provide local, national, and global communities with information about virus transmission, mitigation of risks, and appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disease.”

Learn more and register here.

NEW: One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 Book Launch

The Writer’s Center is hosting a book launch for Dr. Laura Kahn’s new book, One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 (blurb below) on November 23 at 2 pm EST in Bethesda, MD. Learn more and RSVP here.

“One Health and the Politics of COVID-19 unpacks the mysteries of COVID-19’s origins to impart important lessons for future outbreaks. The One Health concept recognizes the interconnected links among the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. By comparing the history, science, and clinical presentations of three different coronaviruses—SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—Kahn uncovers insights with important repercussions for how to prepare and avoid future pandemics. The One Health approach provides a useful framework for examining the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the origins of this zoonotic disease requires investigating the environmental and molecular biological factors that allowed the virus to spread to humans. The book explores the many ways in which the wild animal trade, wet markets, and the camel industry contributed to the spread of the earlier SARS-CoV-1 and MERS coronaviruses. For SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Kahn examines the biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics implications of gain-of-function research on pandemic potential pathogens. This book is a must read to understand the geopolitics of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use

Join the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC) for this 3-day in-person course on Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use!  As AI becomes increasingly pervasive across various domains, it is essential that we prioritize responsible principles, policies, and practices. Learn from top AI scholars and industry experts about ethical and safe AI deployment. You’ll also gain the critical skills to navigate the complexities of AI in business, healthcare, transportation and more.
Course Dates: October 15-17, 2024
Registration Deadline: October 8, 2024

FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza

“This Commission meeting, FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza, will be held on Tuesday, October 8th, in Washington, DC. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) national leadership to defend food and agriculture against influenza; (2) federal operational requirements for preparedness, coordination, and response; (3) biosurveillance, forecasting, and the need for diagnostic tests; and (4) front-line needs and partnerships in the fight against influenza.”

This event will take place in-person on October 8 from 9:20 am to 2 pm EST. Learn more and register here.

Register now: https://bit.ly/3zMvZOR

Bio and Beer (October 10)

From the Northern Virginia BioHub: Join us for a panel discussion with local investors as they share their funding priorities, insights on what’s ahead, and tips for meaningful engagement. Also, connect with our dynamic community of professionals from industry, academia, healthcare, investment, and government for a fun evening of networking!

Our panelists include:

  • Deborah Hemingway, Managing Partner, Ecphora Capital
  • Bibhash Mukhopadhyay, Managing Partner, Sound Bioventures
  • Kevin O’Connell, Senior Vice President, In-Q-Tel

Register to attend for free at: https://ibi.gmu.edu/event/october-2024-bio-beer/

Location: JLL Tysons Office, 1800 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, Virginia 22102

Hosted by: The Northern Virginia BioHub

Signature Sponsor: JLL

Additional Sponsors: Virginia Bio, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, and George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation

External Review of Ethical, Legal, Environmental, Safety, Security, and Societal Issues of Engineering Biology Research and Development

From NASEM: “Engineering biology holds significant potential to transform the U.S. and global economy, with promise to deliver innovative solutions in health, climate, energy, food and agriculture, and more. As research and development in engineering biology and other areas of the bioeconomy advance, addressing the societal issues related to these technologies is imperative. As requested by the CHIPS and Science Act, this study will conduct an evaluation of the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other societal issues related to engineering biology, and make recommendations on research needs related to these issues and means to effectively incorporate their consideration into research practice.”

“The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will appoint an ad hoc committee to review and make recommendations on the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development. The committee will address the scholarship and practice of addressing these issues, focusing specifically on:

(1) An assessment of the current knowledge and practice on assessing and mitigating various societal issues including ethical, legal, environmental, safety, and security issues.
(2) A description of the gaps and needs relating to such issues, focusing on approaches for co-generation of assessment approaches and design of products, technologies, and services with users of engineering biology research and development
(3) Actionable recommendations on how the National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative, established by the CHIPS and Science Act, can address the identified gaps and needs.
(4) Actionable recommendations on how researchers across the range of disciplines engaged in engineering biology can best incorporate considerations of such societal issues into the development of research proposals and the conduct of research.”

“NASEM will produce a consensus report presenting the results of its work and offering its findings, conclusions, and recommendations.”

“We invite you to submit suggestions for experts to participate in this activity. The call for experts closes on October 16, 2024 at 11:59 (ET).”

Recommend an expert here.

DARPA Invites Proposals for AI Biotechnology Pitch Days Dec. 5-6

“DARPA funds the research and development of technologies with the potential for transformational impact, central to delivering on the agency’s mission to create and prevent strategic surprise for national security. The agency’s Biological Technologies Office focuses on the natural world to derive revolutionary capabilities centered on:

  • Foundational technologies that promote simulation and prediction of biological systems and outcomes, like simulation, foundational models, and data generation,
  • Warfighter readiness, health, and recovery, such as medical countermeasures, diagnostics, health IT and medical devices, and
  • Operational support of U.S. forces to enable their execution of missions across the spectrum, ranging from fibers for garments to distributed, point-of-need manufacturing.”

“To capitalize on these new opportunities and further accelerate the pace of scientific and technological discovery and development, DARPA looks to include targeted and limited-scope investments via an AI BTO solicitation seeking proposals on technologies focused at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.”

‘“AI BTO seeks to fund proposals that catalyze the formation of future research projects by clarifying the opportunity space and de-risking technical barriers to achieving high impact,” said BTO Director Dr. Michael Koeris. “To this end, the office is providing $4.5 million to support up to 45 revolutionary catalyst projects and will be finalizing research agreements day of. We look forward to reviewing the novel biotechnology approaches to further our national security mission.”’

“BTO leadership is interested in engaging first-time or non-traditional proposers and seeks revolutionary approaches to emerging or anticipated Department of Defense challenges. During these events, BTO will introduce five new overarching topics that align with AI/ML applications:

  • Prediction and Health
  • Autonomous Science
  • Biomanufacturing/Synthetic Biology
  • Challenges with Scale
  • Exciting Frontiers”

Pitch Days

“DARPA will host AI BTO Pitch Days on December 5-6, 2024, in the Washington, DC, region to select and award AI BTO catalyst projects. To be considered for AI BTO Pitch Day participation, offerors must submit a short white paper consisting of a technical description of the proposer’s idea in response to one of the focus areas listed above.”

“DARPA will notify offerors if they are selected for further evaluation via an in-person Pitch Day presentation to a panel of BTO program managers at the AI BTO Pitch Day event.”

“If selected for award at Pitch Day, DARPA may issue a Research Other Transactions award for one of three award scenarios – $100,000, $200,000, or $300,000. The maximum amount of government funding given to any single proposer will be $300,000.”

“To submit a white paper, register at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/aibto_2024/signup. The deadline is Friday, October 9, 2024 by 4:00PM EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.”

“Additional information is available on SAM.gov.”

Call for Experts: Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG)

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking two experts to serve as new members of the Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG). This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.”

“The concept of Health-Security Interface (HSI) applies to those public health activities whose performance involves to some extent the security sector broadly understood (e.g. international and non-governmental organizations, civil defense, military health personnel, law enforcement and armed forces, defense-related research programmes), certain international organizations and other entities with a security relevant mandate. These activities may include protection of health from traditional and emerging infectious disease threats; deliberate events and investigation of alleged use of chemical and biological agents including non-permissive environments and conflict zones; and any health activities performed in collaboration with security actors.”

“The HSI-TAG is multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the Health-Security Interface.”

“Considering the recent developments and global trends, the Secretariat realized that there was a need to strengthen the following areas of expertise/experience, hence welcomes expressions of interest from:

  • Bioterrorism experts (knowledge on pathogens of security concern, their microbiological characterization and application/modification for weaponization, diagnostics, countermeasures and containment measures),
  • Decision/policy makers with hands-on experience dealing with significant deliberate event(s) (biological/chemical) response at the local, regional, or national level.”

“For the improved geographical and gender representation of the HSI-TAG members, the WHO Secretariat encourages applications from the WHO African, Western Pacific, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Pan American Health Organization/Americas regions and female or non-male gender identities.”

Learn more about the HSI and express interest by October 7 here.

Pandora Report 9.27.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers updates from the Biodefense Graduate Program, the Risky Research Review Act, H5N1 updates, the UNGA’s adoption of the Pact for the Future, and more.

Schar School Virtual Information Sessions

If you are interested in a career in biodefense or global health security or want to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work at the nexus of health, science, and security, find out what the Schar School of Policy and Government has to offer. A virtual open house for all of the Schar School’s master’s and certificate programs will be held online on Monday, September 30, 7-8 PM ET. The Schar School offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs that teach applicable, real-world skills for in-demand careers. Register here.

Talking Global BioLabs in Galveston

Dr. Gregory Koblentz, Director of the Biodefense Graduate Program, was in Galveston, Texas this week to give a talk as part of the Biosafety and Bioethics Seminar series sponsored by the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, the Institute for Translational Sciences, and the Department of Bioethics and Health Humanities at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Dr. Koblentz’s talk, “The Global BioLabs Initiative and Biorisk Management,” provided an overview of the results of the Global BioLabs 2023 report and its recommendations for strengthening global biorisk management. While in Galveston, Dr. Koblentz was given a guided tour of the Galveston National Laboratory, one of two BSL-4 labs at UTMB. For biosafety and biosecurity reasons, he was not allowed into the lab space, but he enjoyed visiting the HVAC floors which are marvels of mechanical engineering. In addition, Dr. Koblentz visited the positive pressure suit storage area where he learned that Dover, the sole US-based manufacturer of positive pressure suits, is no longer producing these suits. Dr. Koblentz also had the opportunity to visit the Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU) operated by the Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment, Readiness, and Education (SPECTRE) Program at UTMB. The BCU is a 6-room critical care unit that can manage patients infected with highly infectious diseases such as Ebola. Luckily, the BCU has not had to treat such a patient, but it stays busy by providing training, education and research to benefit other healthcare facilities in HHS/FEMA Region VI.

