SPADA

Smallpox Research Agenda: focused on preparedness needs

• Institute of Medicine Report recommendations for “Assessment of Future Scientific Needs for Live Variola Virus ” (1999) have helped to frame the research agenda. • Protocols approved by WHO technical subcommittee • Research updates provided annually to the WHO Advisory Committee for Variola Virus Research • Collaborative HHS (largely CDC) and DoD (largely USAMRIID) • All U.S. work with live Variola virus occurs within the BSL-4 containment laboratory at the CDC • Inspected regularly by U.S. security and biosafety authorities and WHO biosafety teams • Full genomes of Variola virus can only be maintained at the 2WHO CCs • No lab can havemore than 20% of the Variolavirus genome, except aWHO Collaborating Center • All research findings to be made available to the international scientific community • Genetic manipulation of Variola virus not authorized by WHO – 1994 Ad hoc Orthopoxvirus Advisory Committee recommendation

IOM recommendations* 1999-> WHO sanctioned research agenda • Molecular characterization of Variola virus for more sensitive and specific diagnostic development – Sequencing entire genomes and specific genes

• Antiviral

• Less reactogenic vaccine development

• Animal model – pathogenesis, model system for antiviral & novel vaccine evaluation • Fundamental research – host pathogen interaction * Assessment of Future Scientific Needs for Live Variola Virus ; N.A.Press (1999)