HHS launches facility to develop new biotechnologies

HHS yesterday announced the launch of what it’s calling the Foundry for American Biotechnology, the first such facility tasked with coming up with solutions to help the U.S. fend off health security threats and improve daily medical care. In a statement, HHS Secretary Alex Azar said, "As the outbreak of the novel coronavirus reminds us, protecting the health and security of the American people requires constantly investing in biotechnology innovation and partnering with the private sector.” The facility will be based in Manchester, N.H., and will be co-managed by local technology company DEKA Research & Development Corp. The first project will focus on automated, portable devices that can be deployed to disaster locations to make necessary medicines on-site.