ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PharmAthene, Inc. a biodefense company specializing in the development and commercialization of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats, today commented on a Special Notice published by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) on December 29, 2009. This Special Notice, Solicitation Number: HHSO100200900103C announced BARDA’s intentions to negotiate a contract modification with PharmAthene Inc. for continued development of the Company’s recombinant protective rPA anthrax vaccine candidate, SparVax(TM).
This Special Notice appears to be consistent with BARDA’s stated intention to develop and eventually procure a second generation recombinant anthrax vaccine (rPA) for the Strategic National Stockpile, and is consistent with the remarks made by Mr. Wright in an investor teleconference on December 9, 2009 where he described BARDA’s intention to develop and stockpile improved anthrax vaccines as demonstrated by the Special Notice and the ability of PharmAthene to submit a proposal under BARDA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-09-34).
BARDA announced on December 7, 2009, it has amended an existing Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-09-34) to accommodate proposals for rPA-based vaccine development. If awarded, the Company’s expectation is that the funding under a BAA contract would be sufficient to advance the rPA vaccine program to the stage of a procurement solicitation. PharmAthene plans to submit a white paper as required under the BAA instructions by February 1, 2010.
About PharmAthene, Inc.
PharmAthene was formed to meet the critical needs of the United States and its allies by developing and commercializing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical weapons. PharmAthene’s lead product development programs include (1) SparVax(TM) - a second generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine, (2) Valortim(R) - a fully human monoclonal antibody for the prevention and treatment of anthrax infection, (3) Protexia(R) - a novel bioscavenger for the prevention and treatment of morbidity and mortality associated with exposure to chemical nerve agents, and (4) a third generation rPA anthrax vaccine.
For more information about PharmAthene, please visit www.PharmAthene.com.
PharmAthene, Inc.
