U.S. Purchases $50 Million Additional Anthrax Vaccines

To ensure the United States is well stocked with Anthrax vaccines, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) today announced a $50 million option to Emergent BioSolutions Inc. for the acquisition of CYFENDUS® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted), a U.S. FDA approved vaccine.

Vaccine deliveries will begin in late 2024 and be complete by April 2025.

While Anthrax is rare in the U.S., occasional outbreaks happen in wild and domestic grazing animals such as cattle or deer, says the U.S. CDC. 

Most people will never be exposed to any of the four types of Anthrax. However, jobs, hobbies, and activities can put some people at higher risk of exposure.

Furthermore, the U.S. government remains concerned about the exposure to Bacillus anthracis, the cause of Anthrax, which is a likely agent for bioterrorism. In 2001, letters with powdered anthrax spores were mailed in the U.S., causing 22 infections and five related fatalities.

“An anthrax emergency continues to be a significant public health threat due to its ability to be easily disseminated, lethality, and potential for widespread impact,” said Paul Williams, senior vice president, products head at Emergent, in a press release on December 16, 2024.

“This procurement award further bolsters anthrax preparedness and demonstrates Emergent’s commitment to public health preparedness.”

This new BARDA award follows a previously announced contract modification of $30 million to supply CYFENDUS.