Emergent BioSolutions nabs up to $21.9 million BARDA Zika vaccine contract

US biotech firm Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) revealed yesterday that its Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM) has received a task order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) valued at up to $21.9 million to develop and manufacture three current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) lots of a Zika vaccine for use in a Phase I clinical trial.

Using a base vaccine candidate provided by BARDA, the company will conduct technology transfer of process materials and information, process and analytical method development, execute small-scale production runs, and perform cGMP cell banking leading to cGMP manufacture of bulk drug substance and final drug product. The task order consists of a 30-month base valued at $17.9 million and includes options that, if executed, will bring the total value to up to $21.9 million.

“Emergent is pleased to partner with BARDA to address the emerging public health threat in Zika,” said Adam Havey, executive vice president and president, biodefense division of Emergent BioSolutions, adding: “We look forward to executing on this task order and working collaboratively with the government in its efforts to help contain this epidemic.”