hmmmmm........

U.S. Signs Contract For 44.75M Anthrax Vaccine Doses

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011

Maryland-based biotechnology firm Emergent BioSolutions on Monday said it had received a $1.25 billion contract to provide the U.S. government with 44.75 million doses of an anthrax vaccine (see GSN, June 1).

BioThrax is the only anthrax vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"Emergent is proud to be able to contribute to the U.S. government's program of protecting the nation from the threat of anthrax," company Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Fuad El-Hibri said in provided comments. "This five-year award provides for uninterrupted supply of this critical biodefense countermeasure while addressing the government's mandate to reduce spending across all programs."

Delivery of the first 8.5 million doses is expected within the next year. Completion of the contract is scheduled for September 2016, presuming funding continues. The company also has the right to change the delivery schedule based on production levels and other variables (Emergent BioSolutions release, Oct. 3).