Today, the Office [previously known as DARPA] seeks entirely new, rapid mechanisms for discovery, testing, and manufacture of critical therapeutics. Specifically, we are developing platform technologies that will allow the delivery of millions of doses of a definitive therapeutic within 16 weeks of pathogen discovery. For early detection of infection, DSO is developing novel diagnostic paradigms by applying new mathematics (such as topologic analysis) to traditional biochemical and physiologic parameters. Realizing that a newly emergent infectious disease or highly engineered biowarfare agent may demand production of entirely new therapeutics, the Accelerated Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals Program is also pioneering new biotechnology for rapid, large-scale production of complex biological therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines with the goal of producing millions of doses of any biologic therapeutic in 12 weeks or less.

From the trenches,

Celeste