Global Security
The United States has ordered an additional 3.42 million anthrax inoculation doses under an existing order with the vaccine's Maryland-based manufacturer, the company announced on Monday (see GSN, July 14, 2010).
An updated contract calls for Emergent BioSolutions to provide 17.92 million doses of BioThrax. The extra vaccine is expected to be supplied starting in the third quarter of this year, after the company wraps up delivery of the initial order of 14.5 million doses, according to a press release.
BioThrax is the only anthrax vaccine licensed in the United States for use against the potential bioterrorism agent. The extra doses are due to be delivered before the end of this year.
Emergent could receive an additional $101 million under the revised contract.
"Emergent proudly supports the U.S. government's efforts and unwavering commitment to meet its stated need of 75 million doses of anthrax vaccines," Fuad El-Hibri, company chairman and chief executive officer, said in the release. "This contract is an indication that BioThrax remains a critical component of the government's arsenal of biodefense medical countermeasures. In addition to this contract modification, we are continuing discussions with the U.S. government regarding a follow-on procurement contract, which we anticipate will cover a multiyear period" (Emergent BioSolutions release, May 2).
An updated contract calls for Emergent BioSolutions to provide 17.92 million doses of BioThrax. The extra vaccine is expected to be supplied starting in the third quarter of this year, after the company wraps up delivery of the initial order of 14.5 million doses, according to a press release.
BioThrax is the only anthrax vaccine licensed in the United States for use against the potential bioterrorism agent. The extra doses are due to be delivered before the end of this year.
Emergent could receive an additional $101 million under the revised contract.
"Emergent proudly supports the U.S. government's efforts and unwavering commitment to meet its stated need of 75 million doses of anthrax vaccines," Fuad El-Hibri, company chairman and chief executive officer, said in the release. "This contract is an indication that BioThrax remains a critical component of the government's arsenal of biodefense medical countermeasures. In addition to this contract modification, we are continuing discussions with the U.S. government regarding a follow-on procurement contract, which we anticipate will cover a multiyear period" (Emergent BioSolutions release, May 2).
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Here we go again. I'm sure the vaccine has already been tested against any and all Fort Detrick strains.
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