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Emergent BioSolutions Receives BARDA Task Order Valued at Up to $21.9 Million to Develop and Manufacture a Zika Vaccine

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced that its Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM) has received a task order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) valued at up to $21.9 million to develop and manufacture three cGMP lots of a Zika vaccine for use in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Using a base vaccine candidate provided by BARDA, the company will conduct technology transfer of process materials and information, process and analytical method development, execute small-scale production runs, and perform cGMP cell banking leading to cGMP manufacture of bulk drug substance and final drug product. The task order consists of a 30-month base valued at $17.9 million and includes options that, if executed, will bring the total value to up to $21.9 million.

“Emergent is pleased to partner with BARDA to address the emerging public health threat in Zika,” said Adam Havey, executive vice president and president, biodefense division of Emergent BioSolutions. “We look forward to executing on this task order and working collaboratively with the government in its efforts to help contain this epidemic.”

This is the first Zika-related BARDA Task Order awarded to Emergent under the CIADM program. In 2012, Emergent was designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a CIADM, which allows the company to contract with the U.S. government through task order requests for requirements such as operational readiness, development and manufacturing of CBRN products, warm base maintenance, surge manufacturing, and workforce development.

This Task Order Number HHSO10033003T under contract HHSO100201200004I is funded by BARDA, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in HHS.

About Emergent BioSolutions
Emergent BioSolutions is a global specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to one simple mission—to protect and enhance life. We develop, manufacture, and deliver a portfolio of medical countermeasures for biological and chemical threats as well as emerging infectious diseases. We also develop and commercialize therapeutics and other specialty products for hospitals and clinics in the areas of hematology/oncology, transplantation, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Through our work, we envision protecting and enhancing 50 million lives with our products by 2025. Additional information about the company may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com. Follow us @emergentbiosolu.

About the Zika Virus
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first discovered in 1947. The first human cases were detected in 1952. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and most recently, in 2015, in the Americas.

According to the World Health Organization, 60 countries and territories report continuing mosquito-borne transmission of which:

• 46 countries are experiencing a first outbreak of Zika virus since 2015, with no previous evidence of circulation, and with ongoing transmission by mosquitos.
• 14 countries reported evidence of Zika virus transmission between 2007 and 2014, with ongoing transmission.

Particularly concerning is the association of this virus with severe neurologic and autoimmune complications. Researchers are evaluating the possible association of microcephaly with Zika virus infections in pregnant women and are working to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship for severe birth defects and complications in neonates following Zika virus transmission to the fetus. There are currently no available specific treatments or preventative vaccines for Zika virus infections.