This article reviews the historical and current state of medical countermeasures (MCMs) against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, emphasizing the challenges of ensuring their availability for both military and civilian use. While defensive research expanded after World War II, investment has remained inconsistent, with the United States leading global efforts through initiatives such as Project BioShield. Many governments, particularly in Europe, have shown limited commitment, leaving industry focused almost exclusively on the U.S. market. The article argues that the absence of predictable demand and funding discourages innovation, creating dangerous gaps in preparedness for low-probability but high-impact CBRN incidents. It concludes that international cooperation, clear communication of requirements, and sustained public–private dialogue are essential to build reliable MCM capacity and global resilience.
Johnson, M. L. (2013). Doc… G. Winfield (Ed.), CBRNe World Directory 2013 (1st ed., pp. 186–191).
