Archive for category U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Fuad El-Hibri Announces Emergent BioSolutionsAward to Supply BioThrax Anthrax Vaccine to U.S. Government
Posted by admin in Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on October 14th, 2011
Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions Inc.,(NYSE: EBS) announced that, in response to solicitation RFP-2011-N-13414, it has received an award to supply the U.S. government with 44.75 million doses of BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) over a period of five years for a total value of up to $1.25 billion. BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect against anthrax infection.
Initial deliveries under this award are expected to begin in 2011 with 8.5 million doses scheduled to be delivered during the first year of a five-year contract. The company may modify the timing of deliveries depending on manufacturing yields and other factors.
“Emergent is proud to be able to contribute to the U.S. government’s program of protecting the nation from the threat of anthrax,” said Fuad El-Hibri. “This 5-year award provides for uninterrupted supply of this critical biodefense countermeasure while addressing the government’s mandate to reduce spending across all programs. In coming to agreement, Emergent and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked diligently to establish business terms that incorporate substantial price concessions.”
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About BioThrax
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection. It is indicated for the active immunization of adults who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax. BioThrax is manufactured from a culture filtrate, made from a non-virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis. To date, Emergent has delivered over 55 million doses of BioThrax to the U.S. government and continues to deliver additional doses under active procurement contracts. Since 1998, over 10 million doses have been administered to more than 2.6 million military personnel. For full prescribing information, please visit www.biothrax.com/prescribinginformation_biothrax_us.pdf.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including appropriations for BioThrax(R) procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax(R)sales contracts or modifications to existing contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax(R); our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; the success of preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates and post-approval clinical utility of our products; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent Announces Initiation of a Phase 1b/2 Study of TRU-016 in Combination with Rituximab and Bendamustine in Subjects with Relapsed – Indolent Lymphoma
Posted by admin in Chief Medical Officer, Chief executive officer, Clinical trial, Emergent BioSolutions, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on August 24th, 2011
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug 17, 2011 –
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced the initiation of a Phase 1b/2 study (16011) of TRU-016 in combination with rituximab and bendamustine for patients with relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. TRU-016 is a CD37-directed Small Modular ImmunoPharmaceutical(TM) protein therapeutic in development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. TRU-016 is being developed in collaboration with Abbott.
“Although patients show a high rate of clinical response to first line therapies they often relapse and in many cases, develop a resistance to treatment,” said Dr. Scott Stromatt, Vice President of Clinical Research and Chief Medical Officer at Emergent BioSolutions. “Our preclinical studies show that when used together, TRU-016 and bendamustine resulted in increased anti-tumor activity beyond results achieved when either drug was administered alone. TRU-016 is also synergistic with rituximab in preclinical models. Based on these data, as well as data from our ongoing clinical studies of TRU-016 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, we believe that TRU-016 in combination with bendamustine and rituximab could produce meaningful results in patients with indolent NHL.”
The Phase 1b portion is a dose escalation study to determine the Phase 2 dose of TRU-016 given in combination with rituximab and bendamustine. In this portion of the trial, up to 12 patients will receive two dose levels of TRU-016 in combination with rituximab and bendamustine administered intravenously. The primary safety endpoint for the Phase 1b portion of the study is the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs).
The Phase 2 portion will be an expansion study of approximately 76 additional patients to examine the safety and efficacy of TRU-016 in combination with 375 mg/m2 of rituximab and 90 mg/m2 of bendamustine, versus bendamustine and rituximab. The primary efficacy endpoint for the Phase 2 portion of the study is complete response (CR) rate as determined by using the Revised Response Criteria for Malignant Lymphoma. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TRU-016 will be studied in both phases of the study.
The total expected enrollment for both phases of this study is expected to be 88 patients, all of whom have a confirmed diagnosis of relapsed indolent B-cell lymphoma, and who have failed prior treatments. Study enrollment is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. Additional information about this Phase 1b/2 clinical study can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (protocol 16011).
About non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are approximately 65,980 cases of NHL diagnosed each year, with close to 30% of these cases resulting in death. NHL is a broad range of malignant lymphoid disorders that are categorized on the basis of aggressiveness and cell of origin. Indolent or slow-growing NHL causes few symptoms, particularly early in the natural history of the disease, making early detection difficult. The majority of patients with indolent NHL present with Stage III or IV disease. Most patients with NHL requiring treatment receive rituximab in combination with chemotherapy as initial treatment; however, many patients become refractory to both chemotherapy and rituximab.
