Outlook of pandemic preparedness in a post-COVID-19 world

Bulmore is excited to have supported Pfizer in the development of the manuscript Outlook of pandemic preparedness in a post-COVID-19 world published in NPJ Vaccines. This paper provides an insightful analysis of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the critical need for enhanced surveillance, early-stage research, and diverse response strategies to better prepare for future pandemics. It highlights the vital role of sustained vaccine production and global collaboration in ensuring effective and rapid response to emerging health crises

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic was met with rapid, unprecedented global collaboration and action. Even still, the public health, societal, and economic impact may be felt for years to come. The risk of another pandemic occurring in the next few decades is ever-present and potentially increasing due to trends such as urbanization and climate change. While it is difficult to predict the next pandemic pathogen threat, making reasonable assumptions today and evaluating prior efforts to plan for and respond to disease out breaks and pandemics may enable a more proactive, effective response in the future. Lessons from the COVID-19 response and pandemic influenza preparedness underscore the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, investing in early-stage research on pandemic pathogens and development of platform technologies, and diversifying response plans across a range of tactics to enable earlier access to safe and effective interventions in the next pandemic. Further, sustaining the robust vaccine manufacturing capacity built because of COVID-19 will keep it ready for rapid response in the future. These actions will not be successful without improved global coordination and collaboration. Everyone, including the biopharmaceutical industry, has a role to play in pandemic preparedness, and working together will ensure that the most lives are saved in the next pandemic.