Emergent signs $100m BARDA contract to deliver BioThrax

US-based Emergent BioSolutions has signed a $100m contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to deliver BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).

The two-year contract is in addition to the $911m BioThrax procurement contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Emergent BioSolutions biodefence division executive vice-president and president Adam Havey said: "Emergent is pleased to support BARDA in its efforts to enhance the nation’s preparedness against the threat of anthrax.

"Emergent is committed to developing and manufacturing preparedness solutions that address our customers’ needs to protect against a broad spectrum of public health threats."

"Emergent is pleased to support BARDA in its efforts to enhance the nation’s preparedness against the threat of anthrax."

The company also signed a modification to its contract that was signed in September last year with BARDA to develop and procure NuThrax, the company’s next-generation anthrax vaccine candidate.

With the modification contract, the number of doses of NuThrax to be delivered will increase under the base period from two million to three million doses.

The modification also reduces the purchase price for doses to be procured during the option period by $100m, bringing the total contract value up to $1.5bn from $1.6bn.

The contracts to procure BioThrax and the advanced development and delivery of NuThrax have been funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, at the US Department of Health and Human Services.