Risky Research Review Act 2.0

On September 25, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee voted 8-1 to approve an amended version of the Risky Research Review Act introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), ranking member of the committee. According to Senator Paul,  the “bipartisan Risky Research Review Act, a first-of-its-kind proposal to establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board within the Executive Branch…The Life Sciences Research Security Board will serve as an independent body responsible for thoroughly evaluating gain-of-function research and other potentially harmful studies involving high-consequence pathogens.” The text of the bill can be found here. In July, Biodefense program director Gregory Koblentz co-authored an opinion piece with David Gillum and Rebecca Moritz that identified significant problems with original version of the bill, “While the Risky Research Review Act aims to address legitimate concerns about the potential hazards associated with life sciences research, its current form is deeply flawed, posing significant threats to scientific progress and public safety. The broad and ambiguous definition of high-risk research, the overreach in funding decisions, and the inadequacies in the board’s composition all point to a need for a more thoughtful and effective approach.” It remains to be seen whether the amended version satisfactorily addresses the deficiencies in the original bill.

UN Adopts Pact for the Future

World leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future last week. In a press release, the UN described the pact as “… the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created.”

The pact promises to refocus on existing obligations and commitments to nuclear and biological disarmament, aiming to make relevant global institutions more representative and responsive in the process. Action 26 in the document specifically focuses on disarmament obligations and commitments. It reads:

47. We express our serious concern at the increasing number of actions that are contrary to existing international norms and non-compliance with obligations in the field of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. We will respect international law that applies to weapons, means and methods of warfare, and support progressive efforts to effectively eradicate the illicit trade in arms. We recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening the role of the United Nations disarmament machinery. Any use of chemical and biological weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances is unacceptable. We call for full compliance with and implementation of relevant treaties. We reaffirm our shared determination to exclude completely the possibility of biological agents and toxins being used as weapons and to strengthen the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction. We decide to: 

(a) Revitalize the role of the United Nations in the field of disarmament, including by recommending that the General Assembly pursue work that could support preparation of a fourth special session devoted to disarmament (SSOD-IV); 

(b) Pursue a world free from chemical and biological weapons and ensure that those responsible for any use of these weapons are identified and held accountable; 

(c) Address emerging and evolving biological risks through improving processes to anticipate, prevent, coordinate and prepare for such risks, whether caused by natural, accidental or deliberate release of biological agents;

 (d) Identify, examine and develop effective measures, including possible legally binding measures, to strengthen and institutionalize international norms and instruments against the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling, retention and use of biological agents and toxins as weapons;

(e) Strengthen measures to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors;

(f) Redouble our efforts to implement our respective obligations under relevant international instruments to prohibit or restrict conventional weapons due to their humanitarian impact and take steps to promote all relevant aspects of mine action;

(g) Strengthen our national and international efforts to combat, prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects;

(h) Address existing gaps in through-life conventional ammunition management to reduce the dual risks of unplanned conventional ammunition explosions and the diversion and illicit trafficking of conventional ammunition to unauthorized recipients, including to criminals, organized criminal groups and terrorists.

H5N1 Updates

Source: APHIS

Missouri Healthcare Workers Who Cared for H5N1 Patient Not Tested After Developing Respiratory Symptoms

Last Friday, the CDC reported that a second healthcare worker who cared for a patient hospitalized in Missouri with H5N1 avian influenza developed respiratory symptoms. The patient and a household contact who also became ill have both recovered. Through contact investigation, the state discovered that healthcare workers who cared for the patient developed mild respiratory symptoms. The first worker’s symptoms resolved before the investigation began. State health officials told the CDC they did not learn of the second worker’s symptoms until after they had recovered, making it too late for diagnostic testing. CDC says that serologic testing will be offered to this worker.

Concerns About Lack of Testing Grow as California Reports More Outbreaks

Questions and concerns about the true extent of the H5N1 outbreak in the US are growing, with California reporting eighteen more outbreaks concentrated in herds in its Central Valley this week. Experts worry a lack of testing in both humans and animals is helping conceal the true extent of the outbreak across the nation. In addition to the Missouri healthcare workers, 663 poultry workers in Colorado are known to have been exposed. Of those, 109 reported symptoms and consented to testing, with nine testing positive in July.

Farms near the affected herds in California will begin bulk milk testing. Colorado mandated bulk milk testing, which promptly led to the discovery of outbreaks in an additional eleven herds. Eric Deeble, Deputy Undersecretary for Marketing and regulatory Programs at the USDA, said in a call in August that officials have considered requiring such testing through mandates, but had opted not to. He also said that the success in Colorado is “probably unique to Colorado, and extrapolating out to the rest of the country is not entirely appropriate.”

Currently, the USDA requires H5N1 testing only for dairy cows who are lactating and will be moved across state lines. Deeble expressed a high degree of confidence that the current level of testing is accurately capturing cases in animals being moved between states. He did also say “I do feel like the response is adequate,” in regards to spread and movement within states, even though it is not being monitored as closely.

Efforts to Control Mammal-to-Mammal Transmission Aren’t Working

Researchers led by the UK’s Pirbright Institute recently published an article in Nature that offers an overview of the current H5N1 avian influenza panzootic in mammals. The article-“The Global H5N1 Influenza Panzootic in Mammals”-includes analysis of H5N1 outbreaks European fur farm animals, South American marine mammals, and US dairy cattle. It notes the diversity of these outbreaks and that the virus is at increased risk for spillover to different mammals because of changes to its ecology and molecular evolution in birds.

Read CIDRAP’s Lisa Schnirring’s discussion of the article and its implications here.

US Announces More Mpox Vaccine Donations

This week, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced it is undertaking actions to help increase the United States’ supply of mpox vaccine and support the nation’s commitment to make more than a million doses available to the global mpox response. These actions include:

  1. “The United States is donating 1,000,000 doses to the international mpox response. The United States has also committed to provide at least $500 million to support the mpox response, aligned with the WHO and Africa CDC Joint Response Plan.”
  2. “ASPR is also loaning JYNNEOS manufacturer Bavarian Nordic 200,000 doses of ASPR-procured vaccine to ensure continued supply within the domestic commercial market. This action allows uninterrupted access to Americans without diminishing the manufacturer’s availability to fulfill international orders and donations.”
  3. “ASPR is collaborating with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to make JYNNEOS that may otherwise expire available to HRSA funded health centers and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C and D clinics. These doses are available from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) for the purposes of expanding vaccine access for at-risk uninsured and underinsured individuals who otherwise cannot afford them.”
  4. “These latest vaccine donation announcements follow a USG donation of 50,000 doses of mpox vaccine that was delivered to the DRC on September 10.”
  5. “Another 10,000 doses of USG donated mpox vaccine were delivered to Nigeria in August 2024 to support the government’s clade I mpox response.”
  6. “These vaccine efforts build off the $1.94 billion ASPR has invested in funds and technical expertise to develop and sustain JYNNEOS. The product would not exist without the investment and technical expertise provided by the USG.”
  7. “Other HHS actions include case surveillance, risk communication and community engagement, laboratory supplies and diagnostics, infection prevention and control, increasing capacity for local field epidemiologists, and vaccine planning.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement, “A public health threat to one is a public health threat to all. HHS is committed to fighting the current mpox outbreak, including through this vaccine donation. Disease doesn’t respect borders and it is our duty to work together to make our world healthier. Our partnerships across the globe in fighting infectious disease will help keep us safe.”

ARPA-H Announces Awards for Developing Multi-Virus Vaccine Design Computational Platform

HHS’ Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced this week the teams that will receive awards from the agency’s Antigens Predicted for Broad Viral Efficacy through Computational Experimentation (APECx) program. The announcement explains that “APECx will pursue three technical areas: high-throughput biochemical analysis and protein engineering, protein modeling toolkit development for antigen design, and translational candidate development and clinical evaluation. Antigens and targets identified through these technical areas will then be evaluated for their ability to target entire viral families with a single vaccine.”

The teams are led by:

  • La Jolla Institute for Immunology focusing on beta and gamma-herpesvirus antigen and vaccine candidate development, including cytomegalovirus infections. 
  • University of Washington focusing on alpha and gamma-herpesvirus antigen and vaccine candidate development, including herpes simplex virus infections. 
  • Vaccine Company, Inc. focusing on vaccine development for flaviviruses, which include threats such as West Nile virus, dengue virus, and Zika virus. 
  • Vanderbilt University focusing on antigen design and vaccine candidate development against alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya virus and Eastern equine encephalitis virus. 

Furthermore, ARPA-H has chosen a team led by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station that will focus on data and tool integration across the program.

“HHS Needs to Match Speed of Cyber Threats to Better Protect Health Care”

Brian Mazanec-an alumnus of the Biodefense PhD Program, Schar School adjunct professor, and Deputy Director of ASPR’s Office of Preparedness-recently discussed his office’s tools to help address cyber threats in healthcare at the GovCIO Media & Research’s 2024 Health IT summit. Read more and watch here.

“COVID-19: HHS Needs to Identify Duplicative Pandemic IT Systems and Implement Key Privacy Requirements”

This new study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews HHS’ efforts to “reduce unnecessary duplication, overlap, or fragmentation in the systems it uses to collect this kind of data, and its efforts to protect personal information.” It finds that HHS lacks a comprehensive list of these systems, and that it has not identified nor reduced unnecessary duplication. Furthermore, GAO finds that HHS has not fully implemented key privacy safeguards for the nine systems the Office reviewed.

