This edition includes coverage of new human H5 influenza cases in California, the launch of an investigational Marburg vaccine trial in Rwanda, and dual-use safety considerations for chem-bio AI models.
FEATURED
New Human Cases of H5 Bird Flu in California
On 3 Oct, CDC announced confirmation of two human cases of H5 bird flu from specimens submitted by California. The cases occurred in people with occupational exposure to infected dairy cows. There is no known link or contact between the first and second confirmed cases in California, suggesting these are separate instances of animal-to-human spread of the virus. State public health officials announced a third possible case on 5 Oct, awaiting confirmatory testing at the CDC. CDC
CDC HAN Health Advisory: Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak in Rwanda
On October 3, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about the Republic of Rwanda’s first confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD). As of Oct. 6, 2024, Rwanda has recorded 49 illnesses and 12 deaths from Marburg virus disease. The health advisory summarizes CDC’s recommendations for public health departments and clinicians in the United States on case identification and testing and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations. CDC Health Alert Network
Investigational Marburg Vaccines Delivered to Rwanda for Rapid Response Trial
Rwanda said on Sunday it had begun administering vaccine doses against the Marburg virus. The initial shipment of approximately 700 vaccine doses will be used in a trial targeting frontline workers, including healthcare professionals who have been hardest hit by the deadly virus. Sabin’s single-dose vaccine, based on the cAd3 platform, is in Phase 2 trials in Uganda and Kenya with no safety concerns reported to date. Sabin Vaccine Institute, Reuters
Safety Considerations for Chemical and Biological AI Models
The rapid advancement of AI tools in the chemical and biological sciences presents unique dual-use security considerations. Federal agencies are seeking input and insights from stakeholders on practices and methodologies for the responsible development and use of chemical and biological (chem-bio) AI models. The RFI closes 3 Dec. Global Biodefense
POLICY + GOVERNMENT
Bridging Biosafety and Biosecurity Gaps: DURC and ePPP Policy Insights from U.S. Institutions
This study provides empirical data on the knowledge and practices of biosafety and biosecurity professionals and researchers involved in research on enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (ePPPs) and Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) within various U.S. sectors. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Progress Report
The PIP Framework works to strengthen the sharing of data on influenza viruses with human pandemic potential through the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), and to increase the access of developing countries to vaccines and other pandemic response supplies. This report presents overall success metrics and infographics to illustrate progress in PIP Framework implementation. World Health Organization
CDMOs Eye Industrywide Growth in 2025 as Many Spurn BIOSECURE Act
The optimistic mood comes despite an uneven recovery in the biopharma industry after the pandemic. A majority of the industry polled was unsupportive of the BIOSECURE Act—a piece of legislation unveiled in January (and passed the House earlier this month) that seeks to cut off cooperation with certain Chinese service providers. Fierce Pharma
The International Bioweapons Regime Must be Strengthened, Not Exploited in Geopolitical Competition
The weaponisation of biotechnology in the US-Russia war of narratives endangers global security. Misuse of the BWC mechanisms of consultation and review further degrades the foundations of the international bioweapons regime. This makes future cooperation on preventing (or tackling) the next pandemic or the proliferation of the next generation of biological weapons even more difficult, if not impossible. False alarms based on speculations without solid evidence tend to generate fatigue and diminished concern for substantial verified cases. There is also the alarming possibility that Russia or third parties, such as China, could use false allegations to justify their own potential misuse of biotechnology. RSIS
MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES
ASPR Takes Next Steps to Prepare Vaccine Against H5 Influenza
BARDA is providing approximately $72 million to CSL Seqirus, Sanofi, and GSK to complete the next steps in influenza A(H5) vaccine manufacturing as part of national preparedness. Under existing agreements, CSL Seqirus, Sanofi, and GSK will fill and finish additional doses of their influenza A(H5) vaccines from bulk storage into ready-to-use vials or pre-filled syringes so that vaccine will be ready to distribute if needed. The companies also will manufacture additional bulk influenza antigen – the component of vaccines that stimulates an immune response – from seed stocks that are well matched to circulating strains. HHS
Key Information About Rwanda’s Deadly Marburg Outbreak is Still Missing
It appears the index case was a man who had traveled in Rwanda before falling sick. He was treated at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali and diagnosed with malaria; doctors initially missed that he also had Marburg, a disease never detected in Rwanda before. Only when several health care workers from the hospital’s intensive care unit started falling sick did it become clear that a hemorrhagic fever was spreading. Most of the Rwanda cases so far are linked to the King Faisal Hospital cluster. Science
GigaGen Wins BARDA Contract to Develop Biothreat Countermeasures
The contract will provide an initial commitment of $19.6 million and up to $135.2 million over a six-year period, supporting drug manufacturing and phase 1 trials for the two programs: for botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) and a second biothreat of interest to the agency that will be determined at a later time. Global Biodefense
Developing Predictive Drug Safety and Efficacy Modeling Platforms for IND Candidates
