U.S. orders more anthrax vaccine

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. government has ordered more vaccine from Emergent BioSolutions Inc. of Maryland to counter exposure to anthrax.

Emergent BioSolutions said the modification to its contract -- increasing the order of its BioThrax vaccine to 17.92 million doses from 14.5 million, increases the value of its contract to as much as $101 million.

Shipment of the additional doses of vaccine will begin in the third quarter of this year.

"Emergent proudly supports the U.S. government's efforts and unwavering commitment to meet its stated need of 75 million doses of anthrax vaccines," said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "This contract is an indication that BioThrax remains a critical component of the government's arsenal of biodefense medical countermeasures.

"In addition to this contract modification, we are continuing discussions with the U.S. government regarding a follow-on procurement contract, which we anticipate will cover a multiyear period."

BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to protect against anthrax infection.