BARDA, Applied Research Associates team up to develop reusable respirator for public health emergencies

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Applied Research Associates, Inc. recently partnered to advance the development of respirators that can be reused up to 100 times for use in public health emergencies.

Under the agreement, which spans 15 months for a total of $1.97 million, Applied Research will both design and test a respirator prototype hybrid using the existing N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator and a half-mask elastomeric respirator.

Should the next-generation mask receive approval and licensure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it could be autoclaved at medical centers throughout the country for safe reuse as well as provide an added layer of protection for first responders in the event of a pandemic health emergency.

“During public health emergencies, particularly in severe pandemics, equipment may be in short supply to protect the professionals who are essential to saving lives,” BARDA Director Rick Bright said. “During public health emergencies, particularly in severe pandemics, equipment may be in short supply to protect the professionals who are essential to saving lives,”

According to BARDA, reusable masks may reduce stockpiling and distribution costs to taxpayers and could ensure a wider availability for first responders and healthcare providers during emergencies, including incidents of anthrax use, Ebola, and pandemic influenza.