Dr. Gigi Kwik Grönvall from the
Center for Biosecurity discusses the impact of pathogen resistance on
our vaccine and drug supply. Since the discovery of vaccination in 1798
and penicillin in 1929, antimicrobials and vaccines have been developed
and used against a variety of pathogens, including influenza and
smallpox. In the last several decades, there has been a precipitous
drop in vaccine production and an increase in infectious pathogens. One
aspect of this problem – involves boosting vaccine and antiviral
development by pharmaceutical companies through various liability and
tax incentives. Dr. Grunvald will address these and the wider problems
we face in pursuit of countermeasure stockpiles: research and
development; pathogen resistance; licensing; and international needs.
