Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is a federal agency focused on the advanced development and procurement of medical countermeasures. It addresses public health security threats like chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. BARDA collaborates with industry to transition essential vaccines, therapies, and diagnostics from development into national readiness.

Established in 2006 under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, BARDA was formed to ensure systematic national health security. Its creation within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressed a critical need: bridging the gap between basic research and deployable medical solutions for catastrophic health events, bolstering national preparedness.

BARDA primarily serves the American public, safeguarding against diverse health threats and military personnel. The agency partners with industry to fulfill its mission. Its vision is to strengthen national capacity for public health emergency response by accelerating medical product development and availability, ensuring robust long-term health security.