MITRE Proposes 10-Point Plan to Sustain a Biopharma Industrial Base and Enhance Our Nation’s Safety and Security

August 18, 2021 at 09:17 AM EDT

High-impact events, such as pandemics, extreme weather, and trade disputes, put U.S. national security and long-term economic competitiveness at risk

The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call to invest in pandemic preparedness and response for the good of society. To enhance our national security for this and other high-impact events, MITRE has published a “10-Point Action Plan: Sustaining a Biopharma Industrial Base for a More Secure Nation.” This action plan addresses policy, program, and financing recommendations to strengthen and sustain a biopharma and technology industrial base to mitigate national, economic, and health security risks against biological and geopolitical threats.

The action plan – developed by MITRE in consultation with former government officials, industry experts, and academics – directly addresses deficiencies laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic in the way government manages the biopharma industrial base. This key part of our economy is a critical capability needed for the nation to be able to access medical countermeasures, essential medicines, and medical supplies in a time of crisis.

“Despite many advances in the past 20 years, COVID-19 has demonstrated that government is often reactive and transactional in preparedness and response planning,” said Dr. Jay J. Schnitzer, MITRE chief medical and technology officer. “Our elected leaders and policymakers have the opportunity to set a new proactive course that will sustain a world-class biopharma industrial base and better protect the United States from future pandemics and other threats.”

Monique K. Mansoura, executive director, MITRE Global Health Security and Biotechnology, said, “A lack of a sustainable biopharma industrial base, including critical infrastructure and a trained workforce, has contributed to the supply chain issues experienced during COVID-19. We can build upon the positive actions that the government and industry have demonstrated for COVID response and create a stronger foundation to ensure an adequate and sustained supply of medical countermeasures, essential medicines, and medical supplies at sufficient scale and speed.”

Read the “10-Point Action Plan: Sustaining a Biopharma Industrial Base for a More Secure Nation.”

About MITRE

MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. Learn more at www.mitre.org.