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U.S. to Test New Anthrax Drug
Human Genome Sciences Inc. announced today that the U.S. government could buy up to 100,000 doses of an experimental anthrax drug (see GSN, June 6). The U.S. Health and Human Services Department will pay $1.8 million for a third of an ounce of ABthrax, the company said in a press release. The sample will be tested against competing products, the Washington Post reported. Human Genome spokesman Jerry Parrot said that the purchase price covers testing support for the government as well as the cost of the drug. If the department is pleased with results from the test, it could buy 10,000 to 100,000 doses through Project Bioshield, according to the Post. The drug would be used to counter the effects of anthrax after an individual is exposed, said Noreen Hynes, a senior HHS official. Animal tests by Human Genome show that the drug, taken immediately before exposure, can ward off anthrax infection. It has also been shown safe in 105 adults, according to the company. Elizabeth Posillico, president and chief executive of Human Genome rival Elusys Therapeutics Inc., claims her company is developing a similar but more effective drug that would cost less per dose (Rosenwald/Gillis, Washington Post, Oct. 3).
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