Biden Administration Announces Plans to Spend $3 Billion On Antiviral Medication Development

Yesterday the Biden administration announced it’s plan to invest over $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan to accelerate the discovery, development and manufacturing of Covid-19 antiviral medications. Dr. Anthony Fauci said “Vaccines clearly remained the centerpiece of our arsenal against Covid-19, however, antivirals can and are an important complement to existing vaccines, especially for individuals with certain conditions that might put them at a greater risk for those whom vaccines may not be as protective.” The antiviral program for pandemics aims to develop safe and effective antivirals to combat Covid-19 and will help develop antivirals against other viruses with pandemic potential. Widespread availability of highly effective oral antiviral pills could save lives and prevent hospitalizations according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The administration plans to invest $300 million for research and lab support, $1 billion for pre-clinical and clinical evaluation and $700 million for development and manufacturing with an additional $1.2 billion allocated to support the creation of antiviral drug discovery centers for pathogens of pandemic concern.