Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) has announced that it has been awarded a $30 million contract modification from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to supply Cyfendus® (anthrax vaccine adsorbed, adjuvanted). This vaccine is intended for post-exposure prophylaxis use. The deliveries for this contract are expected to commence within the current calendar year and are slated to be completed by March 2026. This new contract modification follows a $50 million contract modification that was previously announced in December 2024.
The Cyfendus® vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 as a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use in individuals aged 18 through 65 when given with recommended antibacterial drugs.
Anthrax is classified as a tier 1 biological threat due to its potential for use in a bioterrorist incident and its threat to public health and national security. Emergent Biosolutions takes pride in utilizing a U.S.-based supply chain for their anthrax vaccines, believing it to be critical to their leadership and continued support of the U.S. government’s national security priorities.
This project has been supported in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; and BARDA, under contract HHSo100201600030C.
The Cyfendus® vaccine is indicated for the post-exposure prophylaxis of anthrax disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis in persons aged 18 through 65 when given with recommended antibacterial drugs.
It's important to note that the efficacy of the Cyfendus® vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis is based solely on studies in animal models of inhalational anthrax.
The most common injection-site adverse reactions reported were tenderness, pain, arm motion limitation, warmth, induration, itching, swelling, and erythema/redness. The most common systemic adverse reactions were muscle aches, tiredness, and headache.
To report suspected adverse reactions, individuals can contact Emergent Biosolutions or VAERS.
This latest contract modification further underscores Emergent Biosolutions' commitment to providing critical medical countermeasures to safeguard civilian populations against the potential threat of anthrax. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares -0.66% to a price of $7.58. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
