Emergent BioSolutions Announces the Execution of Contract Options Valued at $67.4 Million to Procure Additional TEMBEXA® (brincidofovir) to Support National Preparedness Efforts

Core Viewpoint - Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has secured two contract options to procure additional treatment courses of TEMBEXA® valued at $67.4 million to enhance the U.S. government's preparedness against smallpox [1][2]. Group 1: Contract Details - The order for TEMBEXA® executes procurement options CLIN0004A and CLIN0005A under an existing 10-year contract, which has a maximum potential value of $568 million [2]. - The funding commitment through 2027 ensures a continued supply of TEMBEXA® to address the threat of smallpox [2]. Group 2: Product Information - TEMBEXA® is an oral antiviral approved by the FDA in June 2021 for treating human smallpox disease in both adult and pediatric patients, including neonates [4][5]. - The drug is available in 100 mg tablets and 10 mg/mL oral suspension, dosed once weekly for two weeks, with the oral suspension being crucial for patients who have difficulty swallowing [4]. Group 3: Public Health Context - Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, has a historical case fatality rate of approximately 30 percent and remains a concern for bioterrorism due to its high transmissibility and mortality rate [10]. - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks the variola virus in the highest risk category for bioterrorism agents, highlighting the ongoing threat it poses [10].