Emergent BioSolutions receives $75M anthrax vaccine contract from BARDA

Emergent BioSolutions announced that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority – BARDA – within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $75M option to Emergent’s existing contract for the acquisition of newly licensed anthrax vaccine Cyfendus. Deliveries are expected to begin this calendar year and be complete by the end of 1Q24. The Cyfendus vaccine was approved by the FDA in July 2023 as a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use in individuals 18 years of age and older. In 2016, BARDA and Emergent extended their partnership to support clinical development and manufacturing efforts for the AV7909 vaccine, including a Phase 3 trial to demonstrate safety and efficacy, working toward the goal of eventual FDA licensure. In April 2022, Emergent submitted the Biologics License Application to the FDA for review, leading to approval and licensure in July 2023.