In an era where biological threats loom larger than ever, from emerging viruses to potential weaponized pathogens, the U.S. military's readiness hinges on innovative partnerships beyond traditional Big Pharma. GeoVax Labs, a biotechnology firm based in Atlanta, is stepping up with advanced vaccine platforms aimed at protecting troops against high-priority biothreats like Mpox, smallpox, and hemorrhagic fevers.
Military.com spoke with David Dodd, GeoVax's Chairman and CEO, about how his company's work intersects with national security and military strategy; the conversation highlighted the need for domestic capabilities to counter vulnerabilities exposed by recent global outbreaks.
Dodd, with over 40 years in biotech leadership, has guided GeoVax since 2010, becoming CEO in 2018. The company focuses on its Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) technology, which offers single-dose, durable immunity; this makes it ideal for rapid deployment in military settings where logistics can be challenging. Dodd explained the importance:
The United States currently has zero domestic manufacturing capability for MVA-based biodefense vaccines. That’s not a future risk—it’s a present national-security vulnerability. Stockpiles mask the problem; manufacturing sovereignty solves it.
GeoVax's Push for Domestic Biodefense Solutions
GeoVax's flagship candidate, GEO-MVA, targets Mpox and smallpox, addressing critical gaps in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. As Dodd explained:
Today, replenishment of the U.S. MVA stockpile depends entirely on a single foreign manufacturer. If that supply chain is disrupted, constrained, or politically limited, the stockpile becomes a wasting asset. That is a strategic blind spot, not preparedness.
He went on to say that, "This aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, a vulnerability that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Mpox outbreaks."
In military terms, biodefense isn't just vaccines, but rather it's a strategic imperative for force protection. Troops deployed to high-risk regions, such as Africa or the Middle East, face elevated exposure to diseases like Ebola or the Marburg virus. Dodd emphasized the role of modernizing biotechs in this space, the same way the DoD handles other critical assets.
Accordingly, modernization means shifting from inventory-based preparedness to capability-based preparedness:
- Domestic manufacturing of critical platforms (like MVA).
- Next-generation production technologies (continuous, scalable, surge-ready).
- Clear ownership inside the government for preparedness beyond the stockpile.
- Treating vaccine manufacturing as strategic infrastructure, not episodic procurement.
These are the same principles the U.S. applies to shipbuilding, munitions, and aerospace. Biodefense should be no different.
Integrating Biodefense into Military Strategy
Biodefense factors into military strategy by ensuring operational continuity amid biological disruptions. As seen in exercises focused on mobility and readiness, such as those discussed in reports on how COVID-19 impacted military planning for future biological warfare, the armed forces must anticipate threats that could sideline entire units. GeoVax's technology could enhance this by offering vaccines suitable for immunocompromised service members, a key consideration for inclusive force readiness.
Dodd views biodefense as part of a layered defense strategy:
Historically, when DoD acts, the rest of the system follows. That sequencing matters.
This ties into national priorities, like the push for vaccine independence, which reduces risks from supply chain interruptions or geopolitical tensions. For instance, over-reliance on offshore manufacturing during COVID highlighted how such dependencies could compromise military operations; GeoVax aims to mitigate that through fully domestic production.
China, as a pacing threat and near-peer adversary for the United States, factors into biodefense considerations from a strategic perspective. As Dodd explained, China is investing aggressively in biomanufacturing infrastructure, platform technologies, and state-directed biotech capacity. This includes China-backed MVA. The competition is not just about who invents first—it’s about who can manufacture, scale, and control supply under stress.
When the U.S. lacks domestic capability for a strategically important platform like MVA, we are effectively outsourcing part of our biodefense posture. That is inconsistent with how we think about semiconductors, energy security, or defense manufacturing. Biodefense is now part of strategic competition, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Addressing Trust and Hesitancy in the Post-COVID Era
The COVID-19 response, including vaccine mandates and subsequent discharges, raised legitimate concerns about trust within the military ranks. Some service members felt coerced, leading to hesitancy that could affect future uptake of biodefense measures. Dodd acknowledged this challenge:
The sad outcome of the pandemic is decreased trust in our public health system. The lack of transparency, poor communication, and handling led to people being kicked out of the military and losing their jobs. We are in a situation now where there is serious distrust. We have to be overly transparent in regaining that trust.
It's clear that rebuilding trust is essential for readiness. Lessons from that period suggest collaborating with the Department of War on education and choice-based programs; this could prevent readiness gaps while respecting individual concerns. GeoVax positions itself as a partner focused on efficacy and safety data to help restore faith in medical countermeasures.
Looking Ahead: Innovation for Enduring Security
As threats evolve, with immune-evasive variants and potential bioterrorism, biotechs like GeoVax will play an outsized role in U.S. military biodefense. Dodd's vision includes expanded government funding for innovative platforms.
In summary, GeoVax's efforts underscore a shift toward agile, homegrown technologies that bolster military strategy without repeating past missteps. By focusing on rapid, effective protection, the company contributes to a more resilient force, ready to face whatever biological challenges arise. This approach not only enhances national security but also addresses the human element of trust, ensuring service members can serve with confidence.