“Strengthening Democracy and Pandemic Preparedness Go Hand in Hand”

This article in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was authored by John Bridgeland, Elizabeth (Beth) Cameron, J. Stephen Morrison, Jennifer B. Nuzzo, and Aquielle Person. In it, they argue “American democracy and public health effectiveness are inextricable. American health security depends on maximizing the ability to live in a free, pluralistic society able to coherently manage a public health emergency. In turn, the health of US democracy depends on citizens’ faith and trust in institutions—especially government—to protect them in a crisis such as a pandemic. Given disease threats like mpox or H5N1 avian flu, the looming potential for a worst-case biological crisis begs for a well-prepared nation. Unfortunately, the United States, because of or despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, is now more politically polarized and less prepared to mount a united response to a major health emergency. That is a collective danger that threatens Americans and imperils the world.”

“The 2024 U.S. Elections: An Existential Crossroads for Global Health Policy”

Benjamin Mason Meier, Neha Saggi, Muhammad Jawad Noon, and Xinshu She breakdown the United States’ importance in global health and what all is on the line in this regard during the upcoming presidential election in this article for Global Health Now: “The 2024 U.S. elections will shape the future of global health policy, determining whether the nation will continue to provide crucial leadership to advance global health. Yet, with only passing mention of the field’s challenges in the presidential debate, the global health community must raise awareness of the global health positions of U.S. political candidates.”

“Republican Governors on International Pandemic Plan: We Will Not Comply”

Route Fifty’s Kaitlyn Levinson discusses a recent joint statement from 24 republican governors regarding the WHO’s pandemic agreement in this article: “In yet another example of how all things related to the pandemic have become political, nearly all of the country’s Republican governors have expressed their staunch opposition to a World Health Organization agreement about how nations should collectively prevent, prepare and respond to future global public health emergencies.”

“‘Not Enough Progress’ Made at 11th Round of Pandemic Agreement Talks”

Kerry Cullinan breaks down recent rounds of negotiations on the WHO’s pandemic agreement in this piece for Health Policy Watch. Cullinan explains in part, “According to the latest draft of the pandemic agreement, the most controversial part of the agreement – developing a pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS) system (Article 12) – will now be addressed via a separate “instrument”…The provisions governing the PABS system – described as a “multilateral system for safe, transparent, and accountable, access and benefit sharing for pathogens with pandemic potential” – will be developed by the Conference of the Parties (COP). This COP will be set up after the World Health Assembly has adopted the pandemic agreement.”

“How to Prevent the ‘Grand Pandemic'”

This Devex article summarizes a recent World Bank report-“Stopping the Grand Pandemic: A Framework for Action.” In the report, “…the World Bank argues that addressing AMR must become a critical priority for governments and their development- and private-sector partners. It also highlights strategies for helping address AMR through holistic and sector-led interventions and unlocking finance to fund them. A menu of specific technical, operational, and financial considerations helps guide government action to prevent AMR.”

“Modern Biosurveillance Methods: A Lay Introduction to Effective Use of Nucleic Acid Methods”

From the RAND Corporation: “The devastating impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led governments, health care institutions, and researchers to intensify their focus on developing improved means to detect, contain, and manage potential future outbreaks. As part of these efforts, policymakers and other nontechnical personnel need to understand available biosurveillance technologies. In this report, the authors summarize how current and emerging nucleic acid biosurveillance techniques work, describe their capabilities and limitations, and discuss the promise of emerging technologies.”

“Biosurveillance systems are used to detect, monitor, and characterize health threats, or pathogens, in human and animal populations, food, wastewater, and the environment. Nucleic acid testing assesses nucleic acids, comprising deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), to determine the biologic agents present in clinical samples (i.e., a sample collected by a medical laboratory from a symptomatic human) or environmental samples (e.g., wastewater).”

“The authors describe a scenario of testing for pathogens in wastewater that uses detection technology within a comprehensive and pathogen-agnostic biosurveillance system. Wastewater testing offers a method for collecting samples without needing symptomatic individuals to present at clinics for care. Such testing can, therefore, offer data prior to symptoms and from those who have less access to clinical care. The case study demonstrates the advancements needed to develop a truly pathogen-agnostic, cost-effective wastewater biosurveillance system.”

“The authors conclude that policymakers interested in establishing a biosurveillance program should carefully evaluate their specific research questions and their resource limitations to determine which technology is best suited to their needs.”

CEPI Biosecurity Strategy

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations recently released its new Biosecurity Strategy “…aimed at bolstering global health security and underscoring its commitment to tackling emerging epidemic and pandemic threats, whether they arise naturally, accidentally or through deliberate misuse.”

According to the coalition, “The strategy, published during United Nations General Assembly High-level Week 2024 in New York, will harness cutting-edge technologies and foster international collaboration to mitigate the risks posed by emerging pathogens. Its launch is a significant step in CEPI’s evolution, positioning it as a thought leader in the rapidly-developing fields of biosafety and biosecurity.”

“Team-Based Learning and Threshold Concepts in Biological Security and Dual-Use: Toward a Transformative Biological Security Pedagogy—The Game Changing Implications of CRISPR/Cas and the Design of a Novel Methodology for Influencing the Culture of Life and Associated Science through Awareness Raising and Education”

Simon Whitby, Malcolm Dando, Rebecca McCarter, and Simon Tweddell published this article in Creative Education: “CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene editing technologies appear to be a game-changer and suggest great potential for genome manipulation and for developments in next-generation therapeutics. Ethical, legal and social concerns have been raised in light of recent applications in humans. Concern also arises in relation to the potential of such developments for misuse. In addressing the post-COVID19 challenges raised by responsible research innovation and in confronting what to do about the vexed question of “dual-use”, we contend that awareness-raising and education concerning the ethical, legal and social implications of scientific research innovation represents a welcome and empowering alternative to top down regulatory responses that may serve to stifle innovation. The design and subsequent implementation of a novel transformative pedagogy combining Team-Based Learning and Threshold Concepts yields both empirical evidence-based metrics for real-time learning. As well as generating novel empirical data-sets for the identification of subject-specific threshold concepts across discrete specialisms in the life sciences, we argue that this hybrid methodology can be used to engage science professionals and students alike in meaningful and much-needed dialogue about developments relating to genome manipulation. We demonstrate how evidence-based threshold concepts can inform the design of bespoke subject-specific training as we suggest was the case from our deployment of team-based learning and threshold concepts during our proof of concept application, prior to the pandemic, during the course of two European Union Human Brain Project training programmes undertaken in 2017 and 2018, with experts in neuroscience research at the Karonlinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.”

“A New Risk Index to Monitor AI-Powered Biological Tools”

This post from RAND Europe discusses a collaboration with the Centre for Long-Term Resilience, explaining that the two organizations “…are collaborating to develop a new approach to assess the risks posed by AI-enabled biological tools. We will develop a risk index that assesses current risks from tool capability, tool evolution and maturity, to enablement of bioweaponisation that could result in biosecurity risks. Our index also takes into account how these risks may change over time in this rapidly evolving area. Our work will expand upon and update previous work conducted by CLTR on tool categorisation (Rose & Nelson 2023) and risk assessment (Moulange et al. 2024).”

“Food, Climate Change and National Security: The Feeding Resilience Plan and USAID’s Feed the Future Accelerator”

Tom Ellison and Noah Fritzhand recently published this Council on Strategic Risks blog post discussing the Council’s new Center for Climate and Security (CCS) report and the new US food security policy initiative. They explain in part “Attendees and panelists discussed the stability benefits of US agricultural innovation, the role of international legal frameworks on weaponization of food, the role of food security in US-China relations, and the criticality of US interagency collaboration on food security. Read the Feeding Resilience storymap and full report for analysis and recommendations endorsed by 30+ national security leaders, including former US combatant commanders, ambassadors, intelligence leaders, and heads of USAID and the World Food Program.”

“Strategic Stockpiling: How New State Policies will Impact Emergency Preparedness”

Maggie Nilz offers an overview of the Strategic National Stockpile in this blog post from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials: “Preparedness is a vital component of public health, especially in the wake of the Mpox response and ongoing H5N1 outbreak. As states work to implement lessons learned from these events, stockpiling essential supplies is a critical part of the discussion. Stockpiling ensures that resources are available during emergencies allowing for a swift and effective response. To enhance preparedness policy, it’s important to understand the history of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and how it has shaped recent state readiness legislation.”

“23andMe Is in Trouble. What Happens to All the DNA Data?”

The hosts of NPR’s All Things Considered talk 23andMe’s potentially looming collapse and what is likely to happen to the data of its more than 14 million customers if the company goes under in this clip.

ICYMI: Capitol Hill Steering Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Security-The Current Mpox Crisis and Congress’s Role in Protecting the US from Health Security Threats 

This event was hosted by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security on September 18. At it, a panel of experts from government, industry, and academia discussed the US government’s response to the current mpox emergency. Learn more and watch the event recording here.

NEW: Bio and Beer (October 10)

From the Northern Virginia BioHub: Join us for a panel discussion with local investors as they share their funding priorities, insights on what’s ahead, and tips for meaningful engagement. Also, connect with our dynamic community of professionals from industry, academia, healthcare, investment, and government for a fun evening of networking!

