On Nov. 28, 2023, Emergent BioSolutions announced that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response had awarded a $75 million option to Emergent’s existing contract for the acquisition of newly licensed anthrax vaccine CYFENDUS (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted). Deliveries were expected to begin by year end and be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Previously known as AV7909, CYFENDUS vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 as a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use in individuals 18 years of age and older. Anthrax is considered a high-priority national security threat and has the potential for major public health impact.