US government pledges $2B for new initiative on biomanufacturing
Over the past few days, the Biden administration has been focused on new science efforts, particularly around cancer, and growing biomanufacturing in the US.
On Wednesday, the White House held a summit on biotech and biomanufacturing, revealing what it will spend to boost these efforts.
Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, said that the administration has been focused on a modern industrial strategy by placing public funds in efforts that invest in infrastructure and secure supply chains. He also said that the focus of the initiative is to increase the domestic manufacturing of APIs to limit the dependence on foreign suppliers as well as increase the domestic manufacturing capacity in general and create jobs.
The administration revealed that it will invest over $2 billion into biotech and biomanufacturing efforts, with $1 billion specifically going to manufacturing infrastructure in the US provided by the Department of Defense. The funds will go toward both private and public initiatives to expand manufacturing capacity as well as supply chain boosting efforts. Around $200 million will also be geared toward cybersecurity for these facilities.
The DOD will also be launching a program to accelerate research for new products as well as support the creation of bio-based materials for defense supply chains. This effort will receive $270 million over the next five years.
HHS also received $40 million to expand domestic API, antibiotic manufacturing and the production of materials related to medications and pandemic response.
According to a statement from HHS, further initiatives stemming from Biden’s executive order include the development of FDA research programs for more advanced manufacturing technologies and supporting the development of an “Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub” at the FDA.
Support will also go to the development of the FDA’s Center for Advancement of Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals to create more science and regulatory policies. HHS will also continue funding several programs related to gene and cell therapy manufacturing.
While the government is putting more focus on biomanufacturing, it’s already been investing in US-based manufacturing. Last month, BARDA granted $11 million to CDMO Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing to boost the domestic production of a vaccine for monkeypox amidst a wide range of grants being distributed.
Last week, the Department of Commerce also gave over $52 million in grants to boost API manufacturing in central Virginia.