Our panelists include:

  • Deborah Hemingway, Managing Partner, Ecphora Capital
  • Bibhash Mukhopadhyay, Managing Partner, Sound Bioventures
  • Kevin O’Connell, Senior Vice President, In-Q-Tel

Register to attend for free at: https://ibi.gmu.edu/event/october-2024-bio-beer/

Location: JLL Tysons Office, 1800 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, Virginia 22102

Hosted by: The Northern Virginia BioHub

Signature Sponsor: JLL

Additional Sponsors: Virginia Bio, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, and George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation

Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use

Join the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC) for this 3-day in-person course on Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use!  As AI becomes increasingly pervasive across various domains, it is essential that we prioritize responsible principles, policies, and practices. Learn from top AI scholars and industry experts about ethical and safe AI deployment. You’ll also gain the critical skills to navigate the complexities of AI in business, healthcare, transportation and more.
Course Dates: October 15-17, 2024
Registration Deadline: October 8, 2024

FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza

“This Commission meeting, FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza, will be held on Tuesday, October 8th, in Washington, DC. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) national leadership to defend food and agriculture against influenza; (2) federal operational requirements for preparedness, coordination, and response; (3) biosurveillance, forecasting, and the need for diagnostic tests; and (4) front-line needs and partnerships in the fight against influenza.”

This event will take place in-person on October 8 from 9:20 am to 2 pm EST. Learn more and register here.

Register now: https://bit.ly/3zMvZOR

External Review of Ethical, Legal, Environmental, Safety, Security, and Societal Issues of Engineering Biology Research and Development

From NASEM: “Engineering biology holds significant potential to transform the U.S. and global economy, with promise to deliver innovative solutions in health, climate, energy, food and agriculture, and more. As research and development in engineering biology and other areas of the bioeconomy advance, addressing the societal issues related to these technologies is imperative. As requested by the CHIPS and Science Act, this study will conduct an evaluation of the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other societal issues related to engineering biology, and make recommendations on research needs related to these issues and means to effectively incorporate their consideration into research practice.”

“The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will appoint an ad hoc committee to review and make recommendations on the ethical, legal, environmental, safety, security, and other appropriate societal issues related to engineering biology research and development. The committee will address the scholarship and practice of addressing these issues, focusing specifically on:

(1) An assessment of the current knowledge and practice on assessing and mitigating various societal issues including ethical, legal, environmental, safety, and security issues.
(2) A description of the gaps and needs relating to such issues, focusing on approaches for co-generation of assessment approaches and design of products, technologies, and services with users of engineering biology research and development
(3) Actionable recommendations on how the National Engineering Biology Research and Development Initiative, established by the CHIPS and Science Act, can address the identified gaps and needs.
(4) Actionable recommendations on how researchers across the range of disciplines engaged in engineering biology can best incorporate considerations of such societal issues into the development of research proposals and the conduct of research.”

“NASEM will produce a consensus report presenting the results of its work and offering its findings, conclusions, and recommendations.”

“We invite you to submit suggestions for experts to participate in this activity. The call for experts closes on October 16, 2024 at 11:59 (ET).”

Recommend an expert here.

DARPA Invites Proposals for AI Biotechnology Pitch Days Dec. 5-6

“DARPA funds the research and development of technologies with the potential for transformational impact, central to delivering on the agency’s mission to create and prevent strategic surprise for national security. The agency’s Biological Technologies Office focuses on the natural world to derive revolutionary capabilities centered on:

  • Foundational technologies that promote simulation and prediction of biological systems and outcomes, like simulation, foundational models, and data generation,
  • Warfighter readiness, health, and recovery, such as medical countermeasures, diagnostics, health IT and medical devices, and
  • Operational support of U.S. forces to enable their execution of missions across the spectrum, ranging from fibers for garments to distributed, point-of-need manufacturing.”

“To capitalize on these new opportunities and further accelerate the pace of scientific and technological discovery and development, DARPA looks to include targeted and limited-scope investments via an AI BTO solicitation seeking proposals on technologies focused at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.”

‘“AI BTO seeks to fund proposals that catalyze the formation of future research projects by clarifying the opportunity space and de-risking technical barriers to achieving high impact,” said BTO Director Dr. Michael Koeris. “To this end, the office is providing $4.5 million to support up to 45 revolutionary catalyst projects and will be finalizing research agreements day of. We look forward to reviewing the novel biotechnology approaches to further our national security mission.”’

“BTO leadership is interested in engaging first-time or non-traditional proposers and seeks revolutionary approaches to emerging or anticipated Department of Defense challenges. During these events, BTO will introduce five new overarching topics that align with AI/ML applications:

  • Prediction and Health
  • Autonomous Science
  • Biomanufacturing/Synthetic Biology
  • Challenges with Scale
  • Exciting Frontiers”

Pitch Days

“DARPA will host AI BTO Pitch Days on December 5-6, 2024, in the Washington, DC, region to select and award AI BTO catalyst projects. To be considered for AI BTO Pitch Day participation, offerors must submit a short white paper consisting of a technical description of the proposer’s idea in response to one of the focus areas listed above.”

“DARPA will notify offerors if they are selected for further evaluation via an in-person Pitch Day presentation to a panel of BTO program managers at the AI BTO Pitch Day event.”

“If selected for award at Pitch Day, DARPA may issue a Research Other Transactions award for one of three award scenarios – $100,000, $200,000, or $300,000. The maximum amount of government funding given to any single proposer will be $300,000.”

“To submit a white paper, register at https://usg.valideval.com/teams/aibto_2024/signup. The deadline is Friday, October 9, 2024 by 4:00PM EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.”

“Additional information is available on SAM.gov.”

BWC Advanced Education Course

“State Parties, particularly from the Global South, often lack the resources, knowledge, and expertise to participate in the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) diplomatic process more meaningfully. To address this challenge, UNIDIR, Diplo Foundation and FRS are organizing the BWC Advanced Education Course (BWCedu).”

“The course will equip key stakeholders – government officials in capital with responsibilities in BWC implementation, aspiring and active diplomats and life scientists working on BWC issues and biological threats – with the essential knowledge, skills and expertise to actively participate in the BWC diplomatic process and thus contribute to a stronger and more effective Convention.”

“The BWCedu comprises a five-month advanced education programme. Through this programme, 25 participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the Convention, the diplomatic landscape and relevant scientific advancements.”

“The course will employ diverse learning methods, including online lectures, real-time engagement through webinars with experts and Working Group delegates and a week-long interactive in-person session in Geneva. Course participants will be provided with access to a collection of resources and information to support independent study on aspects of the BWC.”

“In its first iteration, the comprehensive programme will focus on the current Working Group agenda items, including the two mechanisms on science & technology and international cooperation and assistance being developed for consideration at the Tenth Review Conference, or earlier at a Special Conference if requested by a majority of State Parties. The course will prepare participants for ongoing engagement in the evolving framework of the BWC, empowering them to contribute to informed decision-making.”

Applications close on September 29. Learn more and apply here.

Call for Experts – Technical Advisory Group on Laboratory Services, Systems and Diagnostics in Health Emergencies

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Laboratory Services, Systems and Diagnostics in Health Emergencies (TAG-LAB). This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.”

“Well-functioning and sustainable laboratory services, systems and diagnostics, operating according to international principles of equity, quality and safety, are essential to implement the International Health Regulations (2005)1 and achieve global health security. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published the health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) framework, describing the critical role of the laboratory to implement Collaborative Surveillance.”

“Laboratories also provide essential data to guide clinical care and inform coordination operations, as well as public health and social measures, in a range of emergency situations including outbreaks of pandemic and epidemic prone pathogens and humanitarian settings involving conflict, protracted crises and natural or man-made disasters. Considering this, a global strategy focused on laboratory services, systems and diagnostics for health emergencies is needed to address all of these contexts.” 

“This strategy will connect global efforts and advance implementation of the laboratory components of the HEPR framework and World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 74.7 on strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies that called for countries to “strengthen laboratory-based detection capacities”.”

“In this context, WHO is establishing a Technical advisory group on laboratory, services, systems and diagnostics for health emergencies (“TAG-LAB”). The TAG-LAB will act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.”

“The TAG-LAB is multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to virus evolution. Up to 25 Members may be selected. WHO welcomes expressions of interest from experts in laboratory services, systems or diagnostics, clinical scientists, academic researchers, healthcare professionals, or others with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Laboratory Systems
  • Laboratory Services
  • Diagnostics
  • National and International Policy, Regulation and Guidance
  • Biosafety
  • Biosecurity
  • Bioinformatics
  • Clinical Management
  • Outbreak Preparedness, Response and Resilience
  • Emergency response in humanitarian settings involving conflict, protracted crises and natural or man-made disasters
  • Academic Research
  • Public Health
  • Virology, Microbiology, Mycology, and Emerging or Re-emerging diseases”

Learn more and submit and expression of interest here by September 30.

Call for Experts: Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG)

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking two experts to serve as new members of the Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG). This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.”

“The concept of Health-Security Interface (HSI) applies to those public health activities whose performance involves to some extent the security sector broadly understood (e.g. international and non-governmental organizations, civil defense, military health personnel, law enforcement and armed forces, defense-related research programmes), certain international organizations and other entities with a security relevant mandate. These activities may include protection of health from traditional and emerging infectious disease threats; deliberate events and investigation of alleged use of chemical and biological agents including non-permissive environments and conflict zones; and any health activities performed in collaboration with security actors.”

“The HSI-TAG is multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the Health-Security Interface.”

“Considering the recent developments and global trends, the Secretariat realized that there was a need to strengthen the following areas of expertise/experience, hence welcomes expressions of interest from:

  • Bioterrorism experts (knowledge on pathogens of security concern, their microbiological characterization and application/modification for weaponization, diagnostics, countermeasures and containment measures),
  • Decision/policy makers with hands-on experience dealing with significant deliberate event(s) (biological/chemical) response at the local, regional, or national level.”

“For the improved geographical and gender representation of the HSI-TAG members, the WHO Secretariat encourages applications from the WHO African, Western Pacific, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Pan American Health Organization/Americas regions and female or non-male gender identities.”

Learn more about the HSI and express interest by October 7 here.

Pandora Report 9.6.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

Happy September! This week’s edition of the Pandora Report discusses promising outcomes from early studies of Moderna’s mpox vaccine candidate, H5N1 in Californian dairy cows, Pathoplexus’ launch, Google DeepMind’s AlphaProteo, and more.

Biodefense Program Virtual Information Sessions

If you are interested in a career in biodefense or global health security or want to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work at the nexus of health, science, and security, find out what the MS and PhD Biodefense degrees at the Schar School of Policy and Government have to offer. The MS in Biodefense offers the option of completing the degree entirely online. The virtual information session for the MS in Biodefense will be held on September 11 at 1 PM ET. This information session will provide an overview of the program, as well as the application process, student experience and graduate outcomes. Register here.

The PhD in Biodefense virtual open house will be held on September 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM ET. Register here.

Moderna’s Mpox Vaccine Bests Bavarian Nordic’s In Early Testing

Amid the sprint to develop new and improved mpox vaccines, Moderna, the biotech company probably best known for its SPIKEVAX COVID-19 vaccine, has found early success with its mRNA vaccine candidate targeted at mpox. The candidate-mRNA-1769-recently outperformed the dominant JYNNEOS vaccine from Bavarian Nordic, showing itself to be better at preventing severe disease and reducing viral loads in monkeys. In an article from Fierce Biotech, Jean Nachega, an epidemiologist at the University of Pittsburgh, was quoted saying, “The mRNA-1769 vaccine appears promising. The vaccine’s ability to elicit a strong immune response, combining neutralizing and functional antibodies, suggests its potential as an effective tool against mpox.”

California Dairy Cows Test Positive for H5N1

Animals at three dairy farms in California have tested positive for bird flu, the California Department of Food and Agriculture reported late last week. This marks the 14th US state to report cases of H5N1 in dairy cattle, this time in the top milk-producing state in the country. More than 190 herds have been infected across the country since March, in addition to 13 workers from dairy and poultry farms. The jump from birds to cows and human infections are worrying because they mean the virus may have the opportunity to mutate and spread from person-to-person, though risk to the general public remains low.

Pathoplexus Promises to be Simple to Use, Transparent

A group of scientists, in response to difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in using the primary database for sharing SARS-CoV-2 sequences, has created an open-source database focused on some of the world’s deadliest viruses. A ScienceAdivser article explains further: “Called Pathoplexus, the database launched this week at first will focus on the Sudan and Zaire strains of Ebola virus, as well as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and West Nile virus. Like similar databases, it hopes to help communities derail outbreaks before they grow, and, if that fails, better respond to epidemics and pandemics. “We believe that building trust through transparency is essential for encouraging broader participation in data sharing,” says Pathoplexus co-founder Anderson Fernandes de Brito, a computational biologist at the All for Health Institute.”

“But Pathoplexus aims to stand apart in other ways—especially compared with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, which has become a central repository of sequences for the viruses that cause COVID-19, influenza, mpox, pneumonia, chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. GISAID has been harshly criticized for concealing its finances and governance, and several scientists have complained about its founder, erstwhile businessman Peter Bogner, and his representatives reprimanding them for how they use the database and even cutting off access during disputes.”

Read more here.

Google DeepMind Creates AI System That Generates Proteins That Binds to Target Molecules

Google DeepMind recently introduced AlphaProteo, the company’s “…first AI system for designing novel, high-strength binders to serve as building blocks for biological and health research.” They explain in their press release that, “Protein design is a fast-evolving technology that holds lots of potential for advancing science in everything from understanding the factors that cause disease, to accelerating diagnostic test development for virus outbreaks, supporting more sustainable manufacturing processes, and even cleaning contaminants from the environment.”

“To account for potential risks in biosecurity, building on our long-standing approach to responsibility and safety, we’re working with leading external experts to inform our phased approach to sharing this work, and feeding into community efforts to develop best practices, including the NTI’s (Nuclear Threat Initiative) new AI Bio Forum.”

“Going forward, we’ll be working with the scientific community to leverage AlphaProteo on impactful biology problems and understand its limitations. We’ve also been exploring its drug design applications at Isomorphic Labs, and are excited for what the future holds.”

“At the same time, we’re continuing to improve the success rate and affinity of AlphaProteo’s algorithms, expanding the range of design problems it can tackle, and working with researchers in machine learning, structural biology, biochemistry and other disciplines to develop a responsible and more comprehensive protein design offering for the community.”

Read the accompanying white paper, “De novo design of high-affinity protein binders with AlphaProteo,” here.

Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Launches Gene Synthesis Screening Information Hub

The Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University announced this week the launch of the Gene Synthesis Screening Information Hub, “…a new online platform dedicated to helping nucleic acid synthesis providers, manufacturers, and customers adhere to a new federal Framework aimed at preventing intentional misuse of synthetic nucleic acids and supporting safe scientific research practices in the United States.”

Learn more about the hub here and new US policies on nucleic acid synthesis screening here.

Members of Congress Introduce HR 9194, Nucleic Acid Standards in Biosecurity Act

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) and Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) recently announced the introduction of HR 9194, Nucleic Acid Standards in Biosecurity Act. Caraveo’s press release on the bill explained, “Biotechnology companies routinely produce custom-ordered nucleic acids, such as DNA, for university, industry, nonprofit, and government researchers. Given the increases in production, there must be larger actions taken to establish and develop industry standards for best practices or standards for identifying, flagging, and screening nucleic acid sequences of concern. Given the use of nucleic acid synthesis in downstream biologic activities, such as developing diagnostic tests or engineering antibodies to treat diseases, the development of screening best practices and standards requires careful deliberation by stakeholders.”

“These best practices must minimize risks while also supporting stakeholders to use nucleic acids for research and development to drive major societal benefits as well as contributions to economic and national security. This challenge will only grow as Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems improve in their capabilities to design complex sequences consisting of natural or engineered properties that might go unnoticed by traditional detection methods.”

“The Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act would authorize consortium activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis. Specifically, it would:

  • Mitigate potential risks without compromising biotechnology innovation and American biotechnology leadership. This bill gives industry the tools to evaluate the performance of their screening systems, which are critically important as technical capabilities in engineering biology, artificial intelligence, and other areas grow.
  • Authorize a consortium that includes representatives from industry, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and customers to develop consensus best practices and standards.
  • Provide technical guidance useful for practitioners by authorizing the development of voluntary, consensus-based technical standards and operational guidance useful for both industry and customers.”

“Preventing a Pandemic: Koblentz Promotes New Federal Agency at U.S. Senate Hearing”

This news post from the Schar School discusses Biodefense Graduate Program Director Gregory Koblentz’s recent testimony before the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs: “At a U.S. Senate Committee hearing on the origins of COVID-19 in June, Schar School associate professor Gregory Koblentz advocated for the creation of a new federal agency to manage the oversight of biological and pandemic risks. Koblentz, director of the Schar School’s biodefense program, emphasized that instead of trying to uncover the definitive origin of COVID-19 we should instead learn lessons from that mystery.”

“Russian Foreign Policy on Global Health: A Mini-Series Exploring Russian Foreign Policy on Global Health”

This mini-series from Think Global Health includes three articles: “A New Era for Russian Foreign Policy on Global Health” by Nataliya Shok, “Russian Cooperation with Venezuela Integrates Health” by Julio S. Castro Méndez and Victoria E. Castro Trujillo, and “Russia’s Growing Footprint on the African Health Landscape” by Aloysius Ssennyonjo and Eric Ssegujja.

“Farmed Fur Animals Harbour Viruses with Zoonotic Spillover Potential”

Zhao et al. recently published this article in Nature: “Animals such as raccoon dogs, mink and muskrats are farmed for fur and are sometimes used as food or medicinal products1,2, yet they are also potential reservoirs of emerging pathogens3. Here we performed single-sample metatranscriptomic sequencing of internal tissues from 461 individual fur animals that were found dead due to disease. We characterized 125 virus species, including 36 that were novel and 39 at potentially high risk of cross-species transmission, including zoonotic spillover. Notably, we identified seven species of coronaviruses, expanding their known host range, and documented the cross-species transmission of a novel canine respiratory coronavirus to raccoon dogs and of bat HKU5-like coronaviruses to mink, present at a high abundance in lung tissues. Three subtypes of influenza A virus—H1N2, H5N6 and H6N2—were detected in the lungs of guinea pig, mink and muskrat, respectively. Multiple known zoonotic viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis virus and mammalian orthoreovirus4,5, were detected in guinea pigs. Raccoon dogs and mink carried the highest number of potentially high-risk viruses, while viruses from the Coronaviridae, Paramyxoviridae and Sedoreoviridae families commonly infected multiple hosts. These data also reveal potential virus transmission between farmed animals and wild animals, and from humans to farmed animals, indicating that fur farming represents an important transmission hub for viral zoonoses.”

Read a summary and discussion of the implications of this study from Jon Cohen for ScienceAdviser here.

“WHO Global Framework to Define and Guide Studies Into the Origins of Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens with Epidemic and Pandemic Potential”

This new technical document is from the WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens: “The WHO global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, developed by the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has been designed as a resource for Member States. It provides, for the first time, comprehensive guidance on the studies that are needed to investigate the origins of emerging and reemerging pathogens.”

“Timely investigations into pathogens’ origins are critical for preventing and containing global health crises. Their findings provide the basis for stopping outbreaks before they begin, halting transmission chains and reducing the risk of pathogen spillover from animals to humans. They can also confirm or exclude the possibility of an unintentional breach in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity.” 

“The framework also offers recommendations on the capacities needed to conduct these studies and the critical importance of sharing all findings as soon as possible to guide next steps.”

