BioReliance to support vaccine production

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. has contracted BioReliance Corp. to support the production of vaccines for use by the U.S. Defense Department.

Under the contract, Maryland-based BioReliance will supply its adenovirus for the production of adenovirus Types 4 and 7 live oral vaccines by Barr Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Duramed Pharmaceuticals.

Adenoviruses, which first were noticed as a threat to soldiers in combat in World War II, commonly cause respiratory illness that can lead to dangerous infections and other maladies.

Duramed's license to manufacture the vaccines was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by the Department of Defense.

"We are pleased to partner with Barr in meeting this significant unmet medical need," David Dodd, BioReliance president, chief executive officer and chairman, said in a statement.

"We look forward to working with them on this program and to developing a long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationship."