Commander's Blog

It's hard to believe that the end of the year is less than two weeks away. In light of this, now is the perfect time to review the advancements we've made throughout the past year that have helped to bolster the strength and readiness of our Servicemen and -women. Because we remain focused on our mission, we usually don't pause to celebrate the accomplishments of our fantastic USAMMDA team, along with the recognition that we receive from both leadership and other organizations. We really should do this a bit more often. Some might be surprised how we make things happen throughout our organization, and I'd like to review a few examples below.

Since 2014, the Adenovirus Vaccine Integrated Product Team has worked to secure funding for Modernized Production Adenovirus Vaccine. The Small Business Innovation Research Program funded the first part of MPAV development, followed by funding from the Army's Manufacturing Technology Program. However, in early 2015, the IPT began a conversation with the Defense Production Act Title III office in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy to examine the possibility that Title III could support the establishment of the production capability for MPAV. The IPT is now poised to secure $15 million in funding for establishment of MPAV production capability, which will create a new manufacturing facility using a U.S. supplier. We must keep in mind that this funding is dependent on a Presidential Determination, which will acknowledge that MPAV production capability is essential to our national defense.

Another great accomplishment involves our Tissue Injury and Regenerative Medicine Project Management Office, which recently completed a Technology Transition Agreement with the Combat Casualty Care Research Program for the transition of the permanent vascular conduit capability. This capability allows for the development of grafts with the same structural properties of a human artery to replace the use of synthetic and autologous (from the patient) grafts. The Department of Defense is interested in this capability for its use in the repair of traumatic tissue injuries in which there is damage to major vessels, particularly in combat-related wounds. Products developed for this capability will improve limb salvage rates and reduce infection, follow-on surgeries and long-term care costs to restore form, function and appearance to our wounded warriors – which is what we strive to achieve each day.

Although our progress may seem slow at times, this is because many factors come into play as we move forward. Our team knows how to manage obstacles along the way, and we certainly understand what it takes to overcome these obstacles to get things done! As the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race. A perfect example of this is seen in the work of our Neurotrauma and Psychological Health Project Management Office, which has worked diligently for the past two years to schedule a very critical state-of-the-science meeting.

This invitation-only Posttraumatic Stress Disorder State of the Science Summit, entitled "The Pathophysiology of PTSD: Rethinking Drug Targets," will be held June 13-15, 2017, at the National Conservation Training Center. Several challenges were overcome during the two years since the Principal Assistant for Acquisition and the Principal Assistant for Research and Technology requested a conference to inform next steps for the development of drugs to treat PTSD. Determining the level of approval required to host the conference, as well as what information was required, was subject to sometimes contradictory interpretation of the regulations for conference approval. This delayed contracting actions, which limited potential dates for the summit. Clarification at multiple levels, including the MRMC Chief of Staff, resulted in rework of the submission packet, which led to eventual approval. This working meeting will include approximately 140 participants from government, industry and academia, and the outcomes will streamline and accelerate progress in the development of medication treatments for PTSD by identifying the most promising new drug targets and partnership models, and initiating viable partnerships for future Advanced Development efforts.

As you can see, we have been very busy over the past year making certain that our troops and veterans have what they need, which aligns with the USAMMDA mission to develop and deliver quality medical capabilities to protect, treat and sustain the health of our Service members. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the Environmental Sentinel Biomonitor, which has recently reached the Milestone C mark. The ESB is a critical device that can rapidly screen for toxicity in field drinking water, and this will help to ensure the quality and safety of water for our deployed Warfighters. Also, the procurement of soft-wall shelters and the modernization of rigid-wall shelters are extremely important to the protection and functionality of our men and women in the field.

And rounding this list, the Pharmaceutical Systems Project Management Office recently passed a significant milestone with the submission of a New Drug Application for Sufentanil Nano Tabs for the treatment of patients experiencing moderate-to-severe acute pain in support of the Battlefield Pain Management Program. Our Division of Regulated Activities and Clinical Services Support Division both work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure our products will receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Although these accomplishments may have taken some time, our Warfighters will be better prepared to fight when needed, and properly treated after they fight. The number one priority of both the Army Chief of Staff and the Army Surgeon General is readiness, and USAMMDA has done its part this year by raising our military medical readiness level up to 100 percent from the mid-80's range, which is a tremendous achievement. We should be very proud of what we've accomplished with our resources over the past year, but we have to remember that this is typical of what we do, year in and year out.

I'd also like to mention that in the upcoming year, there is language in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act that changes the way that Military Treatment Facilities will be managed, but we're not yet clear how this may impact military medical research. However, it's still significant to note that MTFs will now be managed by the Defense Health Agency, although the Service Surgeons General would "own" the medical personnel. Again, this is just a change that we should continue to watch over the upcoming year to see how this may affect our business efforts here at USAMMDA.

The bottom line is, we do make substantial progress in helping our Warfighters get what they need, and we won't stop until they do. This is clearly shown by the examples above – and bolstered by the various awards garnered this year by our team members, such as TIRM PMO winning the 9th Annual Major Jonathan Letterman Medical Excellence Award, our collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency in capturing the quarterly U.S. Army Medical Command Wolf Pack Award, and our own Marvin Saunders being named MEDCOM Collateral Duty Safety Officer of the Year! But it's an ongoing process of continuous improvement. It's too important to our Servicemen and -women, and it's just as important to the strength of our nation.

I'm really looking forward to entering the new year the same way we're exiting this one!

Hooah!

COL William Geesey