Program duration: 2026-2028
The Biomedical Countermeasures Initiative accelerates the development and evaluation of biologics-based medical countermeasures, such as diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics.
These tools strengthen Canada's ability to respond quickly to biological threats, high-consequence pathogens and pandemics that could affect national health security.
The initiative supports defence preparedness, national resilience and health security. It leverages Canada's biomanufacturing capacity and scientific excellence to reduce the time needed to move new biomedical countermeasures from innovation to deployment.
About the initiative
Canada needs stronger, faster ways to turn biomedical innovation into real-world solutions that protect defence personnel and civilians from biological threats.
Many promising diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics stall before clinical testing because of limited funding, infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. This initiative helps bridge this gap by supporting early-to-mid-stage collaborative research through to clinical proof of concept.
Building the capacity to develop and manufacture these products in Canada is essential for national health security, defence readiness and resilience against future biological threats.
How we work
We collaborate with innovators to develop, test and manufacture biologics-based products that address priority biological threats. These partnerships help reduce risks and speed up the delivery of effective biomedical solutions.
Researchers from across the NRC work with partners from:
- industry
- universities and research institutions
- government departments and agencies
- not‑for‑profit research organizations
Together, we test, refine and improve new biologics‑based countermeasures for military and civilian use using a design‑test‑build approach.
Goals
We aim to translate research into practical solutions that:
- leverage domestic biomanufacturing capacity
- strengthen protection for defence personnel
- support growth in Canada's bio-industries
- protect Canadians and global communities
Areas of focus
Diagnostics
Support the design and testing of ready-to-use field-deployable diagnostic tools to detect biological threats
Vaccines
Accelerate vaccine development and expand domestic manufacturing capacity to help prevent health emergencies
Therapeutics
Develop and test biologics-based treatments to support health security and emergency response
Key activities
To scale up and produce biologics-based medical countermeasures, the initiative's key activities include:
- Developing bio-products for defence readiness against biological threats
- Mobilizing domestic biomanufacturing capacity
- Advancing innovative modular "plug-and-play" tools and technologies for national resilience
Collaborate with us
We connect partners with NRC expertise in research, development and manufacturing across the biologics value chain.
Working with us helps to:
- strengthen Canada's self‑reliance in biologics innovation, research and production
- improve our national health and security preparedness
- increase Canada's global competitiveness in the life sciences sector
Contact us at nrc.BioMCM-CMMBio.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca to learn more about partnership opportunities.
The NRC's National Program Office offers grant and contribution funding for eligible collaborators with complementary expertise.
Learn more about the NRC's funded collaborative R&D programs and initiatives.
Contact us
If you are interested in collaborating with us, making investments in this area, or if you have any questions, please contact:
Rhonda Kuo Lee
Director
Biomedical Countermeasures (BioMCM) Initiative
Email: nrc.BioMCM-CMMBio.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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