Disease X Act of 2023

Disease X Act of 2023

This bill expands the priorities of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to specifically include viral threats that have the potential to cause a pandemic.

In particular, the bill expands the scope of innovation grants and contracts that may be awarded by BARDA to specifically include those that support research and development of certain manufacturing technology for medical countermeasures against viruses, including respiratory viruses, with pandemic potential. It also expands BARDA's authorized strategic initiatives to include advanced research, development, and procurement of countermeasures and products to address viruses with pandemic potential.

Bill 118 hr 3832, also known as the Disease X Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the threat of unknown or emerging infectious diseases, often referred to as "Disease X." The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for detecting, preventing, and responding to such diseases in order to protect public health and national security.

Key provisions of the Disease X Act of 2023 include:

1. Creation of a task force: The bill calls for the establishment of a Disease X Task Force, comprised of experts in public health, infectious diseases, and emergency response. The task force will be responsible for coordinating efforts to monitor and respond to potential Disease X outbreaks. 2. Surveillance and early detection: The legislation emphasizes the importance of surveillance and early detection of unknown or emerging infectious diseases. It calls for the development of advanced monitoring systems and diagnostic tools to quickly identify and contain outbreaks. 3. Research and development: The bill allocates funding for research and development of vaccines, treatments, and other medical countermeasures for Disease X. It also encourages collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations to accelerate the development of new technologies. 4. International cooperation: Recognizing that Disease X knows no borders, the legislation emphasizes the need for international cooperation in combating global health threats. It calls for increased collaboration with foreign governments and organizations to share information, resources, and best practices. Overall, the Disease X Act of 2023 represents a proactive approach to addressing the growing threat of unknown or emerging infectious diseases. By establishing a comprehensive framework for detection, prevention, and response, the bill aims to strengthen the nation's ability to protect public health and national security in the face of evolving health challenges.