Current clinical drug development can be a long, expensive, and inefficient process. Over 90% of drug candidates never reach the commercial market. A new funding opportunity through the Computational ADME-Tox and Physiology Analysis for Safer Therapeutics (CATALYST) program intends to create human physiology-based computer models to accurately predict safety and efficacy profiles for Investigational New Drug (IND) candidates. ARPA-H
Acurx Announces Anthrax Susceptibility to ACX-375 Analogues
Microbiological testing of certain ACX-375 DNA pol IIIC analogues demonstrated in vitro activity against B. anthracis (Anthrax), including activity against ciprofloxacin resistant B. anthracis. Global Biodefense
Phase 2 Data on Delayed Booster Dose of Ebola Vaccine
The aim of this trial was to explore the effects of delayed boosting upon both the height and duration of antibody titres following primary immunization. The Lancet Microbe
BIOSECURITY + BIOPREPAREDNESS
Boosting Domestic Protection of Isolation Gowns
The HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has awarded over $367 million for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile in preparation for future public health emergencies. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
Modernizing Public Health Data Systems and Workforce Capacity: The CDC’s Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program
The CDC’s Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program (PHIFP) is a 2-year, full-time, on-the-job training program. Fellowships such as PHIFP, which recruit and train promising scientists in public health informatics, are important components of efforts to strengthen public health workforce capacity. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
Characteristics of Global Rapid Response Team Deployers and Deployment
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the need for domestic public health responders. This study followed up on previously published data to describe the CDC’s Global Rapid Response Team (GRRT) surge staffing model during the height of the COVID-19 response. Public Health Reports
Tackling Misinformation and Distrust is Key to Improving Public Health Communication for the Next Pandemic
Mounting evidence suggests levels of trust in government were directly proportional to fewer COVID infections and higher vaccination rates across the world. It was a crucial factor in people’s willingness to follow public health directives, and is now a key focus for future pandemic preparedness. Global Biodefense
Future Pandemic as Big as Covid is Inevitable, Says England’s Chief Medical Officer
Another pandemic as big as the Covid crisis that killed 7 million people worldwide is “a certainty”, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has warned, as he said that the UK’s lack of intensive care capacity for the sickest patients was a “political choice”. Some intensive care units in England had been so overwhelmed that staff had had to put dead bodies in clear plastic garbage bags after running out of body bags, and then immediately put another Covid patient in that person’s bed. The Guardian
Organizational Models for Managing Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs) in South-East Asia
The current literature suggests that the frequency and complexity of public health emergencies are rising and this trend will likely continue. From 2000 to 2023, seven events have been declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. This review delves into the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) organizational models such as the Incident Management System, Incident Response System and Incident Command System or country-specific models are essential in managing PHEIC. BMJ Open
SELECT AGENTS + PRIORITY PATHOGENS
Deadly Marburg Virus Hits Rwanda’s Doctors and Nurses Hard
Rwanda’s fragile health care system could become overwhelmed by the deadly Marburg virus, doctors fear, because most of those currently infected are medical professionals, and some have already died. Since the first outbreak in the country last month, at least 30 medical workers have been infected, and at least four have died. Among the infected are two of the country’s scarce anesthesiologists. More medical staff members are isolated in hospital wards in the capital, Kigali. The health care system, with approximately 1,500 doctors and fewer than 40 anesthesiologists for a nation of just over 13 million people, could face significant strain. New York Times
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda Draws Concern Over Possibility of International Spread
In a statement issued late Monday, the World Health Organization categorized the risk of spread to neighboring countries as high. It also suggested there is a risk of spread beyond East Africa. Most of the cases detected to date — over 70% — have been in health professionals who work in two hospitals in the capital city, Kigali, which is home to 1.7 million people. Kigali is also a regional and international travel hub; flights from the city go to destinations in about 20 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. STAT
Interventions for the Control of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Tick Vectors
CCHFV is expected to become endemic in new geographies with a rise in disease incidence, vector distribution and local abundances in response to climate changes, and human interactions. NPJ Vaccines
Temporal Characterization of Prion Shedding in Secreta of White-Tailed Deer
Findings demonstrate that improved amplification methods can be used to identify early antemortem CWD prion shedding, which might aid in disease surveillance of cervids. Emerging Infectious Diseases
Reemergence of Oropouche Virus in the Americas and Risk for Spread in the United States
On the basis of available data, the risk for sustained local transmission in the continental United States is considered low because of differences in vector ecology and in human–vector interactions when compared with Oropouche virus–endemic areas. However, more information is needed about the drivers for the current outbreak to clarify the risk. Emerging Infectious Diseases
