Biological threats are entering a new and more complex era as geopolitical conflict, artificial intelligence and advances in synthetic biology raise fresh concerns about the potential misuse of biological agents, Emergent BioSolutions said Wednesday.

 

The biodefense company is calling for deeper collaboration among governments, industry, academia and the scientific community as nations confront a threat landscape that increasingly spans natural outbreaks, accidental releases and deliberate biological attacks.

 

The warning comes amid growing concern among European health and security officials over how rapidly advancing technologies could lower barriers to biological weapons development.

 

At a recent event hosted by the German Medical Association and German Ambulatory Physicians, Sandra Gallina, Director-General for Health and Food Safety at the European Commission, highlighted emerging biological risks, including the potential use of artificial intelligence and drones to disseminate biological weapons such as anthrax.

 

Meanwhile, a group of AI executives and cross-industry leaders has urged Congress to mandate safety screening and recordkeeping for synthetic DNA and RNA orders.

 

“AI systems are improving rapidly, and alongside incredible benefits to science and medicine, there is a real possibility that the knowledge barriers which have historically prevented bad actors from obtaining biological weapons will meaningfully erode,” the letter says.

 

Emergent President and CEO Joe Papa said the company sees the rapid development of AI and other technologies as a reason to strengthen cooperation across sectors.

 

“For over 25 years, Emergent has been at the forefront of partnering with government stakeholders to continuously assess and prepare for potential bioterrorism threats and ensuring robust response capabilities remain a critical component of national and global security," he said.

 

“This new call for action put forth by AI leaders sends a very clear signal that rapidly advancing technologies are transforming the threat landscape, especially if fallen into the wrong hands. As these risks evolve, collaboration across government, industry, academia, and the broader scientific community is essential, and Emergent is committed to collaborating alongside leaders to strengthen preparedness, advance responsible safeguards, and help ensure the U.S. and international government partners are equipped to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging biological threats.”

 

Recent incidents have underscored the stakes.

 

Ukraine has alleged that Russian forces deliberately placed anthrax-infected livestock carcasses near critical water resources, raising concerns about the potential use of biological hazards in conflict zones.

 

In the United States, a cattle anthrax outbreak in Wyoming resulted in multiple human exposures and required post-exposure prophylaxis, including vaccination and antibiotics.

 

A study published in NEJM Evidence by Tillman et al. examined the use of CYFENDUS as post-exposure prophylaxis following inhalation anthrax exposures in Wyoming, highlighting the continuing importance of maintaining access to medical countermeasures against high-consequence biological threats.

 

Emergent develops, manufactures and supplies medical countermeasures to governments worldwide. Its portfolio includes products intended to help authorities respond to threats including anthrax, smallpox, mpox and botulism.