Emergent BioSolutions Inc. was awarded a 10-year contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), valued at up to a maximum of $704 million, for advanced development, manufacturing scale-up, and procurement of Ebanga (ansuvimab-zykl), a licensed treatment for Ebola virus disease (EVD).

The contract consists of a base period of performance with two option periods for advanced development valued at approximately $121 million, and option periods for procurement of Ebanga treatment over five years valued at up to $583 million. 

Emergent will complete activities to advance the development of Ebanga treatment through post-licensure commitments, including the transfer of technology as part of manufacturing scale-up, submission of a supplemental biologics license application to the U.S. FDA, and completion of stability studies.

“For almost 25 years, Emergent has tackled the most serious diseases to assist governments in their preparedness and response strategies,” said Kelly Warfield, senior vice president, science, and development at Emergent. “Ebola virus has the ability to emerge unexpectedly posing a risk to global health. Its elusive nature makes it difficult to predict when and where an outbreak may occur, which underscores the importance of preparedness efforts against this public health threat.”

Paul Williams, senior vice president, products business said, “Emergent is proud to continue providing solutions to and partnering with the U.S. government to strengthen the medical countermeasure infrastructure that enables the development, manufacture, and delivery of essential treatments for deadly diseases. We look forward to collaborating with BARDA and executing on this long-term partnership to expand response planning for Ebola.”