Emergent BioSolutions awarded $24m contract modification valued for anthrax vaccine

Emergent BioSolutions has announced that they have been awarded a contract modification valued at approximately $24 million from the United States Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to supply the CYFENDUS^® anthrax vaccine for anthrax preparedness efforts.

Paul Williams, senior vice president, head of products business, global government & public affairs at Emergent, said: "This newly executed CYFENDUS^® contract modification with the US government highlights the continued importance of maintaining readiness against anthrax threats.

"Emergent remains committed to ensuring access to CYFENDUS^® and strengthening preparedness through reliable domestic manufacturing and supply."

CYFENDUS^® was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in July 2023 as a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use in individuals 18 through 65 years of age when given with recommended antibacterial drugs.

Emergent wrote that the award builds on their work with the US government to support preparedness against anthrax, which remains a global biological threat due to its potential use in bioterrorism and its implications for public health and national security.

Earlier this year, Emergent also announced a delivery order valued at up to $21.5 million to supply BioThrax^® US US Department of War.