ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. government has ordered 44.75 million doses of a vaccine from a Maryland company to protect against anthrax.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc., with headquarters in Rockville, Md., said that under the $1.25 billion award it will supply its BioThrax over a period of five years.
BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to protect against anthrax infection.
"Emergent is proud to be able to contribute to the U.S. government's program of protecting the nation from the threat of anthrax," said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. "This five-year award provides for uninterrupted supply of this critical bio-defense countermeasure while addressing the government's mandate to reduce spending across all programs.
"In coming to agreement, Emergent and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked diligently to establish business terms that incorporate substantial price concessions."
Initial deliveries are expected to begin this year. A total of 8.5 million doses scheduled to be delivered during the first contract year.
The company retains the ability to modify the timing of deliveries depending on manufacturing yields and other factors.
