GSK, US government in $196m anthrax treatment deal

GSK has announced a new $196 million, four year contract with the US Government to provide 60,000 doses of inhalation anthrax treatment, raxibacumab, as a "counter measure against a potential bioterrorist attack".

The global pharma company will supply raxibacumab to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.

Anthrax has been classified as a Category A biothreat by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2001, as it poses a severe threat to public health and safety. Anthrax is one of the most likely agents to be used in a bioterrorist attack as its spores are easily found in nature and can be produced in a lab. It can be released into the environment quietly and remain there for a long time.

"We have been collaborating with BARDA for a number of years and raxibacumab is now an important part of the US Government's emergency counter measures against bioterrorism. Through this agreement, we are proud to be helping protect US citizens against such threats."

Sheri Mullen, Vice President of Immunology & Rare Diseases, US Pharmaceuticals, GSK.

The US FDA approved raxibacumab in December 2012 for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with inhalation anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs, and for prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate. It has not been approved outside of the US.

"As a pharmaceutical company we believe we have a responsibility to support governments in protecting their citizens against infectious diseases. This agreement highlights the ongoing successful collaboration between GSK and BARDA and is just one example of our commitment to working with governments globally to fight major public health threats."

Mary Kerr, global commercial lead for infectious diseases at GSK.