How to Sample Surfaces in Health-Care Settings for MERS-CoV
This protocol describes an investigation of environmental surface contamination of MERS-CoV in health-care settings. This study would ideally be implemented as soon as possible once a confirmed MERS case is identified in a health-care facility. World Health Organization
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Bird Flu Fears Stoke the Race for an mRNA Flu Vaccine
Drug companies such as Moderna, Pfizer, and GSK are working on mRNA jabs that would target various different flu strains responsible for regular seasonal outbreaks; all three are also separately developing bird flu vaccines. But clinical trials have so far yielded some mixed results. Wired
Possible Cluster of Human Bird-Flu Infections Expands in Missouri
Seven people in contact with a patient hospitalized with bird flu also developed symptoms, the CDC reported. Some are undergoing further tests. If confirmed, the cases in Missouri could indicate that the virus may have acquired the ability to infect people more easily. New York Times
H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Dynamics in Experimentally Infected Calves and Cows
Data suggests that in addition to H5N1 B3.13, other HPAIV H5N1 strains have the potential to replicate in the udder of cows and that milk and milking procedures, rather than respiratory spread, are likely the primary routes of H5N1 transmission between cattle. Nature
Potential for Transmission of Avian Influenza Virus Via Air Inlets Into Poultry Houses
This study indicates potential airborne introduction of HPAI virus into poultry farms. We found particles containing waterbird DNA in the airflow entering farms. It is therefore likely that also HPAI virus could be introduced via the same route together with materials from infected waterbirds. The approach can be extended to other pathogens and/or animals to elucidate routes of transmission. Eurosurveillance
CHEMICAL + RADIOLOGICAL THREATS
NIH Developing Annual Chemical Countermeasures Research Conference
Efforts are underway to establish an Annual Scientific Meeting to Support the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), sponsored by the U.S. government, the first of which is expected to take place in 2026. Global Biodefense
Midazolam – a Diazepam Replacement for the Management of Nerve Agent-Induced Seizures
A benzodiazepine, diazepam, has been the leading antidote for seizures caused by nerve agents, the most toxic chemical weapons of mass destruction, since the 1960s. However, its limitations have often brought questions about its usefulness. Extensive effort has been devoted into exploring alternatives, such as other benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, or glutamate antagonists. Recent studies have shown the superiority of midazolam over other benzodiazepines in the medical management of poisoned casualties. While its use in emergency care is straightforward, the proper dose for soldiers under battlefield conditions is questionable due to its sedative effects. Neuropharmacology
Humanetics Presents BIO 300 Radiation Countermeasure Data at DoD Scientific Meeting
BIO 300 was originally developed as a radioprotectant by researchers at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), and exclusively licensed to Humanetics for advanced development and commercialization. Global Biodefense
Development of Alternative Human Models of Radiation-Induced Injuries
Funding supports early to mid-stage research focused on development of alternative human models of acute or delayed radiation-induced injuries (extracorporeal systems) to elucidate mechanisms of injury and to test medical countermeasures to treat or mitigate these injuries. NIH Grants
BioLab to Deploy Special Response Team Amid Continuing Smoke Plume Crisis in Conyers
Six days after chemical-filled smoke plumes continued to rise from the BioLab plant in Conyers, BioLab will be bringing in their own incident response team and setting up a physical office to field community concerns. The chemical fire caused a shelter-in-place order for 90,000 residents and caused air quality issues across a number of cities in Georgia. Clean-up is in progress with an uncertain timeline. Fox 5 Atlanta
SURVEILLANCE + DETECTION
Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Status Among Lower Resource Settings in Asia
Understanding how to improve next generation sequencing (NGS) use in pathogen surveillance is an urgent priority for regional health security. A recent market assessment suggests that resource-constrained countries are paying up to tenfold more per sequence than high-income countries. Nature Microbiology
AI + CYBERBIOSECURITY
Senate Bill Seeks to Leverage AI for New Pandemic Preparedness Program
S. 5222 would call on the secretary of HHS to establish a new program called “MedShield” that would protect against future pandemics by aiding collaboration between government and the private sector and use AI in several areas, including detecting pathogens and developing vaccines. FedScoop
Accelerating the Discovery and Development of New Antibiotics Using Generative AI
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced funding for the Transforming Antibiotic R&D with Generative AI to stop Emerging Threats (TARGET) project, which will use AI to speed the discovery and development of new classes of antibiotics. HHS
AI-Powered Microscopy Platform for Airborne Biothreat Detection
Even though significant effort has been invested in the development of various sensor solutions to detect, monitor, and identify airborne biological agents, no standard, interoperable, real-time or near-real-time optical sensor-based biothreat monitoring solution exists. This AI-supported biothreat detection platform is currently being finetuned for the detection of bacillus form objects sampled from the air. Paradigms on Technology Development for Security Practitioners
