On January 22, the Alliance for mRNA Medicines and partner organizations convened, “mRNA: A Key to National Security,” a first-of-its-kind event that brought together current and former senior leaders from defense, intelligence, academia, public health, and the biotechnology sector to examine the critical role of mRNA advances in America’s preparedness against emerging biological threats.

A central theme throughout the event: the United States is losing strategic ground as it retreats from mRNA science and manufacturing, particularly as geopolitical competitors expand their own mRNA capabilities. Speakers underscored that mRNA is not only a powerful biomedical tool—it is a pillar of 21st‑century national security.

Congressional Voices Emphasize National Security Stakes

Two members of Congress with deep national security and defense experience delivered remarks, signaling broad recognition of biotechnology’s strategic value.

• Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA‑6)—an Air Force veteran and member of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and co-founder of the Congressional BIOTech Caucus—highlighted the urgent need for continued U.S. leadership in biotechnology and biodefense.

“We are in a global competition we cannot afford to lose.… This is about peace and stability and security for the rest of the world.” - Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

• Representative Jake Auchincloss (MA‑4)—a Marine Corps veteran, member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and also a co-founder of the Congressional BIOTech caucus—offered his perspective on the defense implications of mRNA innovation and the importance of sustaining a robust U.S. biotech industrial base.

“We need to be embracing this technology, supporting it, regulating it thoughtfully, and then paying for its value in the commercial and government markets” - Rep. Jake Auchincloss

Both lawmakers stressed that rapid‑response biodefense capabilities, including mRNA platforms, strengthen deterrence and protect U.S. forces, American communities, and global stability.

Featured Speakers

The program included a distinguished lineup of national security leaders, biotechnology experts, and academic researchers:

• Hon. Paul Friedrichs, Maj Gen (ret.) — Former Joint Staff Surgeon; former Director, White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness
• Hon. Andy Weber, MSFS — Senior Fellow, Council on Strategic Risks’ Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons
• Tom Inglesby, MD — Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
• Andy Geall, PhD — Chairman, Alliance for mRNA Medicines
• Edward You, MA — Former Supervisory Special Agent, FBI National Counterintelligence Task Force; Principal, EHY Consulting
• Jeff Coller, PhD — Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University
• Monique K. Mansoura, PhD, MBA — Founder & CEO, Beacon Biostrategies
• Kaigham “Ken” Gabriel, PhD — CEO, BioForge
• Roberta Duncan, MBA — Executive Committee Member, Alliance for mRNA Medicines

Event Highlights

Emerging Threats & Global Competition

Panelists discussed the evolving landscape of biological threats—from engineered pathogens to state‑driven biotechnology expansion. The conversation highlighted the risks posed by adversaries advancing mRNA capabilities or controlling critical supply chains while the U.S. reduces investment.

“What's disturbing to me is, as we talk about improving America, making us great again, making us more secure, more prosperous, and healthier, we're cutting the funding to do that. And we are watching other countries move ahead of us.”- Hon. Paul Friedrichs, Maj Gen (ret.)

“As an observer, we're engaging in unilateral disarmament. We're putting our country at risk, needlessly, by disinvesting in these capabilities that we need to keep the American people safe." - Hon. Andy Weber

“Everything that we've already talked about when it comes to mRNA vaccines, you also absolutely have to incorporate the strategic bioeconomic implications, and what we stand to lose. I firmly believe that we are in the midst of a biotech space race of our lives, and….you don't win a space race by playing defense all the time. You have to invest and out-innovate.” - Ed Yu

mRNA as a Strategic Asset

Experts emphasized the speed, adaptability, and scalable manufacturing advantages of mRNA platforms, drawing parallels to the early semiconductor industry and arguing for policy frameworks that treat mRNA as critical infrastructure.

Industrial Base, Deterrence, and Preparedness

Speakers addressed the importance of sustained federal investment, the consequences of supply chain dependence, and the need for rapid countermeasure development—warning that diminishing U.S. capability erodes biodefense readiness and deterrence posture.