EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND MODERNIZING THE ARMY
data; humans must set the conditions to ensure the final prod- ucts minimize and account for any discrepancies across human subjects.
GUIDE uses both historical data and purpose-built datasets which do not have these inherent biases. Rigor in testing should account for diverse populations and circumstances to understand how drug candidates engage and interact with human subjects. Humans still need to have a role in programs that use AI/ML technology to provide that discerning eye and ensure there are safeguards to minimize bias. While a machine can read the data, scientists must interpret the data, apply it and figure out if what the data suggests can be possible.
“AI is great, but it can only see so much, especially when we are looking at molecules,” said David Bailey, acting director for advanced technology platforms at JPL CBRND EB. “We can see some ‘what-if’ molecules, but we need the experts in the medi- cal community and the clinical trial process to show the efficacy and safety is validated across various subject sets.”
GETTING TO THE FIELD, FASTER Response time is critical to defeat any threat. AI/ML can help programs like GUIDE get a head start to finding solutions, but speed and agility must be embraced throughout the entire process, including procedures and collaboration, to prevent stalls in fielding a solution. AI/ML can speed up potential solutions, but the next steps need to move just as quickly to defeat an evolv- ing biological threat.
“GUIDE gives the community best potential starting molecule to fight a threat, but that molecule then needs to be further devel- oped. Tis rigorous testing and evaluation can only happen from the support of the U.S. government, industry and academic part- ners to get it over the finish line,” said Dorsey.
Te DOD must work together to apply and validate findings from AI/ML and use all the resources at its disposal to move a candidate from discovery to Phase I clinical trials and then on to production. Some of those resources could include using oppor- tunities such as Expanded Access Protocol to allow for emergency access to MCMs that are currently under development, working with the whole of government to develop requirements rapidly or investigating how tools like AI/ML could be used in the post- discovery phases of the MCM development process.
“We are using the power of technology to pull data that the Army, U.S. government and industry collected over decades and
https://asc.ar my.mil 17
reuse it,” Dorsey said. “Next, we optimize the data and build it into a data model to address real world threats for industry and government partners. Tis allows us to send the joint force what they need most in the field, providing a defense against what- ever threats they may encounter.”
CONCLUSION Te best way to react to the unknown is to be prepared. AI/ML is one tool that can support preparedness by accelerating MCM discovery. Tools like these allow DOD to hit the ground running in the face of a threat by saving time and money. To get these MCMs from concept to production requires human coordina- tion and partnership within the community to ensure that the potential candidates generated by AI/ML and experimentation can be operationally relevant and accomplish its mission of saving lives. Realizing the full benefits of technology requires collabo- ration, responsible use and scientific rigor.
“AI/ML is just one of the tools in our capabilities-focused approach to biodefense,” said Bruce Goodwin, joint project lead for CBRND EB. “Technology like this allows us to carry out our mission to enable joint force resiliency, provide rapid response in the face of a threat and provide operationally relevant solutions that can give our joint force the support they need at the time they need it.” Fiscal year 2024 marks the second year of GUIDE as a program and, with the support of its partners across the government, it achieves new levels of preparedness and makes the unknown manageable for the joint force.
For more information, contact the JPEO-CBRND Public Affairs Office at
usarmy.apg.dod-jpeo-cbrnd.mbx.jpeo-cbd-public-affairs-
office@army.mil or go to
https://www.jpeocbrnd.osd.mil.
KELLY BURKHALTER is a lead associate at Booz Allen Hamilton where she supports strategic communications programs in support of U.S. Army and DOD organizations such as JPEO-CBRND. She holds an M.A. in communications from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in English and journalism from Syracuse University.
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