Emergent BioSolutions has signed a modification to its contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to manufacture and store bulk drug substance for its botulism antitoxin, BAT [Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) – (Equine)], valued at approximately $53 million with a five-year period of performance. This modification to the contract will enable future filling and deliveries of final drug product to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). BAT is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic botulism following documented or suspected exposure to botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A, B, C, D, E, F, or G in adults and pediatric patients.

“Emergent is proud to be a longstanding partner to the U.S. government in providing first-in-class and only-in-class products that address biological threat agents,” said Adam Havey, executive vice president, business operations, Emergent BioSolutions. “This modification to the contract represents the U.S. government’s continued commitment to developing critical countermeasures such as BAT that address public health threats and fulfill its preparedness needs.”

Emergent has been supplying BAT to the SNS under contract HHSO100200600017C, which was signed in 2006 with BARDA, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. BAT is the only botulism antitoxin licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and distributed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for treating naturally occurring, non-infant botulism, and for administration under emergency conditions.