MedShield Act of 2024

The MedShield Act of 2024 establishes a new pandemic preparedness program under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to leverage artificial intelligence and technology for faster, more coordinated responses to biological threats. The program requires HHS to develop a national system for real-time pathogen surveillance, accelerate vaccine and therapeutic development using AI, and optimize distribution strategies, drawing on recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. It mandates a detailed integration plan within 180 days of enactment and authorizes $300 million in fiscal year 2025, increasing to $500 million by 2029, to fund the initiative. The bill directly affects HHS as the lead agency and requires coordination with other federal departments and international partners to create a unified biodefense system.