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U.S. Announces Contracts for Smallpox, Plague, Tularemia Vaccine Research
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department yesterday announced four biodefense contracts totaling more than $232 million for vaccine research on smallpox, plague and tularemia (see GSN, Oct. 7). “We are moving as quickly as possible to develop new vaccines to ensure that our nation is protected against an array of potential bioterror agents,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. “These new contracts are the next steps in our plans to build a robust stockpile of critical medical countermeasures and supplies, so we are even more prepared to respond to a biological attack or outbreak.” The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded two three-year contracts totaling up to $177 million for advanced development of modified vaccinia Ankara vaccines for smallpox, research that began in February 2003. The contracts were awarded to Bavarian Nordic A/S of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Acambis Inc. of Cambridge, Mass., and Cambridge, England. If approved, the modified vaccine could be used to protect people whose weakened immune systems could not tolerate the existing inoculation. The three-year, $50.7 million plague vaccine contract was awarded to Avecia Biotechnology Ltd. of Manchester, England. There is currently no licensed plague vaccine. The National Institute modified an existing contract with DynPort Vaccine Co. of Frederick, Md., to include the manufacture of a pilot batch of live, attenuated tularemia vaccine. Stability testing for the vaccine is also covered under the $4.5 million modification. “In a short period of time, we have greatly expanded our partnerships with industry to spur the development of vaccines against the most deadly agents of bioterrorism,” said NIAID Director Anthony Fauci. “These important new contracts reflect our commitment to develop medical tools to protect citizens against pathogens that could be deliberately introduced into society” (Health and Human Services Department release, Oct. 7)
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