Biologically derived Medicines on Demand (Bio MOD) | Apply Online

Bio MOD (Biologically derived Medicines on Demand) - FAQ

What is the Bio MOD opportunity?

Bio MOD (Biologically derived Medicines on Demand) is a DARPA Defense Sciences Office research and development effort focused on shrinking and speeding up the production of protein-based biologic medicines so they can be made when and where they are needed, rather than relying entirely on centralized manufacturing and long supply chains.

What problem is DARPA trying to solve with Bio MOD?

The program is aimed at enabling military medical teams to respond to unpredictable battlefield threats and urgent medical needs by producing therapeutic proteins on demand, including in far-forward or austere environments where resupply is difficult and time is critical.

What is the main goal of the program in practical terms?

DARPA is looking for technologies that can pivot quickly from one biologic to another and deliver usable medicines within short timeframes at or near the point of care.

What kinds of medicines are in scope for Bio MOD?

The opportunity focuses on protein-based biologic medicines, described as therapeutic proteins. The emphasis is on being able to produce multiple protein-based therapeutics (not just one product).

Does Bio MOD focus on a single drug or multiple biologics?

Bio MOD emphasizes flexibility and the ability to make multiple protein-based therapeutics. The government is not seeking a single-purpose manufacturing solution for one drug, but a broadly reconfigurable capability that can be adapted as mission needs change.

What are the two main technical thrusts of Bio MOD?

The program is built around two main thrusts: (1) novel, flexible methods for engineering or modifying biological production systems so they can synthesize multiple protein therapeutics, and (2) flexible and portable device platforms that can manufacture multiple biologics with high purity, efficacy, and potency at the point of care.

What production modalities does DARPA explicitly mention?

DARPA explicitly calls out engineered microbial strains, engineered eukaryotic strains, and cell-free systems as possible production modalities.

What does DARPA mean by flexible biological production systems?

Based on the description, flexibility refers to production systems and workflows that can be engineered or modified to switch rapidly between different protein therapeutics, rather than being optimized for only one biologic.

What is a cell-free system in the context of this opportunity?

Within Bio MOD, cell-free systems are described as one of the production modalities of interest and are positioned as platforms that can avoid some logistical burdens associated with maintaining viable cultures, while still enabling protein synthesis.

What does DARPA mean by point-of-care manufacturing?

Point-of-care manufacturing here refers to producing biologic medicines at or near where patients are treated, including potentially in deployed or austere settings, rather than exclusively in centralized facilities.

Why does the opportunity emphasize portability?

Portability is highlighted because the intended operating environments include far-forward or austere locations where resupply is difficult. A portable system supports deployment and use close to the point of care.

What quality attributes does DARPA require from the manufactured biologics?

The device platform thrust explicitly calls for the ability to manufacture multiple biologics with high purity, efficacy, and potency at the point of care.

Is producing a protein alone considered sufficient for Bio MOD?

No. The program description emphasizes that producing a protein is not enough; the output must meet functional quality needs and the therapeutics must perform as intended (including purity, efficacy, and potency).

What does the opportunity suggest about manufacturing steps like purification?

The description implies interest in systems that integrate or simplify steps such as expression, processing, and purification in a compact form factor, consistent with point-of-care use.

What kind of platform is DARPA ultimately aiming for?

DARPA is aiming for a fieldable manufacturing platform that helps medics and operational units generate reliable biologic treatments on site, potentially reducing dependence on cold chains and large inventories while increasing responsiveness to emerging in-theater conditions.

What type of funding opportunity is this administratively?

This is a discretionary federal funding opportunity under a DARPA Broad Agency Announcement (DARPA BAA 12-37), categorized as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 12.910 (Research and Technology Development).

What award instruments were available under this opportunity?

The opportunity allowed multiple award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, and other transactions/procurement contracts, reflecting DARPA's flexibility in structuring R&D awards based on the nature of the work and performer.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was listed for this opportunity.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning it was open to any type of entity, subject to any additional constraints in the full announcement.

What are the key dates for the opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on March 21, 2012. The original closing date was June 12, 2012, later extended to June 21, 2012. It was archived on August 21, 2012.

What does it mean that the opportunity was archived?

Based on the provided information, archived indicates the opportunity is no longer an active open solicitation and has been closed out in the listings as of August 21, 2012.

Where can applicants find the announcement reference for this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to DARPA Broad Agency Announcement DARPA BAA 12-37.

Who was the point of contact for access issues with the announcement?

For access issues with the announcement, the listed point of contact was COL Geoffrey Ling, BAA Coordinator.

What is DARPA's organizational component associated with this program?

The Bio MOD effort is identified as a DARPA Defense Sciences Office research and development program.

Does the opportunity indicate a preference for a specific manufacturing approach (microbial, eukaryotic, or cell-free)?

No specific preference is stated in the provided description. DARPA explicitly mentions engineered microbial strains, engineered eukaryotic strains, and cell-free systems, indicating interest in a range of approaches.

Is the program focused on centralized manufacturing or distributed production?

The program is explicitly aimed at enabling on-demand, near-point-of-care production and reducing reliance on traditional centralized manufacturing and long supply chains.