The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) last month awarded a $1.6 million contract to New York Medical College of Valhalla for research in support of influenza countermeasures development and advanced manufacturing.
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said “This particular investment seeks to expedite and enlarge flu vaccine production, so that more and better vaccines are available quicker during high demand. This is a winning formula for strong communities and I will continue my work in Congress to ensure support for scientific research.”
BARDA is the federal program that facilitates the development of vaccines, drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools for public health emergencies. The influenza vaccine development project led by Dr. Doris Bucher at New York Medical College seeks to develop influenza vaccine seed strains optimized for high production yields and high immunogenicity.
The BARDA award, entitled “High Yield (High Growth) Reassortant Seed Influenza Viruses,” was made under a BARDA Broad Agency Announcement for pandemic influenza countermeasures.
