US Buys $290 Million Worth of Drugs in Preparation for Nuclear Emergencies

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is buying $290 million worth of drugs as part of its “long-standing, ongoing efforts to be better prepared to save lives following radiological and nuclear emergencies.”

HHS is purchasing a supply of the drug Nplate from Amgen USA, a biotechnology headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.

The $290 million purchase was announced on Oct. 4 by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), an agency within the HHS that’s tasked with preparing the nation for future disasters and public health emergencies.

Nplate is the trade name of romiplostim, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2021 to treat blood cell injuries that accompany acute radiation syndrome (ARS) in adults and children.

ARS is also referred to as radiation sickness, which reaches internal organs in mere seconds and “occurs when a person’s entire body is exposed to a high dose of penetrating radiation.” It can result in a difficulty for blood to clot because of low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, which is life-threatening.

Nplate helps reduce the radiation-induced bleeding by stimulating the body to produce more platelets.

According to the announcement, Amgen’s development of Nplate for radiation sickness was supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). BARDA is part of the HHS ASPR, and NIAID is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“BARDA is using its authority provided under the 2004 Project Bioshield Act and $290 million in Project BioShield designated funding to purchase this supply of the drug,” the ASPR announcement reads.

The U.S. government launched Project Bioshield in 2004 to incentivize private companies to develop vaccines and other countermeasures to deal with future chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. It was initially provided with some $5.6 billion to be funded through fiscal year 2013, and later another $2.8 billion to be funded from FY 2014 to FY 2018.

By Mimi Nguyen Ly

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

NCAA streamlines transfer portal

The NCAA lords of the Division I Administrative Committee have unveiled a fresh batch of transfer portal reforms.

Section 230 Immunity, Defective Design and Trial Lawyers (Part 2)

Congress granted social media platforms Section 230 immunity even when children are harmed, trial lawyers found a way to bypass protection.

A Tale Of Two Political Parties

While the GOP, led by Trump, has produced results, Democrats offer horrible policies and candidates, presenting a vivid contrast to the American people. 

The Case for Western Islam

The suggestion of a expression of Islam which emerges from western culture is one that comes from a place of love.

Democrats are Losing by Pushing Their Dirty CR Bill

Talk is going around about the “Democrats Dirty CR” and the “Republicans Clean CR”.

Biden Undergoing Radiation, Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Former President Biden has begun receiving a combination of radiation and hormone treatments for prostate cancer, spokesperson announced.

Homan Says DOJ Probing Funding Behind ‘Organized’ Attacks on ICE

Border czar, Homan said DOJ launched an investigation into funding for what he called “organized” attacks on federal immigration enforcement agents.

There Are No Survivors in the Blast at a Tennessee Explosives Factory, Sheriff Says

The blast in rural Tennessee that leveled an explosives plant and was felt for miles around left no survivors, authorities said Saturday

Trump Names Longtime Adviser Dan Scavino to Key Personnel Position

One of President Trump’s longtime advisers, Dan Scavino, is going to be in charge of selecting and appointing key positions within the executive branch.

First Lady’s Effort Helped Reunite 8 War-Displaced Children With Their Families

First lady Melania Trump said 8 children impacted by the fighting between Ukraine and Russia were reunited with their families on Oct. 9.

Trump to Impose New 100 Percent Tariff on China on Nov. 1

President Trump said that the US will impose an additional 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods and export controls on critical software starting on Nov. 1.

Trump Admin Agrees to $20 Billion Rescue Plan for Argentina

The U.S. government has finalized a $20 billion economic rescue plan for Argentina, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Oct. 9.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central