BARDA Director Exits Vaccine Development Agency

The director of HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Rick Bright, has departed from the federal vaccine development agency to helm a new initiative on COVID-19 diagnostics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

An HHS spokesperson confirmed Bright’s surprise move yesterday and said BARDA’s Deputy Director Gary Disbrow will now step up as acting director.

Congress gave BARDA an additional $3.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic efforts in its first coronavirus relief package, signaling the agency’s lead role during the pandemic in accelerating the development of medical countermeasures.

BARDA is providing funding for some of the most promising coronavirus vaccines, including vaccine candidates from Moderna Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson. J&J hopes to have a vaccine in phase 1 trials by September. — James Miessler