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HHS awards $143.5 million to Pfenex for development of anthrax vaccine

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The Department of Health and Human Services has signed a 5-year, $143.5 million contract with Pfenex to develop the anthrax vaccine Px563L, according to a press release.

“The contract for the development of Px563L offers the potential for a dramatic improvement in the rapid production of large amounts of a high value stable recombinant anthrax vaccine for the U.S. Government,” Bertrand C. Liang, CEO of Pfenex, said in the release.

Px563L is made with a mutant recombinant protective antigen, and can be produced with better quantity, stability and dose-sparing regimens than the current federally used anthrax vaccine, according to Pfenex’s website.

The base period of the contract will support manufacturing of drug product and a phase 1a clinical study. In addition, milestone-based option periods include the completion of a phase 1b clinical study, a phase 2 clinical study and non-clinical efficacy studies.

“The ability to meet articulated medical countermeasure needs, including fulfillment of the requirements of the Strategic National Stockpile, is a key goal in the program,” Liang said in the release.

Anthrax is found in soil and animals, according to the CDC, and can cause severe illness in people exposed to infected animals or animal products. Due to its rarity, the vaccine is only recommended for lab workers, some veterinarians and some members of the military.