PEW TRUSTS | In this insightful Q&A, Rick Bright, director of the Biomedical and Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), explains why the fight against superbugs is so crucial to not only public health in the US, but also to national security. Drug resistant superbugs complicate wounds, exacerbate casualties associated with natural and manmade emergencies, and can be used as weapons. Bright highlights the steps the US is taking as part of the National Biodefense Strategy to reduce the spread of superbugs domestically and internationally, and to accelerate the development of new drugs, diagnostic tests and vaccines. BARDA is a CARB-X founder and funding partner.