WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. government Friday asked for proposals from biotechnology companies interested in developing and manufacturing a new anthrax vaccine.
The Department of Health and Human Services says it plans to acquire up to 75 million doses of a recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine, which it says is stronger and more effective than the current vaccine.
The new vaccine would also require fewer inoculations than that currently used, which involves six jabs over 18 months to yield full protection.
Once produced, the vaccine doses would be added to the Strategic National Stockpile, an emergency supply of antibiotics, vaccines and other medical treatments intended for deployment in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
So far, two biotechnology companies in California and Britain have won contracts to make vaccine sufficient to inoculate 2 million people, according to bidding documents released Thursday, and are likely to bid soon on larger contracts.
Until now, there was little commercial incentive for companies to develop a modern anthrax vaccine.
Government scientists are still discussing how the anthrax vaccine might be used, and how it compares with other drugs under development, such as artificial antibodies given over the short term to prevent or treat anthrax infection, the Washington Post reported.