“A Biomanufacturing Plan to Confront Future Biological Threats: Expert Panel Policy Review and Near-Term Recommendations”

The Council on Strategic Risks’ Nolan Center recently released this report. Its executive summary explains in part “The rising incidence of infectious disease outbreaks, re-emerging pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance, as well as the rising risk of future pandemics, highlight the urgent need for a close examination of our medical countermeasure production and response strategy, and implementation of changes where they are most needed. Some progress was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with extensive investment and interest in the development of broad-based diagnostics and medical countermeasures that can be advanced rapidly to address current and emerging biological threats. However, in an urgent event, the ability of such new technology to bring diagnostic kits, therapeutics, vaccines, and personal protective equipment to those in need is limited by how long it takes to scale up and produce these items at the needed quantities. Being responsive and meeting threat-driven emergent government requirements necessitates a manufacturing system that is agile, adaptable, and able to rapidly produce large quantities in a distributed manner.”

“One promising way to do this is through biomanufacturing.”

“Biomanufacturing, the process of using biological compounds or biological systems to manufacture products, lends itself to all of the above requirements and provides an industrial process that can improve US preparedness.1 It has significant potential to increase the resilience of our healthcare systems and economy, spur economic growth, and minimize dependence on foreign manufacturing for pharmaceuticals.”

“Two key US government documents have begun to envision aspects of a national biomanufacturing approach: Executive Order 14081 on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy (issued in September 2022) and the National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan for Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security (released in October 2022).2 However, meeting these goals and requirements will require a whole-of-government approach along with public-private partnering efforts. Existing government capabilities and knowledge need to be leveraged, the private sector needs incentives and de-risking, the workforce needs to be trained and expanded, information and forecasting from pathogen early warning systems need to be fully distributed and rapidly shared, and pandemic response exercises using biomanufacturing need to be periodically conducted.”

Read more here.

“Eight Former CDC Directors: Hollowing Out the CDC Is a Prescription for Disaster”

William Foege, William Roper, Jeffrey Koplan, Julie Gerberding, Tom Frieden, Brenda Fitzgerald, Robert Redfield, and Rochelle Walensky, all former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently authored this article for STAT News. They write in part, “As former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are deeply concerned that recent recommendations to pare back the CDC would cost lives and damage the economy…One misguided narrative is that the CDC should focus only on a “core mission” of combatting infectious diseases. In fact, the core mission of the CDC is to save lives and protect Americans from all health threats — not only infectious diseases but also cancer, environmental risks, injuries, and the conditions that are the leading causes of death among Americans.”

“Boom, Now Bust: Budget Cuts and Layoffs Take Hold in Public Health”

Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez discusses the currently-unfolding consequences of public health’s boom-and-bust funding cycle in this piece for KFF Health News: “Even as federal aid poured into state budgets in response to the covid-19 pandemic, public health leaders warned of a boom-and-bust funding cycle on the horizon as the emergency ended and federal grants sunsetted. Now, that drought has become reality and state governments are slashing budgets that feed local health departments.”

“Identifying Pathogens in the Field with F-FAST”

Parker Martin discusses the Army’s Far-Forward Advanced Sequencing Technology (F-FAST) and its ability to identify biothreats in far-forward environments: “Future battlefields require an on-the-go approach to the identification of whatever biological threat our warfighters may come across. One such approach — Far-Forward Advanced Sequencing Technology, or F-FAST – uses rapid DNA and RNA sequencing systems for biothreat identification in far-forward environments.”

“While these types of tests normally require a degree of scientific know-how, researchers at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) are working to make F-FAST’s rapid testing methods quicker and simpler than ever to address all potential biothreats – including those that are emerging and genetically modified.”

Journal of Strategic Trade Control Special Issue: Training Programs to Counter Current and Emerging Biological and Chemical Proliferation Risks: Themes, Practices, and Lessons Learnt

This special issue of the Journal of Strategic Trade Control includes articles like “The Nun Who Broke America’s Nuclear Sanctum: The Use of Case Studies in CBRN Nonproliferation Training,” “Training to Embrace Uncertainties? The ‘Pathway Evolution Process’ Serious Game for Assessing Toxic Waste Program,” “Addressing the Biological Security Educational Gap,” and more.

NEW: Schar School Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House

Prospective students are invited to join the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University for our Master’s and Certificate Virtual Open House! The Schar School offers flexible part-time or full-time options for graduate certificate and master’s degree programs that teach applicable, real-world skills for in-demand careers.

This virtual event is the perfect opportunity to:
•    Explore our top-ranked master’s degree and graduate certificate programs;
•    Meet the graduate admissions team and program faculty;
•    Learn about your program of interest in depth, including the curriculum, admissions requirements, and career opportunities; and
•    Ask admissions team members specific questions about the application process.

WHEN: Monday, September 30, 7-8 p.m. Eastern

Learn more and register here.

NEW: The Role of AI in Advancing Public Health

From ICF: “For health departments that a short time ago were struggling to move from faxing to online reporting, the leap into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) may seem like a bridge too far. Even those with well-resourced data systems might find it challenging to grasp AI’s impact. However, AI has the potential to revolutionize how work gets done in local, state, tribal and territorial public health departments, improving day-to-day operations and unlocking new ways to advance health outcomes.”

“In this webinar, leading public health experts explore how AI can optimize operations at local, state, and national levels—from transforming data collection, analytics, and forecasting to customizing communication messages, responding to misinformation, and targeting resources to better promote equity.”

This event will take place at 12 pm EST on September 12. Learn more and register here. 

NEW: Pandemics, Climate, Health, Conflict: Preventing Future Shocks

From the Pandemic Action Network (PAN): “How can this year’s UN Summit of the Future (Sept. 22-23) serve as a springboard for action in the year ahead?”

“Join PAN, the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and RANA for Pandemics, Climate, Conflict: Preventing Future Shocks on Sept. 24. This event will include former Heads of State and government, senior policymakers, and non-governmental leaders sharing their perspectives on the current political state of play, opportunities, and actions necessary to ensure we are prepared to respond to, and prevent, future global shocks.”

“Please register to indicate interest. Confirmation, full program, and location details to follow. In-person space is limited for this event.”

NEW: FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza

“This Commission meeting, FLUency: True Expertise and Effectiveness in the Battle Against Influenza, will be held on Tuesday, October 8th, in Washington, DC. The focus of this meeting will be to provide the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense with a better understanding of: (1) national leadership to defend food and agriculture against influenza; (2) federal operational requirements for preparedness, coordination, and response; (3) biosurveillance, forecasting, and the need for diagnostic tests; and (4) front-line needs and partnerships in the fight against influenza.”

This event will take place in-person on October 8 from 9:20 am to 2 pm EST. Learn more and register here.

NEW: Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use

Join the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center (MARC) for this 3-day in-person course on Responsible AI: Design, Development, and Use!  As AI becomes increasingly pervasive across various domains, it is essential that we prioritize responsible principles, policies, and practices. Learn from top AI scholars and industry experts about ethical and safe AI deployment. You’ll also gain the critical skills to navigate the complexities of AI in business, healthcare, transportation and more.
Course Dates: October 15-17, 2024
Registration Deadline: October 8, 2024

Register now: https://bit.ly/3zMvZOR

BSL4ZNet International Conference

“The Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network (BSL4ZNet) is an international group of federal institutions in Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and Canada responsible for high-containment laboratories that allows countries to work together to respond to dangerous zoonotic diseases that spread between animals and people.”

“The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference is taking place in September 2024. This year’s theme is “Emerging disease meets innovative science. The working language of the BSL4ZNet is English. The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference will be presented in English only.”

“The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference includes 4 sessions:

  • Wednesday, September 4: Threats and challenges – Delving into topics such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Climate-Related Risks, and the nuanced landscape of Science Communication amidst Misinformation/Disinformation Challenges.
  • Wednesday, September 11: Innovation and emerging technologies – Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Exploring the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the realm of emerging technologies shaping our response to infectious diseases.
  • Wednesday, September 18: Biosecurity and biosafety – Addressing critical issues surrounding biosecurity and biosafety measures, crucial pillars in combating zoonotic diseases
  • Wednesday, September 25: Innovation for BSL4 activities and challenges – Featuring an enlightening panel discussion focusing on innovative approaches to address challenges inherent to BSL4 activities.”

Associate Professor (Health Security) – Practice Track Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore 

“The Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, is seeking an exceptional and motivated early to mid-career academic to join our faculty as an Assistant or Associate Professor in Health Security. This position is designed for candidates with expertise in health security, biosecurity or related fields, with a strong public health background, and who are passionate about research, teaching, and contributing to global health initiatives. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s Asia Centre for Health Security in improving health security across Asia and beyond. Details on the position can be found here.”

“The Asia Centre for Health Security (Asia CHS, https://asia-chs.org/) is a new research and policy centre in Singapore focused on preventing high-consequence biological risks of any origin. Asia CHS was established at the NUS Saw See Hock School of Public Health, in collaboration with the NTU’s Rajaratnam School of International Studies and the Singapore National Centre for Infectious Diseases. The centre was founded with philanthropic gifts from several Asian and European donors totaling more than $7M for the Centre’s first three years of operations.”

Call for Experts – Technical Advisory Group on Laboratory Services, Systems and Diagnostics in Health Emergencies

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Laboratory Services, Systems and Diagnostics in Health Emergencies (TAG-LAB). This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.”

“Well-functioning and sustainable laboratory services, systems and diagnostics, operating according to international principles of equity, quality and safety, are essential to implement the International Health Regulations (2005)1 and achieve global health security. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published the health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) framework, describing the critical role of the laboratory to implement Collaborative Surveillance.”

“Laboratories also provide essential data to guide clinical care and inform coordination operations, as well as public health and social measures, in a range of emergency situations including outbreaks of pandemic and epidemic prone pathogens and humanitarian settings involving conflict, protracted crises and natural or man-made disasters. Considering this, a global strategy focused on laboratory services, systems and diagnostics for health emergencies is needed to address all of these contexts.” 

“This strategy will connect global efforts and advance implementation of the laboratory components of the HEPR framework and World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 74.7 on strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies that called for countries to “strengthen laboratory-based detection capacities”.”