About TRU-016
TRU-016 is a CD37-directed protein therapeutic in development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. TRU-016 is being developed in collaboration with Abbott. TRU-016 uses a different mechanism of action than currently marketed CD20-directed therapies. As a result, TRU-016 may provide patients with improved therapeutic options and enhance efficacy when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or other immunotherapeutics. TRU-016 is currently in Phase 1b/2 development for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO, Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the success of our ongoing and planned preclinical studies and clinical trials; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Fuad El-Hibri and the Heifetz International Music Institute
Posted by admin in Chief executive officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on July 30th, 2011
The Heifetz International Music Institute was established by Daniel Heifetz and is based in Ellicott City, Maryland. The institute also holds a six-week long summer festival program to train young musicians, held at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.
The founder, violinist Daniel Heifetz, has played with many world-renowned orchestras and has taught master classes as well as university courses. As a young musician, Heifetz was mentored by legendary names such as Henryk Szyerng, Efrem Zimbalist, Jascha Brodsky, and Ivan Galamian.In 1996, Heifetz started the Heifetz Music Institute in an effort to draw in talented young musicians of violin, viola, and cello from all over the world.
The Institute is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and can be supported through various giving opportunities. Its daily operations are led by Daniel Heifetz, but it is also guided by an advisory board whose members include local Maryland businessman Fuad el-Hibri.
Information can be found online about the institute, including reviews of past experiences. Violinist.com featured an article about the summer festival held by the Heifetz Institute from the perspective of a talented high school musician.More information about the institute can be found on its Facebook page.
Singapore Health Sciences Authority Approves Emergent BioSolutions Anthrax Vaccine, BioThrax
Posted by admin in Biothrax, Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Health Care, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on July 7th, 2011
ROCKVILLE, Md., — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced on June 23rdthat the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved Emergent’s product license application for the marketing and sale of BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) in Singapore. BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect against anthrax infection.
“Emergent is pleased with this development as it continues to grow its presence in the Pacific Rim,” said Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “With HSA approval of BioThrax, we look forward to initiating discussions with the government of Singapore, as well as other allied governments that recognize HSA registered products such as Brunei, to help protect their constituents against the threat of anthrax as a biological weapon.”
HSA is the statutory board of the Singapore Ministry of Health that administers the country’s regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals, complementary medicines, medical devices and other health products. Its vision is to be the leading innovative authority that protects and advances national health and safety in Singapore.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at http://www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About BioThrax
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection. It is indicated for the active immunization of adults who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax. BioThrax is manufactured from a culture filtrate, made from a non-virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis. To date, Emergent has delivered over 42 million doses of BioThrax to the U.S. government and continues to deliver additional doses under active procurement contracts. Since 1998, over 10 million doses have been administered to more than 2.5 million military personnel. For full prescribing information, please visit http://www.biothrax.com/prescribinginformation_biothrax_us.pdf.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including appropriations for BioThrax(R) procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax(R) sales contracts or modifications to existing contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax(R); our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; the success of preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates and post-approval clinical utility of our products; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions’ Investigational Anthrax Vaccine, NuThrax, Granted Fast Track Designation
Posted by admin in Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, NuThrax, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on June 10th, 2011
ROCKVILLE, Md., Jun 09, 2011 — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that its investigational anthrax vaccine, NuThraxTM (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed with CPG 7909 Adjuvant), has been granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine candidate, also known as AV7909, consists of BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) in combination with a novel immunostimulatoryoligodeoxynucleotide compound, CPG 7909, and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b clinical trial for safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity. The FDA’s Fast Track Development Program provides for expedited regulatory review of drugs and biologics that treat serious or life threatening diseases and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs.
“Emergent is pleased to receive Fast Track Designation for NuThrax,” said Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “Expedited regulatory review could mean more frequent communications with FDA, priority review of Biologics License Applications (BLA) for our vaccine, and a rolling BLA submission, which allows FDA to review sections of the BLA in advance of receiving the complete submission.”
The Phase 1b trial for NuThrax is being conducted with support from a development contract that is jointly administered under contract number HHSN272200800051C by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Office of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology, and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates”, “may”, “would”, “will”, and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the success of our preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates and post-approval clinical utility of our products; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions on Track to Complete Delivery of 14.5M Doses of BioThrax to the US Government Ahead of Schedule
Posted by admin in Biothrax, Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on June 7th, 2011
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 31, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that eight lots of BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed) have received regulatory release for delivery to the U.S. government under the company’s contract (200-2009-30162) originally written to supply 14.5 million doses of BioThrax to the Strategic National Stockpile. This marks the largest single-week regulatory release of product for delivery in the company’s history. The company expects to complete delivery of the 14.5 million doses as early as June, approximately three months ahead of the schedule originally set forth in the contract. BioThrax is the only vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect against anthrax infection.
“Emergent is pleased with its progress towards early completion of its original procurement contract to supply 14.5 million doses of BioThrax,” said Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “Upon completion of this delivery, anticipated to occur as early as June, the company will focus on delivering the additional 3.42 million doses under the modified procurement contract. With the recent request for proposal issued by the U.S. government, Emergent is also advancing discussions to supply 44.75 million doses of BioThrax over the next five years.”