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Health Risks Rising in Mountain Areas Flooded by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene’s flooding has subsided, but health risks are growing in hard-hit regions of the North Carolina mountains, where many people lost access to power and clean water. Contaminated water can lead to infectious diseases, particularly among people who are already ill, immunocompromised or have open wounds. Global Biodefense
Preparing for the Rapid Research Response to the Possible Vertical Transmission of Oropouche Virus
The evidence base for understanding whether OROV infections during pregnancy might pose risks to maternal-fetal health remains extremely scarce. A rapid research response is needed to generate data to guide health care and assistance for OROV-exposed communities. Lessons from a decade of congenital Zika research are described. The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Advances in Leishmania Vaccines: Current Development and Future Prospects
An estimated 700,000 new cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and more than 1 million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are reported each year. This paper is an overview of recent advances in Leishmania vaccine development, ranging from initial trials to recent achievements, such as the ChAd63-KH DNA vaccine. Pathogens
Tuberculosis and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Screening Among Non-US–Born Persons
Among non–US-born persons from countries with high TB and HBV burden, the study found low screening rates and elevated prevalence of TBI and chronic HBV infection. Increased screening is the first step in reducing health inequities and overall disease burden. Open Forum Infectious Diseases
How Ignored Warnings at Boar’s Head Plant Led to a Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Concerns about conditions at Boar’s Head’s Jarratt plant were not new to USDA officials. Two years ago, federal food inspectors warned that “major deficiencies” at the Jarratt facility could pose an “imminent threat” to food safety during an audit of the plant, according to government inspection reports released in recent weeks by the USDA. Washington Post
Flexible mRNA Vaccine Protects Mice from Deadly C. diff Infections, Including Recurring Cases
Researchers have developed an mRNA vaccine that protected mice from succumbing to C. diff infections and prevented recurring cases. The results suggest the vaccine could become a flexible tool to target different strains of C. diff and prevent the pesky bacteria from trapping patients in a cycle of disease. Fierce Biotech, Science
MED6-189: A Stunning Breakthrough in the Fight Against Malaria
Researchers have developed MED6-189, a new drug effective against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of human malaria parasites. MED6-189 targets the apicoplast and vesicular trafficking pathways in Plasmodium falciparum, blocking parasite development and preventing drug resistance. This synthetic compound, inspired by marine sponges, has shown efficacy in both humanized mouse models and against other zoonotic parasites. SciTech Daily
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Estimation of Vaccine Effectiveness Against SARS-CoV-2-associated Hospitalization Using Sentinel Surveillance in South Africa
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies leveraging systematic surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study assessed the effectiveness of two vaccines (Pfizer BNT162b2 and Johnson & Johnson Ad26.COV2.S) against SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization in South African adults aged ≥18 years. International Journal of Epidemiology
A Majority of Americans Have No or Low Awareness of Paxlovid, the At-Home COVID-19 Treatment
Oral Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir) is highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19, yet it has been remarkably underused, even by patients at highest risk from COVID-19, since its December 2021 introduction in the US. In this survey, a majority of respondents (85 percent) had no or low awareness of Paxlovid, including 31 percent who had never heard of it. Even among those who were aware of the drug, many held misperceptions about its effectiveness (39 percent), adverse effects (86 percent), and requisite timing (61 percent) that could lead to underuse. Health Affairs
SPECIAL INTEREST
Anthony Fauci: A Mosquito in My Backyard Made Me the Sickest I’ve Ever Been
“After I spent more than 50 years chasing and fighting viruses, one fought back and nearly took me down. I speak of the West Nile virus, delivered by the deadliest animal on the planet — the mosquito.” New York Times
Nobel Prize in Medicine Goes to Two American Biologists for Work on the Discovery of microRNA
The 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine has been awarded to US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their work on the discovery of microRNA, a molecule that governs how cells in the body function. Last year, the prize was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their work on MRNA vaccines, a crucial tool in curtailing the spread of Covid-19. CNN
ALSO READING
Strengthening democracy and pandemic preparedness go hand in hand. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
CDC: 35% flu vaccine efficacy in South America may predict similar for US season. CIDRAP
Discovery and characterization of a pan-betacoronavirus S2-binding antibody. Structure
The environmental effects, pollutions, and waste from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in the developed countries during Covid-19 pandemic. European Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews
What’s missing in the Pandemic Treaty’s Proposed Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system? SSRN
Detection of a novel parahenipavirus from northern short-tailed shrews. BioRxiv
Exploring viral respiratory coinfections: Shedding light on pathogen interactions. PLOS Pathogens
Developing training in response to high-consequence infectious diseases and preparedness measures for the future. Health Security
The Functions of Cytokines in the Cardiac Immunopathogenesis of Chagas Disease. Pathogens
Viral-bacterial co-infections screen in vitro reveals molecular processes affecting pathogen proliferation and host cell viability. Nature Communication