HHS funds drug development to protect against bioterrorism

The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it will fund the development of a new drug to protect the public against two bioterrorism threats — melioidosis and glanders. If approved by the FDA, the drug may be added to the arsenal of treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.

“Antibiotic resistance adversely impacts our nation’s ability to respond effectively to a bioterrorism attack and to everyday public health threats,” Robin Robinson, PhD, director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, said in a press release. “By participating with industry to develop novel antimicrobial drugs against biothreats that also treat drug-resistant bacteria, we can address health security and public health needs efficiently.”

Development of the drug, Carbavance, will take place under a public-private partnership between BARDA and Rempex Pharmaceuticals Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Medicines Company. BARDA has made an initial commitment of $19.8 million to the project and may contribute up $90 million in the next 5 years.

According to HHS, the bacteria that cause melioidosis can be found in the soil and water and can cause infection when an individual touches or inhales the bacteria. Also known as Whitmore’s disease, melioidosis can be mistaken for tuberculosis and pneumonia. The disease is common in Southeast Asia and Australia.

The respiratory disease glanders is often found in animals, although the infection can be passed on to humans either through direct contact with infected animals or by inhaling contaminated aerosols or dust. Glanders can affect the skin, blood, lungs and muscles.

If Carbavance is approved by the FDA, the drug can also be used commercially to treat urinary tract infections, hospital- or ventilator-acquired pneumonia and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.