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions.led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About BioThrax
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection. It is indicated for the active immunization of adults who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax. BioThrax is manufactured from a culture filtrate, made from a non-virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis. To date, Emergent has delivered over 42 million doses of BioThrax to the U.S. government and continues to deliver additional doses under active procurement contracts. Since 1998, over 10 million doses have been administered to more than 2.5 million military personnel. For full prescribing information, please visit www.biothrax.com/prescribinginformation_biothrax_us.pdf.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2011, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including appropriations for BioThrax(R) procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax(R) sales contracts or modifications to existing contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax(R); our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our products; the success of preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates and post-approval clinical utility of our products; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Delegates from European Parliament Express Support for Rapid Development of New TB Vaccine
Posted by admin in Chief executive officer, Clinical trial, Emergent BioSolutions, Research and development, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on March 3rd, 2011
Comments expressed during tour of South African clinical trial site where Emergent’s TB vaccine candidate is expected to complete enrollment in April for its Phase IIb efficacy study
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb 25, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced that a joint delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and representatives from the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium (OETC) today visited the trial site where MVA85A, the world’s most clinically advanced tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate in development, is being studied in a Phase IIb infant efficacy clinical trial. This clinical trial in Worcester, South Africa is being conducted by the University of Cape Town’s South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), in partnership with OETC and Aeras.
“I am very anxious to see a new TB vaccine licensed and I am delighted that this trial of this promising new vaccine candidate is taking place,” said MEP Michael Cashman, Chairman of the South Africa Delegation of the European Parliament. “It is vital for South Africa that a new vaccine is developed as soon as possible, especially for infants and those with HIV. If this trial is successful, South Africa will benefit and so will the rest of the world. Too many lives are lost to tuberculosis and I am pleased to see so many public and private bodies coming together to deliver what could be the first new TB vaccine in 90 years.”
“Emergent BioSolutions is proud to be part of OETC, a joint venture established with the University of Oxford in 2008, to further develop the most clinically advanced investigational TB vaccine,” said Allen Shofe, OETC Board Member and Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs of Emergent BioSolutions. “This collaboration is an integral part of a multi-pronged approach to alleviating the global burden of tuberculosis. Through our involvement in OETC, Emergent is given an opportunity to touch the lives of many in fulfillment of our company mission – to protect life.”
The MEPs learned firsthand about the TB vaccine candidate and progress of the clinical trial from lead scientist and developer Dr. Helen McShane from the University of Oxford. “We are extremely pleased with the progress of the trial,” said Dr. McShane. “We anticipate that the trial, which involves administering MVA85A as a booster to the BCG vaccine, will reach the enrollment target of 2,784 infants by the end of April 2011. The follow-up period and study results are expected to be completed in 2012.”
The delegation also observed the vaccination of infants as part of the trial and visited the hospital facilities with Dr. Hassan Mahomed, SATVI’s Principal Investigator on the study.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions, led by Chairman and CEO Fuad El-Hibri, protects and enhances life by developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that are supplied to healthcare providers and purchasers for use in preventing and treating disease. Emergent’s marketed and investigational products target infectious diseases, oncology and autoimmune disorders. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results of the Consortium or Emergent to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the timing of, and the potential for successful outcomes resulting from, future product development efforts; the ability of the Consortium or Emergent to obtain additional funding for product development efforts; plans of the Consortium and Emergent to expand manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of products; and other factors identified in Emergent’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The Consortium and Emergent disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Fuad El-Hibri and the International Biomedical Research Alliance
Posted by admin in Anthrax, Anthrax vaccines, Biothrax, Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Food and Drug Administration, Research and development, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on November 13th, 2010
The International Biomedical Research Alliance (IBRA) is a philanthropic organization that is dedicated to the support of the NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, which strives to establish the highest standards of excellence in training biomedical researchers, advance groundbreaking biomedical research, enrich the pool of leaders in the field, and eliminate barriers which frustrate the transfer of a broad spectrum of knowledge to the next generation of researchers.
Along with colleagues from industry, education, and government, Fuad El-Hibri is a member of the IBRA Board of Directors. The Alliance helps provide opportunities for students to build and develop important elements of scientific leadership, giving students the opportunity to grow into exceptional biomedical research leaders. IBRA firmly believes in the ability of outstanding researchers to transform today’s promise of cures and treatments into available therapies, drugs and prevention measures that enhance the world’s health.
Since its inception in 2000, the Scholars program has recruited gifted, inquiring, creative and dedicated minds for a uniquely designed doctoral program of training and investigative, exploration to challenges some of the worlds greatest minds to achieve IBRA’s main goal to create the premier PhD and MD/PhD program.
