Emergent BioSolutions Signs $53 Million Modification to BARDA Contract for the Manufacture of Botulism Antitoxin
GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced that it has signed a modification to its contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to manufacture and store bulk drug substance for its botulism antitoxin, BAT® [Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) – (Equine)], valued at approximately $53 million with a five-year period of performance. This modification to the contract will enable future filling and deliveries of final drug product to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). BAT is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic botulism following documented or suspected exposure to botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A, B, C, D, E, F, or G in adults and pediatric patients.
“Emergent is proud to be a longstanding partner to the U.S. government in providing first-in-class and only-in-class products that address biological threat agents,” said Adam Havey, executive vice president, business operations at Emergent BioSolutions. “This modification to the contract represents the U.S. government’s continued commitment to developing critical countermeasures such as BAT that address public health threats and fulfill its preparedness needs.”
Emergent has been supplying BAT to the SNS under contract HHSO100200600017C, which was signed in 2006 with BARDA, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. BAT is the only botulism antitoxin licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and distributed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for treating naturally occurring, non-infant botulism, and for administration under emergency conditions.
About Emergent BioSolutions
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a global life sciences company seeking to protect and enhance life by focusing on providing specialty products for civilian and military populations that address accidental, intentional, and naturally emerging public health threats. Through our work, we envision protecting and enhancing 50 million lives with our products by 2025. Additional information about the company may be found at emergentbiosolutions.com. Follow us @emergentbiosolu.