HHS center to develop Zika vaccine

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response will begin developing a Zika virus vaccine at its Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing in Baltimore, the agency announced yesterday. The HHS center is one of three that bring together small biotech companies, academic institutions and large pharmaceutical companies to quickly develop and deliver drugs and vaccines for use in public health emergencies. “The threat posed by Zika presents an urgent need for vaccines and diagnostics,” said Richard Hatchett, M.D., acting director of ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. “To meet that need as quickly as possible, we need to leverage the infrastructure, experience and expertise available within BARDA, other federal agencies, industry and academia.”