Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $50 million option to Emergent’s existing contract (HHSO100201600030C) for the acquisition of CYFENDUS® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted).
Deliveries are expected to begin this calendar year and be complete by April 2025. This award follows a previously announced contract modification of $30.0 million to supply CYFENDUS (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted) this year.
CYFENDUS vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 as a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use in individuals 18 through 65 years of age. Anthrax is a Tier 1 biological select agent due to its potential to be used for a bioterrorist incident and threat to public health and national security.
“An anthrax emergency continues to be a significant public health threat due to its ability to be easily disseminated, lethality, and potential for widespread impact,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, products head at Emergent. “This procurement award further bolsters anthrax preparedness and demonstrates Emergent’s commitment to public health preparedness.”
In addition to the CYFENDUS® vaccine, Emergent’s anthrax franchise includes the BioThrax® vaccine, which continues to serve a critical purpose, as well as two treatments, Anthrasil® [Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)], a polyclonal antibody therapeutic, and raxibacumab, a monoclonal antibody therapeutic.
This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority under contract HHSO100201600030C.
