DHHS expands cooperation with Johnson & Johnson in developing counters for health threats

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced this week that a strategic partnership between the department and Johnson & Johnson will seek to advance efforts against chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, disease, and antimicrobial threats in the United States.

The two entities will collaborate through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which has joint oversight and cost sharing of Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio of developing products. BARDA will provide the family of companies under Johnson & Johnson with $28 million over the next two years, and as much as $200 million over the next six years.

Their first focus is an early development compound used to treat acute radiation syndrome and some chemical threats. It helps blood cells injured by high doses of radiation. Other products could include those meant to cause bleeding caused by trauma, chemical injuries, and bacterial infections.

The arrangement between the two organizations is not strictly a contract or cooperative agreement, but rather an “other transaction authority,” allowed for under the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006. It enables BARDA to promote innovation without locking them to standard protocol.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies to bring innovative products to the market that to help combat all types of health security threats and meet daily healthcare needs,” BARDA Director Rick Bright said.