Taking the lead in innovative pediatric health security

In times of crisis, the world turns to healthcare institutions for answers. As the past few years have starkly reminded us, the youngest and most vulnerable often require the most attention, yet they face a healthcare landscape not fully equipped to address their unique needs. Children’s National Hospital is poised to change that narrative by leading the charge in the next generation of the BARDA Accelerator Network’s Special Populations Hub, a distinction that speaks to the institution’s role as a trailblazer in pediatric innovation.

The announcement of this leadership role, coming from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, represents more than just another accolade. It marks a turning point in how pediatric health is approached in the context of public health emergencies.

A vital mission born from urgency

The selection of Children’s National as the leader of the Special Populations Hub – branded SPARK for Innovations in Pediatrics – builds on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The SPARK Hub, led by Children’s National, in partnership with BioHealth Innovation, the CIMIT at Mass General Brigham and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s, will focus on pediatric health in the face of major health security threats.

At the heart of the project is the urgent need for solutions that can serve children when disaster strikes. Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., Children’s National’s chief innovation officer and principal investigator for SPARK, knows firsthand how vital this mission is. “This isn’t just about being prepared every day,” Dr. Eskandanian says. “It’s about making sure that, in the worst situations, we can ensure the safety and well-being of children, who are often left out of the conversation when it comes to medical countermeasures.”

Indeed, this challenge – getting the right treatments, tools and devices into the hands of pediatric providers when the unthinkable happens – has long been a central issue in public health preparedness. While adult health security tools have been advanced at a steady rate, there has been a notable gap when it comes to solutions for pediatric populations. A gap that SPARK aims to fill.

Fostering the next generation of pediatric solutions

SPARK’s scope is ambitious, covering innovations that range from new drugs, biologics and devices to cutting-edge diagnostics and digital health tools. Dr. Eskandanian and her team aim to accelerate these innovations, making them accessible and adaptable to the specific needs of children during health crises.

One of the key figures helping to guide SPARK’s efforts is Julia Finkel, M.D., an anesthesiologist, entrepreneur and professor at the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. As co-principal investigator and founder of AlgometRx, a life sciences company focused on pain measurement, Dr. Finkel brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Together, she and Dr. Eskandanian are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pediatric innovation, creating a framework that can rapidly respond to future health emergencies.

The importance of SPARK’s work extends beyond technical advances. As Dr. Eskandanian points out, there’s an ethical dimension to this work. “There are significant ethical and legal challenges involved in the use of untested or off-label treatments in children during a crisis,” she notes. “We’re working to overcome those barriers by advancing solutions that are not only effective but also specifically designed for pediatric use.”

Building on a legacy of innovation

Children’s National is uniquely positioned to lead SPARK, having established itself as a powerhouse in pediatric healthcare innovation. Its leadership of the Alliance for Pediatric Device Innovation, now in its 12th year, is a testament to its commitment to bringing tailored medical devices to market for children. Additionally, the hospital is a core player in the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN), a national initiative designed to empower communities to provide equitable care to children in both everyday situations and crises.

These programs all speak to a common thread in the hospital’s work: a focus on collaboration and the belief that only by bringing together the brightest minds across disciplines can the toughest challenges in pediatric healthcare be addressed.

A future-proof network for pediatric health security

SPARK is more than just a new hub within the BARDA Accelerator Network– it’s a symbol of the future of pediatric health security. By fostering partnerships between innovators, scientists and business leaders, the network is set to transform how medical countermeasures are developed, validated and commercialized for children.

As we look to the future, Children’s National is ensuring that the youngest patients aren’t just part of the health security conversation – they’re at the center of it. Through initiatives like SPARK, the hospital is proving that innovation isn’t just about new technologies or breakthroughs. It’s about a deep commitment to ensuring that every child, no matter the circumstances, has access to the care and solutions they deserve.

In leading SPARK, Children’s National is delivering on a promise to drive forward the next era of pediatric health innovation – a promise that will shape the future of care for generations to come.