Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. is launching Emergard, a ruggedized, military-grade auto-injector device designed for intramuscular self-injection of antidotes and other emergency medical countermeasures. Emergent plans to pursue FDA approval of the device in the U.S. The company has received preliminary interest for Emergard from countries outside the U.S. and anticipates making its first deliveries in limited quantities in 4Q15. Emergard is designed to be transported, stored, and operated in a military environment and to ensure needle penetration and successful injection through chemical protective gear.
 
Emergent acquired rights to the device, formerly known as PC-2M, through an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Pharma Consult Ges.m.b.H of Austria, which has been selling the auto-injector in limited quantities to select allied nations. The company has also entered a global manufacturing and supply agreement for Emergard with Nemera Development S.A. Emergent plans to supply cGMP-compliant product through current global sales channels for its other biodefense products.
 
Adam Havey, executive vice president and president, biodefense division of Emergent BioSolutions, said, “Emergent is excited to add the Emergard auto-injector platform to our portfolio, which allows us to supply critical medical countermeasures to militaries and countries across the globe. Based on internal market research, we estimate the annual worldwide market for military-grade auto-injectors to be between $100-$200 million with one major pharmaceutical company and multiple regional players in the space. We intend to build upon our broad capabilities in government contracting and commercial distribution of medical countermeasures and seize this global market opportunity to drive revenue growth.”