Emergent BioSolutions Awarded HHS Contract Valued at up to $186.6 Million to Develop rPA Anthrax Vaccine
Posted by admin in Anthrax vaccines, Biothrax, Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Food and Drug Administration, Research and development, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on September 20th, 2010
ROCKVILLE, MD, September 17, 2010 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has signed a contract, valued at up to $186.6 million, with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the development of a recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine. This five year cost plus fixed fee development contract consists of a two-year base period of performance valued at approximately $51 million, three successive one-year option periods valued at approximately $126 million and funding for optional non-clinical studies valued at approximately $9 million.
“We applaud the U.S. Government’s commitment to the biodefense industry and to the development of additional medical countermeasures using multiple technologies and additional sites to address the acknowledged anthrax threat,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions. “This award solidifies Emergent’s anthrax franchise and reaffirms our position as a leading supplier to, and developer for, the U.S. government of anthrax biomedical countermeasures. We are enthusiastic about the role we serve in addressing this need and in creating jobs and expanding economies within the local communities where we operate.”
Under the contract, the base value will fund activities related to process characterization and assay validation, as well as formulation and stability studies. Milestone-based options include completion of a Phase II clinical study and non-clinical efficacy studies, process validation, as well as consistency lot manufacture. Emergent has developed this comprehensive plan as a foundation to advance its rPA anthrax vaccine candidate in preparation for pivotal studies that would potentially lead to licensure application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The company anticipates recognizing revenues from this award in the fourth quarter of 2010 of approximately $2 million with no major impact on pretax earnings.
Emergent’s rPA anthrax vaccine candidate is a purified recombinant protective antigen protein formulated with an alum adjuvant and is designed to induce antibodies that neutralize anthrax toxins. It is based on the pioneering work of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and has been the subject of two research and development grants totaling approximately $100 million by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2010, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including our ability to win a procurement contract with the U.S. government for our recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine candidate; our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
Emergent Revises Upward 2010 Financial Forecast
Posted by admin in Anthrax, Biothrax, Chief executive officer, Emergent BioSolutions, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fuad el-hibri on August 3rd, 2010
Company anticipates total revenues of $275 to $300 million and net income of $40 to $50 million
ROCKVILLE, MD, July 20, 2010 – Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it is revising upwards its 2010 annual guidance to now reflect anticipated total revenues of $275 to $300 million and net income of $40 to $50 million. Of the anticipated total revenues of $275 to $300 million, $165 to $190 million is expected to be recognized in the second half of 2010. This revised forecast does not reflect or incorporate any revenue impact from a possible development contract for the company’s rPA vaccine candidate.
The revision to the 2010 financial forecast is supported primarily by the recent modification to the company’s current BioThrax® procurement contract with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This contract modification increased the number of doses of BioThrax that the company can deliver into the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) during calendar 2010. This increased volume of available doses of BioThrax is due to consistently high production yields throughout 2010.
“This modification by the CDC to our existing BioThrax procurement contract reinforces, yet again, the US government’s commitment to BioThrax as a critical component of the Strategic National Stockpile and to our nation’s defense against bioterrorism,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent. “This is another example of how we continue to work with our US government partners in establishing BioThrax as the backbone of our readiness against the threat of anthrax and to building a stockpile as rapidly as possible.”
Daniel J. Abdun-Nabi, president and chief operating officer of Emergent, also commented, “The production yields we have been experiencing are a direct result of our commitment to driving innovation in our manufacturing process and to a multi-year initiative focused on process optimization of the existing Building 12 production facility. We are extremely pleased with the results of our continuous process improvement program for BioThrax and expect this program to drive the maintenance of positive production metrics going forward.”
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture and commercialization of vaccines and antibody therapies that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s marketed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. Emergent’s product pipeline targets infectious diseases and includes programs focused on anthrax, tuberculosis, typhoid, flu and chlamydia. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
About BioThrax®
BioThrax is the only FDA-licensed vaccine for the prevention of anthrax infection. It is indicated for the active immunization of adults who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax. BioThrax is manufactured from a culture filtrate, made from a non-virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis. Since 1998, the U.S. government has procured over 45 million doses of BioThrax. During that time period, more than 9.6 million doses have been administered to nearly 2.4 million military personnel. For full prescribing information, please visit www.biothrax.com/prescribinginformation_biothrax_us.pdf.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including any potential future securities offering, our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2010, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including appropriations for BioThrax® procurement; our ability to obtain new BioThrax® sales contracts; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax®; our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the success of our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; our ability to identify and acquire or in license products and product candidates that satisfy our selection criteria; the potential benefits of our existing collaboration agreements and our ability to enter into selective additional collaboration arrangements; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our other product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our manufacturing success rates; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.