“In this context, WHO is establishing a Technical advisory group on laboratory, services, systems and diagnostics for health emergencies (“TAG-LAB”). The TAG-LAB will act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.”

“The TAG-LAB is multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to virus evolution. Up to 25 Members may be selected. WHO welcomes expressions of interest from experts in laboratory services, systems or diagnostics, clinical scientists, academic researchers, healthcare professionals, or others with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Laboratory Systems
  • Laboratory Services
  • Diagnostics
  • National and International Policy, Regulation and Guidance
  • Biosafety
  • Biosecurity
  • Bioinformatics
  • Clinical Management
  • Outbreak Preparedness, Response and Resilience
  • Emergency response in humanitarian settings involving conflict, protracted crises and natural or man-made disasters
  • Academic Research
  • Public Health
  • Virology, Microbiology, Mycology, and Emerging or Re-emerging diseases”

Learn more and submit and expression of interest here by September 30.

Call for Experts: Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG)

“The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking two experts to serve as new members of the Health-Security Interface Technical Advisory Group (HSI-TAG). This “Call for experts” provides information about the advisory group in question, the expert profiles being sought, the process to express interest, and the process of selection.”

“The concept of Health-Security Interface (HSI) applies to those public health activities whose performance involves to some extent the security sector broadly understood (e.g. international and non-governmental organizations, civil defense, military health personnel, law enforcement and armed forces, defense-related research programmes), certain international organizations and other entities with a security relevant mandate. These activities may include protection of health from traditional and emerging infectious disease threats; deliberate events and investigation of alleged use of chemical and biological agents including non-permissive environments and conflict zones; and any health activities performed in collaboration with security actors.”

“The HSI-TAG is multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the Health-Security Interface.”

“Considering the recent developments and global trends, the Secretariat realized that there was a need to strengthen the following areas of expertise/experience, hence welcomes expressions of interest from:

  • Bioterrorism experts (knowledge on pathogens of security concern, their microbiological characterization and application/modification for weaponization, diagnostics, countermeasures and containment measures),
  • Decision/policy makers with hands-on experience dealing with significant deliberate event(s) (biological/chemical) response at the local, regional, or national level.”

“For the improved geographical and gender representation of the HSI-TAG members, the WHO Secretariat encourages applications from the WHO African, Western Pacific, European, Eastern Mediterranean and Pan American Health Organization/Americas regions and female or non-male gender identities.”

Learn more about the HSI and express interest by October 7 here.

The Nonproliferation Review Special Issue on Understanding the Nexus Between AI and WMD

“The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities and challenges for WMD nonproliferation. On the one hand, AI introduces new risks in which state and non-state actors could employ these new technologies to enable weapons development and use. AI could introduce other existential risks, some of which we may not have imagined previously. However, AI also has the potential to be a powerful tool for detecting and analyzing proliferation risks, supporting arms-control verification and treaty negotiation, and gaining new insights into the decision calculus of proliferators. Even the benefits of AI come with major risks when applied to WMD nonproliferation. To harness these benefits, policy makers must also contend with a new set of risks, including cyber-vulnerabilities that are relatively new to WMD nonproliferation but inherent to AI systems that rely upon software, hardware, and penetrable networks. The breathtaking pace of progress in the development of AI demands urgent action from the WMD-nonproliferation community to get ahead of this curve. Policy makers confront a closing window to steer outcomes toward the positive and need new insights to help them navigate these challenges.”

“This special issue will examine specific risks and opportunities at the nexus of WMD and AI while highlighting some of the general implications of AI for the WMD-nonproliferation field. Authors will be expected to conduct interviews with subject-matter experts and/or engage in other original empirical research to ensure the paper makes an original contribution and provides a technical perspective to the ongoing discussion among scholars and policy makers (see journal guidelines for more information). We welcome submissions from both academic and policy angles, but we are targeting policy makers working at the nexus of AI and WMD as the primary audience for this issue.”

Learn more here.

Pandora Report 8.30.2024

by dkellogg97, posted in Pandora Report

This week’s Pandora Report covers updates on mpox, COVID-19 misinformation, the US Government’s plan to re-launch its no-cost COVID-19 testing kit program, and more.

Mpox Updates

WHO Launches Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan

The WHO announced this week the launch of its global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan that is designed to stop outbreaks of human-to-human transmission of mpox. According to the organization, “The plan covers the six-month period of September 2024-February 2025, envisioning a US$135 million funding need for the response by WHO, Member States, partners including Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), communities, and researchers, among others,” and it aims to coordinate this through global, regional, and national efforts.

Furthermore, “The plan, which builds on the temporary recommendations and standing recommendations issued by the WHO Director-General, focuses on implementing comprehensive surveillance, prevention, readiness and response strategies; advancing research and equitable access to medical countermeasures like diagnostic tests and vaccines; minimizing animal-to-human transmission; and empowering communities to actively participate in outbreak prevention and control.”

The same statement also says that WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) will collaboratively spearhead the effort to respond to mpox in the WHO Africa Region with Africa CDC. It explains that “WHO AFRO and Africa CDC have agreed on a one-plan, one-budget approach as part of the Africa Continental Mpox Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, currently under preparation.”

However, not everyone is convinced the WHO will find success in its approach. In a recent article for The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists titled “A new mpox variant is taking off in Africa. The WHO plan for stopping it isn’t realistic,” Georgios Pappas writes, “In the mpox-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, local health care systems may lack in capabilities to deal with threats like mpox.  At the same time, political instability can be a barrier to improving health care facilities. Furthermore, malnutrition in the region predisposes children to unfavorable mpox outcomes. The WHO’s declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the designation the body gives to the most threatening crises, should have served as a chance to support this lacking health infrastructure. But the proposals so far to address the crisis don’t appear to be rising to the occasion.”

DRC Struggles Without Adequate Access to Vaccines, Tests, and Treatments

Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the current mpox outbreak, say they are without the necessary resources to contain the outbreak and treat those who are infected. NYT‘s Stephanie Nolen explains in a recent piece that the country has limited ability to diagnose mpox cases, a particularly concerning fact as the transmission and presentation of the disease change. She also writes “There is no effective antiviral treatment for mpox in Congo. The country is also short on the medications necessary to treat people with painful mpox lesions. Its fragile public health system is struggling to provide those infected with basic care, which has been shown to improve survival rates even in the absence of antiviral drugs.”

The DRC also continues to want for mpox vaccines, despite the country requesting them two years ago and manufacturers saying they have the supplies. This is in large part because of the WHO’s regulatory process. In the years since the last worldwide mpox outbreak, the WHO has still yet to approve the vaccines nor issue an emergency use license for them. This prevents UNICEF and Gavi from helping to facilitate immunizations in developing countries as they require one of these forms of authorization.

As Nolen explains in another piece, many low- and middle-income countries depend on the WHO to make these judgments about vaccines and other pharmaceuticals, in contrast to high-income countries that rely on their own regulators. This is a problem as “…the organization is painfully risk-averse, concerned with a need to protect its trustworthiness and ill-prepared to act swiftly in emergencies,” according to Blair Hanewall, a global health consultant who “managed the W.H.O. approvals portfolio as a deputy director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a key funder, for more than a decade.”

Despite these roadblocks, the WHO announced today that mpox vaccines are set to arrive in the DRC over the next few days. 230,000 doses, which were donated by the European Commission and Bavarian Nordic, are immediately available to be dispatched.

Read More-“Mpox Vaccine Tracker: Millions Pledged, Millions Still Yet to Be Delivered,” Chloe Searchinger and Allison Krugman, Think Global Health

WHO Urges Diagnostic Test Rapid Access and Invites Manufacturers to Emergency Review

This week, the WHO also asked manufacturers of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for mpox to submit expressions of interest for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). This comes after discussions with these manufacturers about the need for IVDs, especially in low-income settings. WHO explained in its statement on the action that “With as many as 1000 suspected cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone this week, the demand for diagnostic tests is on the rise. In this heavily affected country, WHO has worked with partners to scale up diagnostic capacity to respond to the upsurge of cases. Since May 2024, six additional labs have been equipped to diagnose mpox, enabling a decentralization of testing capacity from major cities to affected provinces. Two of these labs are in South Kivu, selected to respond to the outbreak of the new viral strain, called Ib. Thanks to these efforts, testing rates have dramatically improved in the country, with four times as many samples tested in 2024 so far as compared to 2023.”

US Government to Resume Offering COVID-19 Tests Through Mail at No Cost Again

Early this week, the US government announced it will again offer COVID-19 test kits to American households at no cost. Households will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests upon the program’s reopening. This announcement comes alongside urging people to seek out updated COVID-19 boosters before the fall and winter come. While many Americans do have some immunity to COVID-19 because of previous infections or immunizations, less than 25% of adults in the US got an updated COVID-19 vaccination last fall.

More Americans Believe COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation

Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 28% of respondents incorrectly believe that COVID-19 vaccines are responsible for thousands of deaths. This is in contrast to 22% in June of 2021. Furthermore, the percentage of respondents who say this is false declined from 66% to 55% during the same time period. 22% believe it is safer to be infected rather than get the vaccine, in contrast to 10% in April of 2021. The belief that COVID-19 vaccines change patients’ DNA rose from 8% in April 2021 to 15% now. Finally, while about two-thirds of respondents said the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the potential risks, this number is lower than those who believe the same for mpox, RSV, and MMR vaccines.

As Axios’ Adriel Bettelheim explains, “Previous polling has shown sizable numbers of Americans who believe COVID vaccine misinformation know they’re at odds with scientists and medical experts, suggesting that educating people on the science behind vaccines won’t change many minds.”

These trends are especially concerning given the United States’ renewed struggles with COVID-19 this summer and the push to prepare the public for the upcoming fall and winter respiratory virus season.

