Battelle, a nonprofit research and development institute, said the key to preparing for the rapidly growing threat of biological or chemical weapons is by developing countermeasures with technology that is tested against live agents.
Battelle’s recommendation was directed toward defense manufacturers developing the detectors, protection and medical countermeasures designed to combat chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats.
“Live-agent testing is the ultimate standard for validating performance of detection systems and personal protective equipment and materials to counter chemical and biological threats,” Battelle said. “It involves controlled-environment exposure of developmental gear or equipment to actual biological threats like anthrax or ricin, chemical threats like sarin and distilled sulfur mustard, as well as other advanced threats.”
Live-agent testing is typically conducted near the end of the product development process. But Battelle said adding live-agent testing early into the product development cycle can better prepare manufacturers to meet government requirements and create a competitive advantage.
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency also recommends early live-agent testing to academic and commercial institutions that are developing chemical and biological defense technologies.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned that chemical and biological threats were increasing as it released its annual report to Congress on the military’s chemical and biological defense programs.
“Rapid advancements in technology are making it easier for an adversary, whether state or non‐state, to develop chemical and biological (CB) weapons,” DOD and DHS said in the report. “The DoD faces CB threats that are complex, diverse, and pose enduring risks to our Joint Force and the Homeland.”
Columbus, Ohio-based Battelle, which designs and manufactures products and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers, said testing challenges were more pronounced for government agencies. The company cited the approximately $200 million decline in the DOD’s CBRNE annual budget since 2015.
Live agent testing can help developers ensure that their systems are effective and have mitigated risks as much as possible in order to win government CBRNE funds, Battelle said.