US Health Department partners with Janssen Research & Development to develop new flu vaccines

A new public-private partnership between the federal government and Janssen Research & Development LLC seeks to jointly innovate new products in the constantly evolving battle against influenza.

The partnership will see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Janssen working on both vaccines to prevent flu’s spread, as well as treatments for emerging infectious diseases. They will share costs and information related to a particular portfolio, which at present includes an anti-influenza small molecule drug and a universal influenza vaccine.

“Pandemic influenza is one of the greatest health threats that we face–a pandemic can lead to significant illness, loss of life, and social and economic disruption,” Rick Bright, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) director, said. “We need new approaches to effectively address this persistent threat. This portfolio includes exciting products that could greatly improve our response to influenza and we’ve found that portfolio-based partnerships like this provide the flexibility and reliable funding to develop products needed for emergencies and for the commercial market.”

The partnership is the first such creation for emerging infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, and will initially include BARDA investments of $43 million, which will spread to as much as $273 million over five years. Janssen will match those investments.