“International Talent Programs in the Changing Global Environment”

From the National Academies: “The U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce plays a vital role in fostering and sustaining innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security. This workforce currently depends, and for the foreseeable future will depend, on both international and domestic talent. Foreign STEM talent contributes to domestic innovation, economic growth, and U.S. leadership in science and technology and also expands perspectives and networks essential to future scientific collaborations and discoveries.”

“At the request of the U.S. Department of Defense, this report reviews foreign and domestic talent or incentive programs and their corresponding scientific, economic, and national security benefits. International Talent Programs in the Changing Global Environment makes recommendations to improve the effectiveness of U.S. mechanisms for attracting and retaining international students and scholars relative to the programs and incentives other nations use to support national research capabilities, especially in national security and defense-related fields.”

Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley, an associate professor with George Mason’s Biodefense Graduate Program, provided the study committee with insight into China’s Thousand Talent Program.

“We Need a Global Framework for Promoting Safe Handling of High Consequence Pathogens”

Karlsson et al. authored this opinion piece for the BMJ, writing in their introduction “The covid-19 pandemic has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding biosafety and biosecurity procedures in global pathogen research. This includes questions about any possible role of field and laboratory research into the emergence of the SARS-COV-2 virus.1 The $125m Discovery and Exploration of Emerging Pathogens-Viral Zoonoses programme, funded by the US Agency for International Development, researching new zoonotic viruses was recently cancelled partly because of these concerns.2 This has raised broader discussion about the risks and benefits of viral surveillance and research. Limiting funds for pathogen surveillance and research compromises long term preparedness for pandemics and leaves pathogen spillover threats unmonitored. Rather than restrict scientific surveillance and research, a global safety governance framework that spans the entire pathogen value chain must be urgently developed. This must cover the life cycle of pathogen research, including collection, transportation, and laboratory handling.”

“Biotechs Bolster Biosecurity to Safeguard the Future of Nucleic Acid Sequencing”

Danielle Gerhard discusses expert calls for stricter security measures regarding synthetic DNA in this piece for The Scientist: “Since then, industry consortia and government bodies have stepped up to fill this gap and provide guidance on how DNA providers can help prevent biosecurity risks through enhanced screening frameworks. However, to keep pace with the evolving landscape of rapid technology advancements and requests for guidance from industry, the government has updated its framework for providers of these services, but some experts in the field call for end-users, including institutions, to take on more responsibility when it comes to minimizing the biosecurity risks associated with these technologies.”

“Can Operation Warp Speed Serve as a Model for Accelerating Innovations Beyond COVID Vaccines?”

Arielle D’Souza, Kendall Hoyt, Christopher M. Snyder, and Alec Stapp’s work on a framework for applying mission approaches and economic principles from Operation Warp Speed to other innovations was recently made available by the National Bureau of Economic Research: “Operation Warp Speed (OWS) was a U.S. government-led program to accelerate the development, production, and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The program cut the typical ten-year timeline needed to develop a new vaccine down to ten months and began vaccinating vulnerable populations within a year after launch. OWS’s success has led to calls for a similar mission model to accelerate innovations addressing other pressing social needs, including a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or atmospheric-carbon removal to combat global warming. We provide a framework to understand which innovations call for a mission approach and apply economic principles to identify key design features that contributed to the success of OWS.”

“2022-2024 NBAF Science Accomplishments Report”

The US Department of Agriculture recently released this report on scientific accomplishments at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, KS. The report covers NBAF’s mission and capabilities as well as accomplishments made by the ARS Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, ARS Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, ARS Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit, Biologics Development Module, and APHIS Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

“Behind the Smoke: How Disinformation Surrounding Syria’s Chemical Attacks Undermines Public Health”

Salma Daoudi recently authored this article for the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy that “…explores the strategic use of disinformation to manipulate public perceptions around the Assad regime’s chemical attacks and its ramifications for the public health sector.”

“Worldwide Trends in COVID-19-Related Attacks Against Healthcare: A Review of the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition Database”

Duffhues et al. recently published this article in Health Security: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, violence targeting healthcare reportedly increased. Attacks against healthcare can severely hamper the public health response during a pandemic. Descriptive data analysis of these attacks may be helpful to develop prevention and mitigation strategies. This study aimed to investigate trends regarding COVID-19-related attacks against healthcare from January 2020 until January 2023. COVID-19-related incidents occurring between January 2020 and January 2023 were extracted from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition database and screened for eligibility. Included incidents were linked to COVID-19 health measures or were attacks directly interfering with COVID-19 healthcare, including conflict-related attacks. Data collected per incident included temporal factors; country; setting; attack and weapon type; perpetrator; motive; number of healthcare workers (HCWs) killed, injured, or kidnapped; and health facility damage. The study identified 255 COVID-19-related attacks against healthcare, with 18 HCWs killed, 147 HCWs injured, and 86 facilities damaged. The highest attack frequency was reported during the beginning of the pandemic and predominantly concerned stigma-related attacks against healthcare. Reported incidents in 2021 included attacks targeting vaccination campaigns, as well as conflict-related attacks interfering with COVID-19 healthcare. COVID-19-related attacks against healthcare occurred in heterogeneous contexts throughout the pandemic. Due to underreporting, the data presented are a minimum estimate of the actual magnitude of violence. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of public education campaigns, improved coordination between healthcare organizations and law enforcement, and the possible need to bolster the security of medical facilities and health workers.”

Asimov Press Pandemic Prevention Mini-Issue

Asimov Press recently published a handful of essays as part of its Pandemic Prevention Mini-Issue, including “Is That DNA Dangerous?” by Tessa Alexanian and Max Langenkamp, “Day Zero Antivirals for Future Pandemics” by Brian Wang, “Measuring the Black Death” by Saloni Dattani, and “Defense-Forward Biosecurity” by Allison Berke.

“Unmasking the Threat”

Goran Georgiev recently published this blog post focused on WMD information manipulation in Bulgaria and Romania with the Center for the Study of Democracy, writing in part “The analysis underscores a stark contrast between Bulgaria and Romania in the spread and impact of misleading content about biological laboratories, reflecting broader cultural differences in how Russia is perceived publicly. Romania does not share many of the cultural pull factors or cognitive capture that make citizens in majority Slav countries vulnerable to pro-Kremlin information interference, particularly the shared linguistic, ethnic, and historical heritage. Differences in geopolitical public perceptions have been evident in numerous comparative surveys, with Romanians being over eight times less likely (at 3%) to see Russia as a strategic ally after the invasion compared to Bulgarians (at 26%) or Slovaks (25%). These differences appear to be reflected in the level of engagement with pro-Kremlin narratives related to WMD.”

“Transoceanic Pathogen Transfer in the Age of Sail and Steam”

Elizabeth N. Blackmore and James O. Lloyd-Smith authored this article in PNAS: “In the centuries following Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas, transoceanic travel opened unprecedented pathways in global pathogen circulation. Yet no biological transfer is a single, discrete event. We use mathematical modeling to quantify historical risk of shipborne pathogen introduction, exploring the respective contributions of journey time, ship size, population susceptibility, transmission intensity, density dependence, and pathogen biology. We contextualize our results using port arrivals data from San Francisco, 1850 to 1852, and from a selection of historically significant voyages, 1492 to 1918. We offer numerical estimates of introduction risk across historically realistic ranges of journey time and ship population size, and show that both steam travel and shipping regimes that involved frequent, large-scale movement of people substantially increased risk of transoceanic pathogen circulation.”

What We’re Listening to 🎧

Technologically Speaking Podcast: Season 4, Episode 3

“The Technologically Speaking Podcast sits down with Lindsay Gabbert, a microbiologist at the S&T Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC). Lindsay and her colleagues at PIADC are on the front lines keeping dangerous animal diseases at bay and away from our farms. She talks about what the greatest threats are and what S&T and PIADC are doing to thwart them. She also shares anecdotes about her time working at PIADC, one of the most interesting and unique labs in the United States, nestled on a small and historic island in the Long Island Sound.”

BSL4ZNet International Conference

“The Biosafety Level 4 Zoonotic Laboratory Network (BSL4ZNet) is an international group of federal institutions in Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and Canada responsible for high-containment laboratories that allows countries to work together to respond to dangerous zoonotic diseases that spread between animals and people.”

“The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference is taking place in September 2024. This year’s theme is “Emerging disease meets innovative science. The working language of the BSL4ZNet is English. The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference will be presented in English only.”

“The 2024 BSL4ZNet International Conference includes 4 sessions:

  • Wednesday, September 4: Threats and challenges – Delving into topics such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Climate-Related Risks, and the nuanced landscape of Science Communication amidst Misinformation/Disinformation Challenges.
  • Wednesday, September 11: Innovation and emerging technologies – Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Exploring the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the realm of emerging technologies shaping our response to infectious diseases.
  • Wednesday, September 18: Biosecurity and biosafety – Addressing critical issues surrounding biosecurity and biosafety measures, crucial pillars in combating zoonotic diseases
  • Wednesday, September 25: Innovation for BSL4 activities and challenges – Featuring an enlightening panel discussion focusing on innovative approaches to address challenges inherent to BSL4 activities.”

Safeguarding the Food Supply: Integrating Diverse Risks, Connecting with Consumers, and Protecting Vulnerable Populations – A Workshop

From the National Academies: “On September 4-5, the Food Forum will host a workshop that explores the state of the science around hazard- and risk-based approaches to safeguarding both domestic and global food systems. Workshop presenters will examine nutrition, economic, and equity implications in food safety decision-making, and considerations and strategies for communicating hazard and risk across sectors. The workshop will also include national and international perspectives on risk assessment and tools to mitigate risk, as well as opportunities for the future of risk management and assessment, food safety, and public health.”

Learn more and register for this virtual event here.