Риски и угрозы в сфере биобезопасности: анализ проблем и поиск решений в современных условиях

Abstract

Current political climate is unfavorable for setting up broad international programs aimed at risk assessment and threat control in the field of biosecurity. At the same time, spread of emerging and re-emerging diseases, development of sophisticated antibiotic resistance mechanisms, grown threat of bioterrorism, and loss of disease control due to ecological damage and globalization dictate the urgent development of a national biosecurity program capable to address these risks and threats. Although Russian Federation is technologically and methodologically adept in the field of epidemiological and medical control of biological select agents, the expertise in latest technologies of treatment, prevention, and detection of potential biohazards is lagging. There is an urgent need for updating of state biosecurity programs, especially in the field of new vaccines and biologicals development for control and prevention of hazardous infections. Key elements of these programs include: well-justified list of priority targets and technologies; list of highest risk infectious agents to be addressed in development of countermeasures; identification of most efficient countermeasures for each agent of concern; selection of the most appropriate partnership model for scientific collaboration and formation of multidisciplinary teams, as well as for cooperation between science and biotech industry. The latter is particularly important for prompt conversion of scientific findings into solid technologies and prospective drug and vaccine candidates. By combining state funding and infrastructure with growing competence of Russian biotech and pharma industry, the likelihood of successful implementation of biosecurity programs will increase significantly. Strong aspects of Russian microbiological programs, such as development of anti-infective vaccines and bacteriophages, should be exploited in full. Despite current political turbulence, it is necessary to note that combined effort of various countries is required to protect the world population from risks of the globalization-fueled infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats emergence. Pathogens neglect borders and political issues, whereas poor coordination and collaboration at the international level can result in significant social and economic losses globally. Success in development and implementation of national biosecurity program in Russia based on the state-of-the-art scientific and technical achievements will help initiate a true international cooperation in biosafety/biosecurity area.